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Test cricket fan survey results! What do fans think of the longest format?

Charbel Coorey
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Test cricket fan survey results! What do fans think of the longest format?

Over 2,000 fans have had their say in the CricBlog future of Test cricket fan survey. 2,013 fans kindly took the time to provide their answers, with some interesting insights into Test cricket’s biggest talking points.

Below are the results, with an overwhelming 87.9% of respondents stating that Test cricket is their favourite format. Here is what the survey covered:

  • Four-day Tests.
  • Two-tier Test system.
  • Changes to the current World Test Championship (WTC) format.
  • How the ICC can encourage more players around the world to play Tests.
  • The number of nations playing Test cricket in 2030.
  • Plus, whether the toss should stay or go.
See what over 2,000 fans have had to say on the most pressing issues in our future of Test cricket fan survey.

Future of Test cricket survey: Insights on two-tier system, 4-day Tests, WTC structure and more

Two-tier Test system

The two-tier system is arguably the biggest topic in Test cricket right now. Here’s what fans think:

  • 55.1% are in favour of two-tier only if there is promotion and relegation.
  • 10.9% are in favour of the move regardless whether there is promotion and relegation.
  • 34% are against the move entirely.

Here is a split by nation in the survey results:

Supported nationYes, only if there is promotion and relegationYes, regardless whether there is promotionNo to two-tier Test cricket
India56.25%13.84%29.46%
Australia56.88%8.13%35%
England51.61%7.26%41.13%
South Africa57.99%7.10%34.91%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE65.91%8.33%27.27%

Whether there will be promotion and relegation system is currently up in the air. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is not keen on a two-tier system as relegation would mean not being in the same division as Australia and India.

“There’s a lot of options that we’ve got to look at – tiers would be one of them,” said ECB chairman Richard Thompson on BBC’s Test Match Special, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“We wouldn’t want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don’t play Australia and India? That couldn’t happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here.”

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the big three have a responsibility to protect other nations.

Speaking on SEN Radio, Greenberg said, “My open mind [to a two-tier system] is in reference to, if it helps grow the opportunities for those other countries to be stronger, and have better resources in Test match cricket, if it does that, then I’m open for it,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“But if it doesn’t achieve that, and it actually affects the opposite, then I wouldn’t be supportive.”

Four-day Tests

The likes of Michael Vaughan are in favour of four-day Tests. In late 2024, the former England captain said, “I believe four-day cricket would be easier to schedule. It’d be easy for everyone to understand that cricket starts every Thursday when we’re playing the Test match game and it finishes on a Sunday … if it makes it,” he told SEN Radio.

“Let’s be honest, the way that the players go out and play their business now, they don’t play like I used to play or some of the teams back in the 80s and 90s played. They’re playing a brand of cricket which is pretty much to try and win as quick as they possibly can and put the opposition under pressure.

“I genuinely believe that the administrators need to seriously consider if it’s time.”

However, the majority of fans who completed this survey are not in favour of the move. 72.6% are against four-day Tests, while only 10.8% believe all Tests should be four days. The remaining 16.6% believe only Tests involving the “big three” should be five days.

Here is a split by nation in the survey results:

Supported nationYes to 4 day TestsYes but only matches with the “big 3” should be 5 daysNo to 4 day Tests
India7.74%20.68%77.31%
Australia10.63%18.75%70.63%
England5.65%20.97%73.39%
South Africa18.93%5.32%76.33%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE20.45%9.09%69.70%

Current World Test Championship format

Fans are in favour of improvements being made to the current World Test Championship (WTC) format. An overwhelming 81.4% of respondents believe there needs to be a more equal share of matches played between all teams.

In the 2023-25 cycle, England (22), Australia (19) and India (19) played a far greater number of matches than New Zealand (14), Pakistan (14), West Indies (13), Sri Lanka (13), South Africa (12) and Bangladesh (12).

Other findings from this survey include:

  • 54.9% believe there should be bonus points for away wins.
  • 25.2% are in favour of the cycle being four years instead of two.
  • 24.1% wish to see more lenient penalties or the complete removal of docked points for slow over rates.
  • 7.8% are happy with how the WTC format is currently.

