Gooch backs domestic overhaul

Gooch, a former England captain, said a memorable win in Melbourne and a fight to the finish in Sydney in the last two Tests had offered some hope for English cricket.

But he felt big changes were needed in the domestic game before England could expect to welcome another triumphant touring party back from Down Under.

``We have got to radically look at the domestic structure. We are putting into place a national league this year and going to two divisions,'' said Gooch.

``We have got to produce tougher, leaner and more competitive domestic cricket. In the long run, our Test side will benefit from that. You can't create strong character overnight,'' he added.

But Gooch was happy to hear that the Ashes looked set to remain a five-Test series at least for the immediate future.

The International Cricket Council are reported to be keen to keep the longer Ashes showdowns despite rumours that England's poor recent run of form and the pressure for some sort of world championship could shorten the traditional series.

``England against Australia is the big one for England players. It's the one they all want to play in and I would hate to see that devalued by a shorter series,'' he added.

Meanwhile, England play Australia on January 10th in the first day of the triangular one-day series which world cup champions Sri Lanka also compete in.