Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
Test Cricket. The beautiful game. The (still) pinnacle of cricket, in my opinion.
A competitive Test that has a great battle between bat and ball makes for enthralling viewing. Kevin Pietersen recently went to bat for Test cricket, stating it is still the premier form of the game, and he is right.
But, that’s only my opinion.
With the retirement of many greats over the last 10-15 years, as well as the rise of T20 Cricket, Test Cricket is constantly facing a battle to survive. More and more fans are drawn to the game’s shortest form, due mainly to shorter attention spans and the desire to see a result in a reduced amount of time.
T20 also offers greater financial rewards for players around the world, especially in poorer countries, so you can’t blame them for doing what they can to support themselves and their families. Players could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars for six weeks work in the IPL, as opposed to the hard graft that is Test cricket.
Test Cricket remains very strong in England and Australia, with high crowds and TV viewership testament to that. Broadcasters want to get in on the action, highlighted by Cricket Australia’s recent $1.2 billion TV rights deal.
However, this is not the case in other parts of the world, so how can Test cricket be improved to ensure it survives? Below, I will go through my five ways Test cricket should be improved. As always, feel free to start a discussion!
1. Better cricket pitches
We are seeing plenty of one-sided contests in Test cricket.
West Indies rolled Bangladesh in a two-Test series that lasted the length of one Test, Sri Lanka drubbed South Africa 2-0 and India are having huge nightmares in England. There is no doubt that if these sides play each other in Bangladesh, South Africa and India, the results will be the opposite.
Test cricket is very skewed to the home side. There have been calls to get rid of the toss, but that’s not the solution. Why? Because a rank turner or green-as-the-outfield pitch can be prepared to even out the playing field.
So, what’s the solution? Not four-day cricket, but rather, improve the 22-yards the cricket is played on.
 |
| A closer look at the Australian pitches from the last few years… |
I think the ICC should have independent personnel that judge pitches according to their ability in providing competitive battles between bat and ball. The key should be even bounce in the first few days, and a little bit in it for everyone. If they fail, penalties can be applied.
Leave the pitch preparation to the groundstaff. This is not the case at the moment, with various other stakeholders getting involved in the process.
Competitive Test matches is what will spark the Test arena. Competitive Test cricket will see an increase in viewership thanks to a better product, which means broadcasters will be keen to get involved to get a piece of the pie. This means more money. It’s not happening enough at the moment.
2. No T20Is – sell Test Cricket better
3. More Day/Night Tests
4. A better Test Championship
 |
| Image credit: ESPNCricinfo |