Here is a split by nation in the survey results:

Supported nationMore equal share of matchesBonus points for away winsChange cycle to 4 yearsLess penalties for over ratesNo changes
India78.72%61.16%25.30%23.51%8.33%
Australia77.50%50%30%29.38%10.63%
England84.68%52.42%33.87%35.48%4.84%
South Africa90.53%47.34%25.44%14.20%5.32%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE87.88%50%25.76%22.72%3.79%

We also offered an open-ended answer to this question, where fans had the opportunity to share some additional thoughts on the WTC format. Some of the suggestions include:

  • More points if the win comes against a higher-ranked team.
  • Equal spread of matches against teams ranked in the top three, middle three and bottom three depending on rankings at the start of the cycle.
  • Including Ireland and Afghanistan in the WTC.
  • Minimum three matches in each WTC series.
  • The final should be a three-Test series.
  • Top three should qualify to the next round where second and third go head-to-head in a playoff for a spot in the final against the team who finishes first.
  • Final should be hosted by whoever finishes top of the table.
  • Two-group system with six teams in each group.

How the ICC can encourage more players around the world to play Tests

The rise of T20 leagues and lucrative financial opportunities are a clear threat to Test cricket. Fans believe more should be done by the ICC to ensure the longest format survives around the world. Here are some of the key findings from the survey:

  • 71.7% of fans believe there should be a more organised calendar with set windows for Tests.
  • 64% believe the ICC should adjust their revenue model so more funds go to smaller nations.
  • 39.1% said there should be a central fund for player payments on top of their match payments.

Here is a split by nation in the survey results:

Supported nationOrganised calendar: windows for TestsAdjust IC revenue: More funds to smaller nationsCentral fund for player payments on top of their match payments
India71.43%59.22%35.42%
Australia71.3%66.25%45%
England66.13%70.91%38.71%
South Africa79.29%70.41%43.79%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE68.94%75.76%46.97%

This was another question which had an open-ended option, and fans provided some additional feedback. A common suggestion was that every ICC-sanctioned T20 league should contribute a certain percentage to a pool that can help fund Test cricket globally.

How many countries will be playing Test cricket by 2030? Plus, should the toss remain?

A report in the Sydney Morning Herald in 2024 stated that Test cricket may be played by six nations in 2030. 44% believe this is a realistic possibility, while 30.1% believe it won’t happen. The remaining 25.8% were unsure.

Here is a split by nation in the survey results:

Supported nationYes, six nations by 2030NoNot sure
India44.94%29.32%25.60%
Australia51.25%28.75%20%
England44.35%26.61%29.03%
South Africa42.01%25.44%32.54%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE45.45%31.82%21.97%

Also, 82.5% of respondents are in favour of the coin toss staying as it is now. The remaining 17.5% believe the away team should decided whether they want to bat or bowl first.

What about white-ball internationals?

We also asked fans if they support the idea of removing one format of white-ball internationals to allow for more space in the calendar in Tests. 64.2% said no, 19.4% said remove T20Is, and 16.4% said remove ODIs.

Here is a split by nation in the survey results:

Supported nationKeep ODIs & T20IsRemove ODIsRemove T20Is
India71.26%13.84%14.43%
Australia53.75%18.75%27.50%
England58.06%21.77%20.16%
South Africa53.25%21.89%24.85%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE63.63%13.63%21.97%

A big thank you to all fans who shared and participated in this survey. For more information on this survey, feel free to contact me at charbelcoorey@cricblog.net.

Sam Konstas, Oliver Peake in Australia A squad for India tour

Charbel Coorey
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Sam Konstas, Oliver Peake in Australia A squad for India tour

Sam Konstas has been named in the Australia A squad for the September tour of India. The 20-year-old is selected alongside other exciting prospects including Campbell Kellaway and Oliver Peake for the two four-day matches.

Cricket Australia have also looked to the future in the one-day squad. 20-year-old left-hander Harry Dixon is included, along with promising fast bowlers Tom Straker and Callum Vidler who were part of Australia’s U19 World Cup winning team in 2024.

Australia A squads for September tour of India

Four-day squad: Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott

One-day squad: Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum Vidler

According to ESPNcricinfo, the selections for the tour are with an eye to the 2027 tour of India, rather than the upcoming Ashes. The first few rounds of the Sheffield Shield will hold more weight when it comes to Ashes selections, with hopefuls Jake Weatherald, Kurtis Patterson, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw, and Jason Sangha not included.

The likes of Konstas and Nathan McSweeney could feature in the 2027 series in India, while the younger players will gain valuable experience in the four-day matches at Lucknow. Australia have picked offspinners Corey Rocchiccioli and Todd Murphy, both of whom have aspirations to be the lead spinner in Australia’s Test team once Nathan Lyon retires.

“The subcontinent provides many unique challenges and the opportunity to utilise different skills with bat and ball,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey.

“We hope repeated experiences in these conditions will assist players in developing an effective method and understanding of their game for future subcontinent tours.”

A number of the players – namely Bartlett, Kellaway, Konstas, McSweeney, Morris, O’Neill, Peake, Philippe and Rocchiccioli – will leave India after the four-day matches to be ready for the Sheffield Shield. This has resulted in opportunities for other players, including Dixon and Lachie Shaw, to gain experience in the subcontinent.

