England may be able to beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan on points – as well as by runs and wickets – this summer, if plans to agree a multi-format winner get the go-ahead.
Negotiations are ongoing, and advanced, between the England and Wales Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket to consider adopting a system similar to the one by which Australia’s women regained the Ashes in this country last summer. The women’s teams faced each other across the formats, including in only one Test match, with points allocated for success in each.
The same procedure is thought to be in the offing for Alastair Cook and Eoin Morgan’s teams against this summer’s tourists. England will face Sri Lanka in three Tests, starting in Leeds next month, then five one-day internationals and finally a one-off Twenty20 in Southampton in early July. Pakistan’s three-month tour will then begin with a four-match Test series, move on to five ODIs and conclude with one Twenty20 at Old Trafford in September.
A presentation may be made to the overall winning team, over each bilateral tour, after the final fixture – or once one has an unassailable lead.
