NICK HOWSON: Despite the circumstances, it was one of the most encouraging red ball seasons in years as youngsters emerged and a showcase final took centre stage
Forced into a corner by the coronavirus pandemic, the ECB and the 18 first-class counties have inadvertently breathed new life into the domestic red-ball format in this country.
The idea for 2020 was for Division One to contain 10 teams, and for the remaining eight to contest Division Two. But what followed was far more revolutionary and could yet have a lasting impact.
After years of somewhat making up the numbers and having major questions asked of their ability to support the England team, all 18 counties suddenly had a purpose. And a level-playing field was created.
Every match had a consequence. The shortened season meant that even if qualification hopes were dashed after a few games, it still meant something. The first innings being restricted to 120 overs ensured that many of the draws we saw were down to inclement rain rather than flat tracks.
Those rules led to thrilling finishes and some shock results. Essex beating Kent, Derbyshire overcoming Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire outlasting Lancashire were among the highlights. Often, matches merely disappear into the packed schedule but they were easier to value in the calendar.
Refreshingly, only one of the top six ranked sides after the group phase applies their trade at a Test match ground. Derbyshire and Worcestershire, who were due to play in the second tier in 2020, made a mockery of accusations the quality outside of Division One is somewhat substandard. And, perhaps most importantly, they were given the chance to test themselves against the best players in the country.
And yet, given the balance of the structure, come the final there can be no arguments over the line-up. Essex and Somerset have been the best long-form teams in the country for several years and it was a joy to watch them duel once again. The final provided another showcase occasion for domestic cricket, adding more jeopardy to the season. In front of fans, it would have been a truly stellar occasion.
But it is not without its detractors. Some of the more successful counties have publicly backed a return to a divisional system. This year's two finalists, as well as Hampshire, have all supported the two-division format and questioned why the No.1 team are not handed the title. You can understand why, with it benefitting those sides who can last the pace. There is less room for surprise outcomes.
Currently, county chairman are set to vote in favour of retaining the conference system. Rather than being regional as with this term, three leagues of six teams would be formed based on their finish in the 2019 County Championship. Once again, the leading counties will play those further down the ladder.
ECB chairman Ian Watmore has thrown his weight behind red-ball cricket
Each county will play each other home and away before being split again based on their results. Four further matches follow against the sides you're yet to play, with the top two contesting another one-off final at Lord's. Additionally, the Bob Willis Trophy will remain for another season.
As mentioned, the format is not without its detractors. Lord's might have the history and capacity on its side, but a pitch offering more variables going forward might be more favourable. Though if it is pushed to the backend of the season - October 2 has been pencilled in for the 2021 finale - then the efficient drainage at Lord's makes it the favourable option.
Nevertheless, if given a more prominent position in the future rotating the ground for the final based on the two clubs who qualify would be a nice novelty. We certainly don't want to morph into the Sheffield Shield, whereby the home team build a road and bat their way to a trophy-clinching draw.
Having made the best of a difficult situation, the game has stumbled on a credible format for the future. Teams and players will now be assured of some regular pressure-filled cricket, which will assist their development and their country as an extension. It might not please everyone, particularly those counties who have been dominant in recent campaigns, but it is surely for the greater good.
Less than 12 months on from England winning their first-ever 50-over World Cup, the One-Day Cup was set to be downgraded to a development competition, with the biggest stars of the game committed to The Hundred, the County Championship and T20 Blast.
Overseas stars would not be as prevalent, with counties leaning on academy graduates to progress in the competition. Outgrounds would be used in large quantities, with the final bound for Trent Bridge in September.
As it turned out, of course, counties voted to forgo the competition in favour of the much more lucrative Blast and a reduced red-ball competition - with The Hundred also postponed for 12 months. But youngsters still got their opportunity.
Contracts were cancelled left, right and centre with players understandably hesitant over travelling to the UK, and counties concerned over financing such deals during a period of uncertainty. The likes of Nathan Lyon, Vernon Philander and BJ Watling will hopefully be back in the years to come.
Counties turned to their academies to fill the void. Thirty made their first-class debuts in 2020 and many others earned additional chances they couldn't have dreamed of the start of the year. We were given an insight into what the One-Day Cup would have likely provided: a showcase of the depth of young talent waiting in the wings.