“For many of these players we remain interested in the development of their short-form cricket as well, but balancing out priorities meant we wanted them back and available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season,” Bailey said.

“This provides opportunities for Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Tanveer Sangha, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland and Callum Vidler who will play the one-day matches in Kanpur.”

Australia A tour of India schedule

  • First four-day game: September 16-19, Lucknow.
  • Second four-day game: September 23-26, Lucknow.
  • First one-day game: Date TBC, Kanpur.
  • Second one-day game: Date TBC, Kanpur.
  • Third one-day game: Date TBC, Kanpur.

“No Shubman Gill?” – Stuart Broad roasted for his combined England-India combined XI

Charbel Coorey
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“No Shubman Gill?” – Stuart Broad roasted for his combined England-India combined XI

Stuart Broad has caused a stir on social media after picking his combined England-India XI after an engrossing five-match series. Broad left Shubman Gill out citing there was no room for the India captain as he and Joe Root batted at four.

For reference, here is Broad’s combined XI: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. KL Rahul, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Rishabh Pant (wk), 8. Washington Sundar, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Mohammed Siraj

“Your take wouldn’t be answering the question asked to me. Number 4, Root or Gill. Root is a better player. The choice wasn’t between Pope or Gill. Obviously Gill deserves to be in. Just not in place of Root,” wrote Broad in reply to a post.

Stuart Broad leaves Shubman Gill out of combined England-India XI

Gill had the series of his life. He hit the most runs in the series (754), 217 more than the next best, Joe Root, who struck 537.

Along the way, Gill broke numerous records, including the most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series. He went past the great Sunil Gavaskar, who struck 732 runs against West Indies in 1978. Gill’s tally is only behind Don Bradman’s 810 achieved against England in 1935.

His exclusion, as well as Ravindra Jadeja’s, did not sit well with Indian fans, especially given Ollie Pope was picked despite a very quiet series after his hundred at Headingley. Broad said that because he could only pick one of Gill or Root, Pope was left as the option for number three. However, fans pointed out that Rishabh Pant, who bats at five, was listed at seven in Broad’s team.

Australia possible XI for 1st T20I against South Africa in Darwin

Charbel Coorey
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Australia possible XI for 1st T20I against South Africa in Darwin

Australia are set to play their first match in Darwin in 17 years, with the last being three ODIs against Bangladesh in 2008. Mitchell Marsh’s team, fresh off a 5-0 series victory in the West Indies, take on South Africa in the first of three T20Is on August 10. Australia welcome back a few regular faces, most notably Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood.

The series whitewash Caribbean certainly increased confidence in Australia’s T20 setup ahead of next year’s World Cup, but it has also created some potential selection headaches. Here is a look at how the hosts could line up as they aim to build on the momentum of recent results.

Australia squad for T20I series vs South Africa: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

Australia predicted XI for 1st T20I against South Africa in Darwin: 1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Cameron Green, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Mitchell Owen, 7. Tim David, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Josh Hazlewood, 10. Nathan Ellis, 11. Adam Zampa

How will the batting lineup look?

Travis Head is back in the squad and will open alongside captain Mitchell Marsh. “It’ll be myself and Heady up the top for the foreseeable future,” Marsh told reporters in Darwin on Friday, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“Obviously we’ve played a lot together, (we’ve) got a great relationship, so (we’ll) start there.”

Matthew Short, who missed the West Indies series due to injury, is in the squad, but there may be no room for him in the initial XI due to other strong performers in the Caribbean.

Among those were Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. Inglis (172 runs at 43.00/209.75 in the West Indies) is quickly emerging as one of the players to watch in T20 cricket, with his ability to access all areas of the ground. Green struck three fifties in the recent five-match series, finishing with the most runs (205) at an average of 68.33 and strike rate of 164.

Mitchell Owen was also a revelation in the middle order. Owen has previously dominated at the top of the order, most notably for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2024/25 Big Bash League. However, he displayed some excellent hitting against both pace and spin in the West Indies series, finishing with 125 runs at an average of 41.66 and strike rate of 192.30.

So, this increases the pressure on Mitchell Marsh, with the onus on the captain to display the form he showed in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). The Aussies have a host of options for the top of the order, including Short, Inglis, Owen, and even Glenn Maxwell who had opportunities in the Caribbean.

How the bowling attack may shape up

On the bowling front, Ben Dwarshuis’ strong returns in the batting-friendly conditions of Jamaica and St Kitts may earn him a start in Darwin. Hazlewood may also get the nod alongside the impressive Nathan Ellis, whom fans believe should be an automatic pick in Australia’s T20 World Cup XI. Adam Zampa, who recently notched up 100 T20Is, should be the main spin option once again.

