ECB chair defends The Hundred scheduling amid cricket calendar concerns

England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson stated that scheduling issues from The Hundred are a "price worth paying". He emphasized that while the tournament has caused congestion within the domestic calendar, the financial benefits, including the elimination of debts for several counties, outweigh the drawbacks. Thompson outlined that the ECB will not expand the tournament's duration despite the need to accommodate multiple competitions. There is ongoing scrutiny regarding the professionalism of England's men's team, highlighted by the situation surrounding bowler Brydon Carse, who was suspended from the squad after a brief arrest. Investigations are continuing as Durham awaits guidance on his status.

• 10:55 AMYahoo Sports — Hundred schedule impact worth the price - ECB chair
• 10:48 AMBBC Sport — Hundred schedule impact worth the price - ECB chair