From Thilan Walallawita to George Lavelle, Dan Moriarty to Jack Carson, there were heartwarming stories from right across the country. While the pandemic has crippled large parts of the game and will continue to have a lasting legacy, it undeniably provided a priceless platform too. Part of the supposed lost generation was salvaged.
Debuts last forever: How the last month opened the door for a new generation
One of the great successes off the field has been the way in which fans locked out of grounds have been made to feel part of this season. A sense of community has been one of the most heartening aspects of the pandemic, and county cricket has been no different.
Counties haven't simply just rolled out live online coverage using their existing technology, but instead have updated and built on their service.
The gesture has acted as an olive branch to their members and supporters, many of whom will go the entire year without watching them live. And it has been more than just an obligatory facility. The footage has been of high quality, with many providing multiple camera angles for the first time.
Ever since streams became a regular occurrence in county cricket, it has unlocked a previously silent fanbase. The interest in them has been huge but now they deserve devotion over four days rather than a cursory glance.
The showcase final was available through multiple platforms, including the BBC Sport website and Sky Sports' YouTube channel (where 967,000 people accessed the game) and received mammoth engagement. It might be the most readily-available match at this level for years.
Sadly, counties might be forced to use these streams next season too and how to turn them into a money-spinner is the next challenge. But for what is likely to be a fuller campaign, at least they are ready to cater for an entire summer. It will never properly replace the thrill of live cricket, but they provide an excellent alternative amid such uncertainty.
"To me, cricket is a multi-format game but there is nothing better than red-ball cricket."
New ECB chairman Ian Watmore spoke to the purists when addressing the media for the first time at the start of the month. Rather than repeat the doom and gloom of his predecessor Colin Graves, who signed off his extended tenure by suggesting some counties should renounce their first-class status, the former FA chief was positively glowing about the format.
As previously mentioned, the ECB deserve credit for this year's schedule which helped fulfil the terms of their broadcast contrast, put international cricket back on free-to-air TV and ensured three exciting domestic competitions across the men and women's game could be showcased. It has been an extraordinary effort when you think about it.
The Bob Willis Trophy has been a triumph. And the exciting format has been reflective of the devotion the ECB still have for the red-ball game. Granted, the counties voted for the campaign but at least it was on the table to begin with.
Watmore looks set to ensure that commitment is built on, even if the Inspiring Generations programme which includes The Hundred is the priority. The speed at which next season's schedule, or at least the components of it, is confirmed will be interesting. And just how on the fringes will the competition be?
Overall, for all the backward steps the game has been forced to make during this period, it feels as though some progress has been made with this format. Next season is the last before the crucial Ashes campaign in Australia and there will be a desire to see the schedule adapted to ensure players are fully prepared.
Northants' match at Gloucestershire was abandoned this season after a player tested positive for coronavirus
With no immediate end to the pandemic in sight, cricket must prepare to cope with the dark shadow of the virus for some time perhaps even until next term.
More important than the balance sheets of the administrators and counties is the health of the players and officials. This is not a condition that discriminates and while elite sportspeople are not among the vulnerable, they should not be overly risked to ensure cricket can be played - and that is before you factor in those they come into contact with.
The testing programme which covers the international game has not been reprised for the county system. Only players who are in a bubble with key workers or vulnerable persons are eligible for regular testing. Otherwise, they are treated like any other member of the public, despite the obvious perils.
That means cricket must brace for an incident similar to the one at Bristol where Gloucestershire's clash with Northamptonshire was abandoned after one session when an unnamed played tested positive for COVID-19. Yorkshire and Hampshire have also suffered scared which has forced players into self-isolation and into late selection decisions.
One of the biggest concerns might be over the upcoming few months when players - without the burden of constantly mixing with their teammates - head in various directions before reconvening for pre-season training. As an example, professional football has encountered several positive tests upon players returning from holiday and time off between the two campaigns.
Importantly, ECB and government protocols are in place to deal with outbreaks - however big or small - effectively, and they have been executed without fuss this season. But the sport must remain vigilant, aware that it isn't indestructible and that a major incident could shut it down for another period, which it simply can't afford.
For unrivalled coverage of the county season, subscribe to The Cricketer and receive 3 issues for £5
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.