MUMBAI: The just-concluded “Ashes” series between England and Australia may have brought in the crowds, and not a little revelry in the stands, but it was no more than just a pleasant interlude to the otherwise bleak prospects that Test cricket is facing at the moment.
The Test rivalry between these two countries has a glorious history that is accepted as folklore and people attach so much prestige to it, hence the following. But everywhere, including in England, a debate is raging whether Test cricket itself will survive the impact of the newer, brighter and more lucrative shorter formats of the game.
For over three decades, the traditional five-day cricket has had to share the limelight and the spoils with one-day cricket, in all forms of its promotion, day-night matches, colored apparels et al. Only the die-hard traditionalists did not agree that Test cricket came out only second best as a spectacle. Now, with the advent of a more exciting and less time-consuming Twenty20 cricket and its swiftly rising popularity, appears to be pushing Test cricket once again into the doldrums.
The fact that the International Cricket Council itself is contemplating bringing drastic changes in the format and even the periodicity of Test matches, is admission of the great worry that hovers over its very future. The ICC President David Morgan has suggested four-day Test matches, with provision of play under lights to enable a late start each day. As if begging the ODI format to provide a relief, the sharing the total number of overs between the two teams is also being contemplated. A special committee is looking into all aspects of making Test cricket more attractive.
Looking at these suggestions, one fears whether Test matches will not become extended or elongated versions of one-day cricket, which means it will be neither here nor there. The cure, in the end may be worse than the malady itself. And no one wants that to happen. Then, there are ex-players, like Shane Warne, who believe that the 50-over a side one-day cricket should be abolished, as it has outlived its utility with the coming of Twent20 promotions. “In this way, both Test cricket and the most entertaining shortest version of the game will successfully co-exist,” he says. Having long retired from Tests and ODIs, Shane Warne still plays Twenty20 cricket, having led Rajasthan Royals to a title victory in the first IPL. As such, he is making a profound statement on behalf of players who are past their prime fitness.