Australia vs South Africa 2025 series schedule

This T20I series serves as important preparation for the World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February and March 2026. The first two matches will be played at Marrara Oval in Darwin, before the action moves to Cazalys Stadium in Cairns for the final T20I.

The two teams will also play three ODIs with that series to begin on August 19 in Cairns.

T20Is:

  • August 10: First T20I, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 7pm AEST
  • August 12: Second T20I, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 7pm AEST
  • August 16: Third T20I, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 7pm AEST

ODIs:

  • August 19: First ODI, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 2:30pm AEST
  • August 22: Second ODI, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST
  • August 24: Third ODI, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST

Twitter Reactions as India pull off incredible win by 6 runs at The Oval

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter Reactions as India pull off incredible win by 6 runs at The Oval

Test cricket at its best. What a format, and what a spectacle England and India put on at The Oval.

In a match that swung one way and the other in the true nature of the series, it was India who prevailed by six runs in one of the all-time classics. Mohammed Siraj, who watched in agony as the ball trickled back to knock the bails off at Lord’s a few weeks ago, was the deserved matchwinner as he took the final wicket to seal India’s narrowest ever Test victory in terms of runs.

India win classic Test at The Oval by 6 runs: Siraj left heartbroken at Lord’s.

This victory was driven by belief and sheer will. Shubman Gill’s team were all but gone yesterday as Harry Brook and Joe Root combined for a 195-run stand to take England to 301/3 in pursuit of 374. It seemed only one result was possible, but Brook’s poor execution, plus Jacob Bethell’s moment he’d want to have back, opened the door for India.

Along with Siraj, Prasidh Krishna was outstanding. The fast bowler struggled for control and consistency throughout, but once the door was left ajar, he helped slam it open. After dismissing Bethell, Prasidh soon picked up the huge wicket of Joe Root to leave England 337/6 with the game, all of a sudden, back at an even keel.

Rain, light and controversial call to end play early left us hanging for the fifth day. With India having the momentum last night and use of the roller this morning, one felt England were the favourites heading into day five needing 35 with four wickets in hand.

However, in true Siraj style, he kept running in, even clocking 90mph despite his intense workload across five Tests. He dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton early to swing the game in India’s favour, leaving England with 20 to win with two wickets in hand, including the injured Chris Woakes.

Woakes, in a great show of courage, walked out to bat with his dislocated shoulder in a sling after Prasidh struck again to remove Josh Tongue. Thereafter, despite a flew blows from Gus Atkinson who threatened to break Indian hearts, it was Siraj who had the final say in one of the most deserved five-wicket hauls you are sure to see.

Chris Woakes fought through a lot of pain for his team.

Reactions to India winning one of the greatest ever Test matches by 6 runs

India fans were delirious. Rival fans also shared messages of congratulations. Also, the love for Test cricket was clear to see on social media.

Here are some of the reactions to India’s victory which levelled the series 2-2.

England fans left to wonder how that one slipped

For England, this is one that got away. They dropped numerous chances in India’s second innings, but still had the game in the palm of their hands on the fourth afternoon. After Brook and Root cruised to 301/3, the consensus was that Mohammed Siraj’s missed chance when Brook was on 19 would prove to be a defining moment.

Instead, England lost 7/66, including a number of wickets to questionable shots. Brook played superbly for his hundred, but lost his shape to give India hope. Bethell’s shot has been widely criticised when you consider another partnership with Root was vital to keep India at bay. Then, Jamie Smith struggled in a nervy showing.

The 2-2 draw now extends England’s winless run in series against Australia and India dating back to 2018. They have drawn each of their four home series 2-2 against these two nations, while losing away on each occasion in the same time period.

England’s next assignment is the massive Ashes series which kicks off in Perth in November. India will take on the West Indies in two Tests at home in October.

“Everything out sport needs” – Mohammed Siraj praised for another huge effort in England-India series

Charbel Coorey
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“Everything out sport needs” – Mohammed Siraj praised for another huge effort in England-India series

Mohammed Siraj has come for huge praise from India and England fans in equal measure after yet another huge effort in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In a terrific show of fitness, Siraj, who has played all five Tests, continued to run in hard and even clock speeds of 140km/h late on the fourth day at The Oval.

The final Test is beautifully poised with England needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand, including an injured Chris Woakes. Play was halted on the fourth evening due to rain and bad light at 5:30pm, with officials deeming it not possible that the ground would be ready by the 6:42pm cutoff time.

Siraj will be crucial to India’s chances of a stunning series-levelling win on the final morning. His figures of 2/95 in the second innings do little justice to the skill he displayed, playing a key role in India’s resurgence alongside Prasidh Krishna in the final hour.

