According to former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri, Test cricket should only be played between six or seven countries, with the T20 format being responsible for taking the game’s global distribution. Although it makes for compelling drama, Test cricket’s appeal has been waning recently. This is primarily because T20 leagues, which immediately attract younger audiences, are becoming more and more popular worldwide. “The last thing sport needs is meaningless cricket, which is what happens when there is a lack of quality. The crowds shrink and the ratings suffer. There are twelve teams in a test match. Reduce it to six or seven, and implement a system of promotion and relegation.”
“To maintain interest in Test cricket, you can have two tiers, but let the top six players continue.” Shastri stated this during the MCC World Cricket Connects event at the Lord’s. “You can spread the game (in the world) in other formats, like T20.”
According to MCC President Mark Nicholas, revenue from Twenty20 cricket may be the only source of funding for the sport. “Everyone wants to see the goliath that is Twenty20 cricket. It is the location of the new market, the fans, and the money. Since money is necessary to keep cricket going forward, it shouldn’t be viewed as a terrible word in the sport.”
Justin Langer, the head coach and former Australia opener, expressed his desire for international cricket to be safeguarded because of its positive influence on youth, referencing the recent Test debut of West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph in Australia.
It brought the Caribbean to life and captivated Australia. A million people showed up to watch India celebrate their World Cup victory last week. That is both international and bilateral cricket.”
On July 10, the first England-West Indies Test match will take place at Lord’s, the legendary cricket ground. It will also be the final match for seasoned bowler James Anderson.
CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Johnny Grave, discussed the significance of the next Test series, stating, “It’s probably the pinnacle Test series that we play, it’s the barometer of how the team are developing.”
“Obviously, there has been a long time since that incredible day at the Gabba, and for many of the players, this will be their first-ever performance at Lord’s. We’re coming off a high. The Richards-Botham Trophy is the pinnacle of friendship and unity between the West Indies and England, and they are competing for it.
“It’s always special to be here, but I think it’s fantastic that our players will hopefully introduce themselves to the English public with a Test series at Lord’s,” he said in closing.
