How ICC is killing Test cricket
Updated On: 19 July, 2009 08:45 AM IST | | Ian Chappell
A packed international schedule is killing Test cricket and keeping the crowds away
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A packed international schedule is killing Test cricket and keeping the crowds away
EVER since the Twenty 20 phenomenon burst so successfully and spectacularly onto the international scene there have been constant rumblings about the death of Test cricket.
The MCC's World cricket committee has heightened the debate by recently expressing similar concerns. They also proposed a World Test championship as part of a plan to revitalise the longer version of the game. With all due respect this was discussed at length (at the behest of then ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya) by a number of ex-players in 1999 and some good suggestions were put forward. Ten years on we still only have the computer rankings to decide the pecking order of Test nations, rather than a full-fledged competition played out on the field.
The main barriers to improving the image of Test cricket have been erected by the ICC itself. They're the ones who have done the most to devalue Test cricket.
EVER since the Twenty 20 phenomenon burst so successfully and spectacularly onto the international scene there have been constant rumblings about the death of Test cricket.The MCC's World cricket committee has heightened the debate by recently expressing similar concerns. They also proposed a World Test championship as part of a plan to revitalise the longer version of the game. With all due respect this was discussed at length (at the behest of then ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya) by a number of ex-players in 1999 and some good suggestions were put forward. Ten years on we still only have the computer rankings to decide the pecking order of Test nations, rather than a full-fledged competition played out on the field.
The main barriers to improving the image of Test cricket have been erected by the ICC itself. They're the ones who have done the most to devalue Test cricket.
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RARE SIGHT: The MCC members applaud the innings of Andrew Strauss during Day Two of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's on Friday in London. Except for England and Australia, getting good crowds has become a rarity in Test cricket. PIC/GETTY IMAGES Read Next Story Trending StoriesLatest Photos |