Earlier, Siraj went past Ben Duckett’s bat multiple times and regularly found movement either way to hit the England batters on the pads and body. He created 13 false shots in the first hour on day four, with 13 of the 26 runs he conceded coming off edges.

Leading an attack comprising just three specialist quicks – cause of greater criticism from Indian fans – Siraj came back time and again, maintaining his pace as he strove to get his team back in the game. It was an excellent show of tenacity and grit as he finished day four with 181.2 overs under his belt for the series, the most of any bowler.

Reactions: Fans praise huge Mohammed Siraj effort in the final Test at The Oval

Siraj was involved in the biggest moment of the day, stepping over the boundary while attempting to take the catch that would have dismissed eventual centurion Harry Brook for 19. However, fans hoped that moment wouldn’t overshadow Siraj’s effort.

“Mohammed Siraj is everything that our sport needs, especially this ultimate format, Test Cricket. Skillful, wholehearted, a fighter, plays on the edge but a smile never far away. He’s box office on every level,” wrote a fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Siraj is one of those guys that puts it all out there on the field. Massive, massive heart,” wrote another.

Here are some of the reactions from both England and India fans before the series has its thrilling finale on Monday.

David Warner exclusive interview – Questions regarding Australia’s top order for the Ashes

Charbel Coorey
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David Warner exclusive interview – Questions regarding Australia’s top order for the Ashes

David Warner believes the Australia Test team needs to be clear on its top order ahead of the Ashes later this year. In an exclusive interview for CricBlog, the former Australia opener said the middle order consisting of Steve Smith, Travis Head and Alex Carey is a strength, but setting a platform is important to keep England’s attack in the field for as long as possible.

Warner also spoke of how he came to join London Spirit ahead of The Hundred, as well as his experience playing franchise cricket around the world, specifying one key area of improvement. He also touched on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India, praising the bowlers for their performances on flat pitches.

David Warner interview: Former Australia opener shares thoughts on Ashes plus state of franchise cricket

Catch the audio plus transcript of our interview with David Warner below. Here are the key topics:

  • Joining London Spirit and playing at Lord’s
  • One area of improvement in franchise cricket around the world
  • Australia’s top order Ashes conundrum
  • Can Bazball work in Australia?
  • Stuart Broad joining the Channel 7 commentary team for the Ashes
  • Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Hundred discussion

Q: So here we are, we’re sitting on the benches just outside the pavilion at Lord’s. What a picture, excited to call this place home?

David Warner: Oh look, it’s a postcard isn’t it? It’s amazing; it’s had some changes over the years and look we’re absolutely spoiled and blessed to play at venues like this.

I’m excited to get back out there and it’s a great place to play cricket.

Q: So when did you arrive? You still sort of batting jet lag or have you kind of got over that?

David Warner: No, I got here two days ago. I’ve been in America, so I sort of stayed on that time when I got home and yeah, round of golf yesterday. So now I’m pumped and ready to go.

Q: Let’s talk about the London Spirit. First of all, have you had a chance to meet up with your teammates?

David Warner: Yeah, I have. I’ve seen a few of them around at the moment. We’re just doing some content capture now. So looking forward to getting out in the training park and having a good chat and sort of trying to work out as a batsman how people sort of
get off strike and talk to the guys.

And that’s one thing in franchise cricket. You’ve got to try and figure out fast.

Q: And obviously we’re here at Lord’s. You’ve had lots of games here, lots of tussles with England in the past. The last time you played it, quite a memorable occasion. Is it going to be weird to call, you know, the MCC members your supporters? Is that kind of a slightly strange scenario for you?

David Warner: I had a stint here with Middlesex and I sort of had them on my side and I think, you know, it’d be rude not of them to sort of try and cheer me on a little bit!

You know, let that Aussie negativity pass by for the next sort of 30 to 35 days.

Q: And just talk about being drafted by the Spirit in the 1st place. Was it always going to be a case of you wanting to join them? I know, you know, your good mates, Kane Williamson, Justin Langer as well, of course, as head coach. Was it always going to be the Spirit for you?

David Warner: Yeah, it was. I had an opportunity to play with Southern Brave a couple of years back. There were conversations there and it’s probably one team that I think, I sort of had to want to try and go back to, just purely because they gave me an opportunity first. But when this opportunity came up, I wasn’t going to say no, purely on the venue.

And then obviously the captain and the coach had a good conversation with them. And yeah, I wasn’t going to hesitate.

Q: it’s quite an interesting year, I guess, for the tournament in general. Lots of new ownership coming in for some of the teams, including the Spirit. I don’t know if you’ve kind of digested some of those changes. Does that bleed into the dressing room in terms of, well, next year could be very different, for example, compared to this year?

