- With the plethora of T20 tournaments/leagues proliferating around the cricket-playing nations, the urgency to ensure spectator interest in the classic format of the game is not eroded further has gained prominence over the last two decades. Of course, the amount of money being pumped by the investors/sponsors/big businesses into the cash-rich, high-revenue-generating T20 format is unbelievable. Little wonder that every major cricket-playing country has started T20 leagues of their own, competing as well as attracting the best performers. We are aware that the extremely popular Indian Premier League (IPL) has set such a standard among all other leagues that it is counted amongst the most popular sporting leagues around the world.
PC: Storyboard18
- Countries like India, Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa have genuinely interested patrons supporting Test cricket in great numbers, especially England and Australia commanding huge followings. Other countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh are struggling to checkmate the onslaught of T20 cricket. For the sport itself to remain relevant, the classic format of the game should not only prosper in these countries, with more cricketers opting for the format, but also be diligently pursued with passion, since the true worth of any cricketer is gauged in five-day Tests. For this to fructify, the Tests must be made interesting, intriguing, and alluring, with spectators’ interests remaining intact for the duration of the four/five days.
PC: Medium
- True connoisseurs of Test cricket would vouch for the skill sets and the level playing field offered by the format, which is built on keen contest between the bat and the ball. However, if the five-day Test cricket is concluded in less than two days, it not only makes for a poor advertisement for the struggling format but also highlights a lopsided contest, with the ball winning hands down without any noticeable fight. The recently concluded second Test between Australia and Bangladesh made for such a poor spectacle when the hosts steamrolled the visitors in less than two days to win the Test. Ideally speaking, Test cricket should include all the ingredients of a hard-fought battle, offering batters and bowlers equal opportunities to showcase their skills over four/five days.
PC: UNB
- An even contest ensures fascinating intrigue, session by session, allowing both teams to make a comeback even when things may not appear to be going their way. Bangladesh was blown away for 64 in the first innings; Australia could muster up 210 in return, and in the second innings, Bangladesh was again dismissed for a paltry 95, thereby allowing the hosts an innings and 51-run win. Agreed, there were no real demons in the pitch, with the conditions allowing the bowlers an edge. However, the batters capitulating so tamely without offering a semblance of fight speaks volumes about how Test cricket has largely eroded the skill sets required to play in the classic format. Cricket boards should address these anomalies forthwith for Test cricket to survive.
