Mark Ramprakash punished by ECB for outburst during Oval collapse Ramprakash, however, has found some support from an unlikely source for his claims that batting conditions in England are the worst he has experienced in 25 years of County Championship. Richardson was the leading wicket-taker in the First Division of the County Championship last year and he has exploited the bowler-friendly early-season conditions to take 17 wickets in two matches. Richardson, 37, who took 10 wickets, including that of Ramprakash in the draw at the Oval, said: "I have read what Mark said about conditions this season and I agree with him. Last week should have been our first round of games rather than April 5 which would have given groundsmen more time to prepare the wickets. Not all clubs can afford to go on a pre-season tour which means that if you don't your preparations are in the lap of the gods.