David Warner: I think, you know, when there’s always change at the top, it’s an unknown, but I think at the end of the day, that doesn’t really have anything to do with us. Our job is to go out there and play cricket and put some entertainment on the board
for all the people that come out and watch. And I think that’s all we need to concentrate on.

How franchise cricket could be improved around the world

Q: Just kind of zooming out a little bit in terms of your kind of wider experiences on the franchise circuit, I guess, you know, since your international retirement, you’ve pretty much been doing the circuit over about the last 12 months. How’s that experience just been for you in general?

David Warner: I’ve really enjoyed it. I think what happens is, is that you come up against a lot of different bowlers, not ones that you’ve played against for the last 10 years. So, you know, you’re always trying to figure out what and how to score, how to score, where to score.

But in general, coming in and trying to be part of an environment and still be yourself. You’ve got different guys in the changing that you’ve obviously been a part of or not. You’re introducing yourself all the time, which is great. You’re meeting new people and I think it’s fantastic.

At the end of the day, we’re here to do a job and we’ve got to try and gel as well as we can together in a short amount of time to try and lift the trophy.

Q: You’ve played in a wide range of franchise tournaments, different teams. I guess, just thinking back to the Max 60, for example, in the Caribbean, I guess, do you as a player have to be a bit careful sometimes in terms of which tournaments you’re choosing to kind of play in?

David Warner: I try and pick probably three, max four. One, family, but two, like it’s sort of, to me, sometimes you want that sort of sense of relationship and you’re trying to build a team and you want to keep as many of the same players as possible.

It’s difficult if it’s forever changing. Is there two, three year contracts and you get the same bunch of guys together? I think that’s what needs to be looked at because you can’t have one guy playing this year and then playing for a different team next year. I just don’t think that’s right. So I think if they can knuckle that down across all franchises around the world, it’d be a good thing, I think. I think that’s probably the only thing that really needs to change from that.

Ashes discussion: Questions for both Australia and England

Q: Switching focus to the Ashes inevitably. I think everyone in England’s been talking about it since the start of the summer. It’s not too far off now. How do you see that contest going in general?

David Warner: I think in general you’ll see great cricket. I’ve just got this funny feeling that it’s not going to be close… the games itself. I think there’ll be a few big scores and some low totals. When I say low, I think in the hundreds.

There might be a moment… probably the Gabba test, I reckon, that pink ball. That might be closer. Purely just that pink ball. And one time we played there, Pakistan almost chased down 430, I think it was.

Because that wicket with that ball, unless it’s green, it gets flat and hard and that ball gets real soft. So we’re just gonna have to monitor that. But I think that might be the close game, if there is one.

Q: In the past, you’ve spoken about Bazball and how it probably won’t work… that sort of style of play in Australia necessarily?

I think what we’ve seen this summer in the series against India is a bit of a development, a bit of an evolution in the Bazball strategy, whereas, you know, you have seen England at times digging a bit to go on and make really big 600-plus scores as they did in the fourth test up in Manchester.

Just generally do you do you see them being successful? Playing that way or do you think it needs a further evolution?

David Warner: I think you can have success by doing it if you get on top of the bowlers definitely, but I think first and foremost they’re going to have to probably come out and do it straight away. I think if you allow Australia’s fast bowlers to dictate especially in Perth the first Test you know… could be a very short Test match.

I look back at last year, Australia-India, there were 17 wickets on day one and that was just pure genius bowling from both teams. No bad shots or anything but one thing I do know in Australia is it’s going to be very hard to come out and play cover drives on the up and you probably can ramp and that stuff there because the boundaries are short and straight.

But I know Australia will definitely come out and have third man in and deep backward point and they’ll have those people in play for that but I think you might see a fair bit of short-pitched bowling as well.

You’ll probably see those guys tucked around the corner with the bigger boundaries. So I think that’s one thing. I remember us doing it here at Lord’s when Stokes hit that 100. That’s the field that we set. It’s almost like the Wagner field. In Australia, you can do that because the boundaries are so big. I think they’re probably going to be the tactics that are used.

Q: Focusing in on Australia and how the team are performing, how they have been performing recently. Obviously lost the WTC final here a few months ago now. Really good tour of the Caribbean recently, but I’d say from the outside looking in, it feels like the Australian batting order for the first time in a little while feels a bit unsettled. Would that be your view?

David Warner: I think the challenge is there’s a few moving parts there. You’ve got Greeny [Cameron Green] who’s come in. He’s a very, very good player. Yet again, he hasn’t really been challenged with fast, fast bowling. And that’s always been sort of the question mark over him batting there. You know, you don’t have too many guys bowling over 140 for England at the moment, unless Woody and Joff both play.

