EVOLUTION or revolution is the choice that faces every sport as it strives to win market share.

In reality progress is often achieved with a mixture of the two.

The comedy wigs that New Zealand wore in the first Twenty20 International have been long condemned to history, with the shortest form of the game enjoying a fortnight that captured the interest of millions.

Integrating the women’s final into the entertainment before Pakistan’s victory was a further leap forward for the game.

Lord’s, once a worthy champion of reactionary attitudes, was dressed up for a carnival while perennial runner-up for that title, Royal Ascot, squealed in delight at the ravishes of 79,000 spectators – on a Saturday.

Only a few years back Saturday was officially a ‘Heath’ meeting, forsaken by the Royal Family and public alike.

In the week that Henry Allingham was crowned the world’s oldest man at 113, one lifespan has bridged the extraordinary prospect of watching WG Grace and Umar Gul.

As demand diminishes for hospitality boxes for corporate entertainment, those who claim to be the real fans are making massive inroads into the way venues present major events.

Administrators can no longer hide behind the need to wait until customers are all seated comfortably after a long lunch.

Start times are now increa-favouring the availability of supporters, and there is even talk of Test matches moving into an evening session under lights.

The anomaly of Wimbledon standing empty on the middle Sunday could well prove to be the next outdated tradition to fall.

There is a no other national event of note this Sunday, and Londoners who would jump at the chance of seeing live action will be praying for atrocious weather later this week to force only the fourth use of that spare date in the schedule.

Formula One is rocking from the challenges of the eight Fota teams threatening to break away and create their own circuit.

Thirty years ago it was Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley who waged war on behalf of the Formula One Constructors’ Association (FOCA) to wrestle power away from FISA. That move included the boycotting of one Grand Prix and the threat to set up a rival series.

Like all disputes, those to gain most will be the lawyers representing the various factions as they slog out a compromise that will look remarkably similar to the current set-up, but crucially with the power around the table redistributed.

That appears to be Formula One’s way. A total waste of customers’ money and a strategy that endangers the loss of support that is already taken for granted.

Cricket's quirks beyond the boundary

GLOUCESTERSHIRE cricket hit a high this weekend, with the County stretching to a 22-point lead in the Division Two table with a quick win over Middlesex.

A rather more bizarre lead was set at North Nibley, near Dursley, with a 4am start on Sunday for their annual longest-day game.

Whether or not the players considered the fixture falling on a Sunday to be beneficial would depend on their approach to the Saturday night.

Runner-up last year for the award of the Daily Telegraph’s ‘Britain’s Best Cricket Ground,’ this 30-year-old gem on the edge of the Cotswolds is yet to acquire a pavilion, requiring players to take tea in the billiard room at Nibley House.

Quirky venues for village cricket are thick on the ground. The ridge and furrow in the outfield at Charlton Kings has caught out many a visiting fielder.

Those seeking the finest approach to a ground need look no further than the steep climb up from the Butcher’s Arms to the slopes at Sheepscombe, an experience only marginally compromised by the weight of a cricket bag.