ESSEX Cricket Club have announced they support the need to evolve the county game, after the England and Wales Cricket Board announced major changes to its structure from 2017.

Revealed late on Monday night by the ECB’s Executive Board, the new structure will see just one team promoted from Division Two of the County Championship this season, which Essex compete in, as opposed to two in a bid to broaden interest in English cricket.

Two teams will still be relegated from Division One, as an eight-team top tier will be created along with a 10-team second division, with just 14 matches played instead of 16.

Following the consultation with the First Class Counties’ Chief Executives and Chairmen, there will also be changes to the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup formats from the start of next season. T20 cricket will be played in July and August, while 50-over matches will be played in April and May.

Essex have made no secret of their intentions to win promotion into the Division One this season, but they will now do battle for just one promotion spot.

However, the club have backed the new initiative.

An Essex Cricket spokesperson said: “The club support the need to evolve cricket in this country, and we await with interest the results of this change. As an ECB decision, it is our responsibility to implement the new structure as successfully as we can.

“The club will make no further statement at this stage.”

Andrew Strauss, former England captain and current director of England Cricket at the ECB, was a member of the eight-strong Structure Steering Group, and he believes the decision will also increase participation, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy being held in the UK next year.

“Feedback from players and cricket management is always important in deciding how to shape the season,” said Strauss.

“Last year a county player could change between formats as many as 24 times over the summer. Next year that could be down to as few as six. This will help develop skill levels and create a better narrative to the summer.

“A successful England team helps to attract new followers and an improved structure will give us a better chance to both develop our players and to encourage more people to play.”

Essex are currently on a pre-season training camp of the Unite Arab Emirates and begin their County Championship season against Gloucestershire on Sunday, April 10.