Wimbledon woes show racing is far from alone in its battle to woo back crowds

Apologies for returning to some more depressing numbers of the sporting summer after England's stunning chase to reach 378 and beat India at Edgbaston this week.

I am sure you will recognise the figures. At Wimbledon, overall attendance was down 11 per cent; one feature day attracted its lowest crowd since 2007; another hit a depth not plumbed since 2005. And you will be familiar with the doom-laden newspaper comments about "a worrying trend" and "disappointing footfall".

That said, it was an eye-opener to read about a contractor fearing he will have to lay off staff due to the smaller than hoped for turnout and plans to revamp the queue in an attempt to cure a spectator drain that has led to a slew of empty seats on Centre Court.