Originally elected to guide and oversee the transition from the old Test and County Cricket Board into the body who now administer the professional and the recreational game, the former chairman of Tesco was reported to be on the point of resignation last year when the counties rejected an attempt to divide future County Championships into two divisions.

In fact his inclination was to fight on and much has since changed, not least the performances of the England team, which was always his priority.

Lord MacLaurin had been talked out of a personal leaning towards two divisions before the publication last summer of Raising The Standard. Most of the reforms outlined in that review were accepted by the First Class Forum (the counties) and the Recreational Forum, but the plan for a championship of three conferences was rejected and so too was the chairman's subsequent attempt to hurry through an agreement on two divisions.

He now has an open mind on the various ideas for an altered professional structure for cricket from 2000 onwards. A regional tournament and a championship divided into two halves are amongst possible proposals to be considered at the autumn review from Oct 13-14.

``This time there will be plenty of time for proper discussion and consultation,'' said Lord MacLaurin yesterday. ``No decisions will be taken before early December.

``I am also tremendously encouraged by England's current form. The atmosphere in the dressing-room now and when I first encountered it in Zimbabwe two winters ago is chalk and cheese.''