Counties in bid for more one-day ties

County bosses are planning to step up the number of one-day matches from 2003 in a bid to produce limitedovers cricketers.

At the First Class Forum meeting at Lord's tomorrow, one idea is to up the number of games, currently 16, played by each county in the Norwich Union National League by 33 per cent.

Another is to introduce a 20-over competition starting at 5.30pm to appeal to youngsters.

A similar concept, with 25-overs each side, has been rejected in the past and this one is unlikely to be accepted.

England coach Duncan Fletcher has called for more one-dayers to catch up with the other countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia who play far more international one-day games.

Worried by their financial problems, some counties are backing the increase of one- day cricket to bring in extra cash. Most counties reported substantial losses with only Surrey boasting a big profit.

The Benson & Hedges competition may also be axed for the final time and there's little support for regional cricket.