The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the structure of domestic cricket from 2017.
Specsavers County Championship games will run throughout the season and pause during blocks of limited-overs cricket.
It will be played in two divisions - a top tier of eight and second division of ten - after one County has been promoted and two relegated this year before reverting to two-up, two-down.
To ensure a focus on each format and create space in the domestic season, the competition will be reduced from 16 Championship rounds to 14. Each County will play seven home and seven away matches.
NatWest T20 Blast matches will be played in July and August, within two blocks, contested on a regional basis and culminating in Finals Day, as per the current format.
Royal London One-Day Cup group-stage matches will be played in April and May, with the final at Lord’s in July.
Group winners will progress straight to Semi-Finals with second and third-placed teams entering quarter-finals.
“Feedback from players and cricket management is always important in deciding how to shape the season,” said England Cricket Director Andrew Strauss, who was a Member of the eight strong Structure Steering Group.
“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.
“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.”
ECB Chairman Colin Graves said: “Today’s decisions follow a number of productive meetings with the Chief Executives and Chairmen of the First Class Counties. We’ve worked closely together, looking to improve the domestic structure for the good of the game.
“The changes for 2017 will be good for fans, players and our international teams. The season is easier to follow, the blocks help players focus on specific skills and there’s a better balance across all three formats.
“There is a clear consensus that County cricket has to be sustainable and must support the whole game. There is an appetite for change and cricket is moving fast – we must not be left behind.
“Cricket needs more people playing, great teams and inspired fans in order to thrive; these principles support our plans now and for the future.”
ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison added: “For 2017, an early-season block for the Royal London One-Day Cup will let County players focus on the white-ball game and support England’s preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy here.
“NatWest T20 Blast will start later in the summer, when more children and parents are on holiday and can come along, helping to attract new fans and inspire more people to play and attend. The Specsavers County Championship remains the bedrock of the summer, from April to September.
“We now have a great opportunity to take a detailed look at a range of options and find the best structure for the long-term health of the domestic and international game.”
The 2015 season saw dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.