ESSEX fast bowler Jamie Porter has criticised the ECB’s decision to scrap the coin toss in County Championship cricket next season.

Porter, 22, believes the move, which is aimed at encouraging better pitches in four-day cricket and helping the development of spin bowlers, is one that is not necessary and it is the scheduling that needs to be addressed.

Under the new season-long trial, away captains in both divisions will be offered the opportunity of bowling first, although there will still be a toss should he decline.

It will first come into play when Essex start their County Championship game at home to Gloucestershire.

The move, which was made by a nine-man panel including former England captain Andrew Strauss, has divided opinion, but Porter, who said he did understand the decision, says he does not support the new format.

“I can see why they have done it,” he said. “They want spinners back in the game but I think the best way to do that is to play more championship cricket towards the back end of the season.

“That way the pitches would be drier, the days would be hotter and you would get better pitches for spinners.

“I have spoken to other bowlers at other clubs about it and it will benefit some clubs more than others. The Oval is a better pitch than over at Derby for example so it may vary. I think it has put more pressure on the ground staff as well. They have to get it right.”

Porter was the shining light in Essex’s bowling attack last season as he claimed 50 first-class wickets in just 15 matches, although he gave his backing to another one of Essex’s young bowlers.

Although not a fan of the ECB’s decision, Porter admits is could benefit the likes of 21-year-old Essex spinner Aron Nijjar, who claimed 12 wickets and out bowled Australian Nathan Lyon at the tour match earlier this year, taking the wicket of former captain Michael Clarke.

“I hope it works for us,” added Porter. “It is a great opportunity for bowlers like Aron Nijjar who really shone at the end of last season.

“We saw glimpses of what he is all about and he has really come on leaps and bounds. I think next year could be a big one for him.”

Essex chief executive Derek Bowden was also slightly bemused by the decision, saying he was not sure whether the season-long trial would prove beneficial.

“It came as a bit of a surprise,” he admitted. “It was introduced without a great deal of discussion and without much consultation as far as I can see.

“I understand it is done to try to help develop spin bowlers but whether it will help them remains to be seen. The pitches do need to be fair and hopefully this will rule out any possible question marks over that.”