I think, you know, Gus Atkinson is probably one of those guys that early on he can do some damage but if Australia keep asking him to come back and bowl spell after spell, you might see challenges that might bring like Ollie Robinson when he came out to Australia that last time [2021/22] as well.

Australia’s going to have to rely on Steve Smith to score some runs. You’ve got Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. Is Sam Konstas going to bat with him? If he does, how’s Sam going to bat? What style of play does he want?

And then the other question is, if they do have to make a decision to change it, do they bring Marnus Labuschagne in or someone like a Jason Sangha who scored runs at the moment?

But you’ve also got Travis Head who’s down at the bottom of the order and Alex Carey who’s been firing at the bat as well. So, look, I think there is question marks over that top order, but knowing Australia and their home conditions, if they get a sniff, they’ll put some serious runs on the board.

Q: You’ve been involved in so many tight contests yourself against England. Will you kind of miss taking part in it yourself?

David Warner: You always will miss that part of going out there and playing in those series, but I’m quite content with not having to walk out there and stand on my feet for four or five days, so that’s the best part about it.

Q: The very last question on The Ashes, I think it was announced yesterday that Stuart Broad is going to be on TV for Channel 7, I think it is over there. Are you looking forward to having a chat and a drink with him?

David Warner: Yeah, definitely. I think he’ll be fantastic. He’ll be a great addition to that Channel 7 commentary. He’s played in a lot of series. He knows what it’s like to bowl in Australia and he’ll give a great analysis on all of that. I’m sure he’ll do a great job like he has been doing over here.

Thoughts on the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy

Q: final couple of questions just on the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy series that’s ongoing, obviously the fifth test being played at the moment. I know you were saying you haven’t actually watched an awful lot of it, but are there any sort of specific performances that you’ve kind of been impressed with?

David Warner: I think the way that the Indian batting line-up has adapted and scored big hundreds, I think that’s great to see. I think what it has shown across both teams, the amount of hundreds they’re scoring, how flat the wickets have been as well. And when you’re not using 2018 Dukes, you can actually score runs here, and big runs.

But I think, all in all, I think the bowling attacks have been fantastic. They’ve all got the ball moving in the air, a few jagging back off the seam, but I think the bowling’s been relentless. But all in all, I think it’s been a great show of grit and determination by both teams with the bat.

Q: We’ve seen a bit of needle creeping into the series. There were a few kind of altercations here at Lord’s and then just yesterday [at The Oval] as well, a couple of send-offs by the Indian bowlers. I mean, you know, having played with it, well, against both teams, you know, do you recognise that kind of aggressive attitude from both teams or is this something kind of quite new, particularly maybe for the Indian side?

David Warner: Look, I think all the series I’ve played against India, there’s always been something. Whether or not it’s been blown out of proportion or not, there’s always something that happens there. I don’t know. I just think it’s something that they try and get into a contest with, especially over here. I’ve seen that before in England, watching some of the Test matches England play.

I think someone like Mohamed Siraj, he’s a fiery customer. I think as a batsman you try to get under his skin a little bit, but he’s an ultimate competitor. He’s a very good bowler, especially with his scrambled seam and he can swing the ball. He’s been going well.

All in all, I think every series has a little bit of argy-bargy, which is great, but you don’t want to be seeing anyone contacting any player or anything like that. That’s not on in the game.

“Stop embarrassing yourself” – Akash Deep criticised for send off to Ben Duckett

Charbel Coorey
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“Stop embarrassing yourself” – Akash Deep criticised for send off to Ben Duckett

The England-India series is certainly not short of incident, and that remained the case as Akash Deep gave Ben Duckett a rather unusual send off on day two of the fifth Test at The Oval.

After India’s last four wickets fell quickly to be bowled out for 224, England got off to a rollicking start. Zak Crawley (64 off 57) and Duckett (43 off 38 balls) put on 92 in just 77 balls for the opening wicket on a helpful pitch for the fast bowlers. Duckett in particular was quite audacious, with a mixture of scoops, ramps, and charges down the wicket to keep India’s three-pronged seam attack under pressure.

India were soon frustrated. Given the make up of their XI, they needed more control (and wickets) with the new ball. When the wicket of Duckett came in the 13th over – courtesy of a reverse scoop that went wrong – Deep pumped his fist and put an arm over the opener’s shoulder as he walked off. A few words were exchanged as well.

The pace bowler was in direction violation of law 42.3.1, commiting a level 2 offence of “making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player.”

