News » Q: Im really looking forward to the Europeans. Its so gre

England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss has announced that a points system crossing all formats will be used for the matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer. The Super Series will get underway when the international summer begins with the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Headingley on Thursday.As is traditional, individual series trophies will still be at stake for the Tests, one-day internationals and one-off Twenty20 internationals against both tourists. But a system will also be introduced whereby the sides can earn four points for a Test win, two for a draw, and two for a victory in one of the white-ball matches.An overall win may therefore possibly not be achieved until the final match in each series, which will be the Twenty20 matches in the case of this summers tours, and an unsponsored prize of £25,000 will be put up by the home board.The idea is Strauss own and he outlined the thinking behind it at Headingley on Wednesday.Today Im introducing the Super Series, the winner of which will be the overall tour winner for the Sri Lanka and Pakistan series over all formats, said the former England captain.The rationale is that the game of cricket is evolving unbelievably quickly, and I think we feel responsibility to ensure the international game develops. Finn gets the nod Steven Finn edged out Jake Ball for the final place in the England XI Central to that is context and relevance for every game of cricket you play.We believe the Super Series will provide that by connecting the formats and ensuring every game counts for something more than just itself.Two separate white-ball teams and a red-ball team will be connected by something greater than their own immediate interests.What this doesnt do is replace any of the individual series awards this summer, so there will still be a Test series victor, plus the one-day series and the Twenty20 match as well.But it sits on top of that, wraps around it, and creates something bigger to aim for.The ECB is very keen to be at the forefront of efforts to modernise the international game, and we feel this is a good way of ensuring the game remains relevant in both fans and players minds.If the same points formula had been applied to Englands winter tours, the outcome would have been decided in the last match and the Test series winners would have been pipped at the line.Of course we would love the final game to be a Super Series decider, that would be perfect, said Strauss.If you look at the last two series we played - against South Africa we would have lost the Super Series in the final Twenty20, and against Pakistan in the UAE we would have won the Super Series in the super over in the final Twenty20. Andrew Strauss says international cricket needs to keep moving forward Anyone out there who doesnt see the need for international cricket to keep moving forwards really does have their head stuck in the sand.I think we have to be on the front foot on this and say look, we have a very vibrant Test support in this country and weve seen some fantastic Test matches over the last 12-18 months, but there are some worrying signs there - so lets act before its too late.England Test captain Alastair Cook said: I dont think weve got anything to fear about the points system.If it works, brilliant. I dont think theres any harm in having a look.If it doesnt work, it doesnt work. In this day and age, weve got to be open to new ideas.Watch England take on Sri Lanka in the first Test at Headingley from 10am on Thursday, live on Sky Sports 2. You can also keep up-to-date with all the action by following our live blog on skysports.com/cricket and catch highlights and The Verdict on Sky Sports after each days play. Also See: Sky Live: England v Sri Lanka Finn beats Ball to final place Beefy: Vince ready to go Hussain: Cook so strong Wil Myers Jersey . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Ozzie Smith Jersey . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. http://www.padresrookiestore.com/Padres-Chase-Headley-Kids-Jersey/ . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line. Tony Gwynn Jersey . Aduriz headed home Markel Susaetas cross in the sixth minute to open the scoring at San Mames Stadium. He bettered that with a long-range blast that went in off the goal frame in the 18th, and converted a penalty in the 72nd after Diego Mainz was sent off for fouling Aduriz with only the goalkeeper to beat. Dave Winfield Jersey .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6.Siobhan-Marie OConnor is fired up to face some of the best swimmers in the world in the European Championships. The 20-year-old from Bath has already stormed to one gold in London this week, not in the individual events but in the mixed 4x100m medley relay on Tuesday night.OConnor is part of the 26-strong squad in Brazil this summer desperate to improve on the two bronzes (Becky Adlington) and silver (Michael Jamieson) won by Team GB at London 2012.Londons Aquatic Centre is hosting Europes top swimming talent this week with OConnor next competing in the 200m individual medley on Wednesday and Thursday.It will be the perfect stage for OConnor and her British team-mates to pit themselves against some of the fiercest competitors they are likely to face in four months at the Olympics.OConnor, a Sky Academy Sports Scholar in the four-year build-up to Rio, told Sky Sports News HQ: Im really looking forward to the Europeans. Its so great to have another opportunity to race in front of a home crowd in my favourite pool which holds so many amazing memories! Siobhan-Marie OConnor opens up to SSNHQ about her Olympic selection I am in hard training preparing for Rio but this is a great chance to race against some of the best swimmers in Europe and see what happens.ddddddddddddIm also really looking forward to being united with the GB Olympic team and racing together on home soil.This will be the second Games for her OConnor as she looks to build on her stunning form over the last year. She also won bronze in the 200m individual medley at the World Championships in Russia last summer.Read Siobhans latest blog where she describes her elation at Olympic selection and her painful qualification journey.WHATS COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS17 - 20 MAY: Siobhan-Marie OConnor, Swimming European Championships19 - 27 MAY: Savannah Marshall, World Championships in Kazakhstan Also See: About the Scholarship Meet the athletes Blogs Videos Galleries ' ' '