Fans critical of Akash Deep after send off to Ben Duckett in 5th Test at The Oval

England fans had plenty to say after the incident. Even India fans were disappointed by Deep’s response to the breakthrough. Also, many praised Duckett for the restraint he showed as an opposition player got up so close and personal.

“When you have batted for 43 runs in a test match, you are perfectly entitled to expect to walk off without being touched by the bowler. I hope young Akash Deep, when he has a quiet moment to himself, will be a bit disappointed with what he did,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Akash Deep shouldn’t be putting his hands on the batsman. Not cool at all. Sledge, chunter, talk as much as you like but that crossed a line,” wrote another.

“Dreadful” – England fans critical of bowling attack for 5th Test against India

Charbel Coorey
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“Dreadful” – England fans critical of bowling attack for 5th Test against India

England fans are unimpressed with the bowling attack picked for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval. With Liam Dawson dropped, and Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse rested, England have selected a seam attack of Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue.

Also, in a huge blow, Ben Stokes, arguably player of the series to date, has been ruled out with a grade three muscle tear in his shoulder. Jacob Bethell has been selected in Stokes’ place and is the main spin option.

Ollie Pope will lead the team.

England XI for the 5th Test against India: 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope (c), 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Jacob Bethell, 7. Jamie Smith (wk), 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Gus Atkinson, 10. Jamie Overton, 11. Josh Tongue

England fans share views on bowling attack for 5th Test against India at The Oval

England’s four-pronged pace attack has its flaws on paper. Chris Woakes has had a big workload and averages 52.80 runs per wicket in the four Tests to date. Josh Tongue struggled for control and consistency earlier in the series, while Jamie Overton has taken two wickets for 267 runs in the last two seasons of the County Championship.

Gus Atkinson is capable of leading the attack well, but this is his first Test since the one-off match against Zimbabwe in May. Atkinson, who suffered a hamstring injury, returned to action for Surrey’s 2nd XI last week, where he took combined figures of 3/93 in 30 overs across both innings.

India have their concerns with Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the fifth Test, but their batsmen can cash in if England’s bowlers aren’t on their game. That is the view of some England fans, with particular spotlight on why Matthew Potts wasn’t selected plus what the strategy is after moving James Anderson on.

“Maybe James Anderson actually is past it, one thing I think it’s worth noting is we’ll now never know, but we do know that absolutely none of the supposed benefits of showing him the door have happened,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Here are some of the reactions to England’s selections for the final Test of the series.

England need only a draw to win the 2025 Anderson Tendulkar Trophy. India will likely bring in Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh in the quest to square the series after an excellent effort to save the Old Trafford Test a few days ago.

Predicted India XI for 5th Test vs ENG at The Oval

Charbel Coorey
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Predicted India XI for 5th Test vs ENG at The Oval

India arrived at The Oval with a shot at levelling the series against England after securing a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. However, they will be without talisman Jasprit Bumrah, who has been advised against playing in this match.

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the BCCI medical team opted to rest Bumrah “in line with safeguarding his back and keeping the long-term in mind.”

Before the series, it was mentioned that the great fast bowler would play three of the five Tests. It is how it will transpire, and his teammates need to repeat their efforts from the second Test at Edgbaston.

India predicted XI for 5th Test at The Oval: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. KL Rahul, 3. Sai Sudharshan, 4. Shubman Gill (c), 5. Washington Sundar, 6. Karun Nair, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Dhruv Jurel (wk), 9. Akash Deep, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Prasidh Krishna

Dhruv Jurel will replace the injured Rishabh Pant. Where he bats will be an interesting decision for India, given Washington Sundar was outstanding at five in the second innings at Old Trafford.

According to a report by Indian Express, India are considering bringing in Karun Nair for Shardul Thakur to further strengthen the batting.

Regarding Bumrah’s replacement, Akash Deep is likely to come back into the XI as he has found good rhythm at training according to ESPNcricinfo. Deep, who was outstanding at Edgbaston, missed the Manchester Test due to a groin niggle.

With Siraj set to play all five Tests, the decision on the remaining pacer is reportedly between Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. According to Times of India earlier this week, India were considering Arshdeep Singh, who can provide a point of difference with his left-arm angle. However, Indian Express reports Prasidh Krishna is likely to make the XI.

The Oval pitch in the spotlight after high-scoring Test series

Seamers have dominated at The Oval in this season’s County Championship, taking 131 of the 150 wickets in five matches. Surrey have won twice with the other three ending in draws. One of the draws was between Surrey and Durham, where the hosts made 820/9. Durham responded with 362 & 262/0. However, that match was played with a Kookaburra ball.

The pitch for the Test may assist the seamers early, but should become good for batting. Given the nature of the surfaces in this Test series, more help for the bowlers would be welcome relief to both the India and England bowling units.

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