Cricket West Indies (CWI) held an emergency summit in Trinidad on August 11–12, bringing together some of the greatest cricketing names of the country. Brian Lara, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul along with head coach Daren Sammy met to address the deepening crisis in West Indies cricket.
The two-day discussions produced a list of around several issues affecting the game, with five areas marked as immediate priorities:
Improving player facilities
Upgrading practice pitches across islands
Strengthening the domestic competition structure
Enhancing physical conditioning; and
Introducing early-career skill development.
West Indies Cricket focus on key areas of improvement as they look to become a force once again
CWI CEO Chris Dehring stressed that the decline is systemic, with technical and fitness shortcomings exposed when players reach the international stage. A key recommendation from the meeting was to seek “special dispensation” from the ICC for increased financial support, citing the funding gap and West Indies’ historical contribution to world cricket.
Clive Lloyd warned that without such backing, the team risks languishing in a lower tier if a two-division World Test Championship is implemented.
Brian Lara noted the growing gap between West Indies and top teams, pointing to advancements in technology, analytics, and preparation globally. He also highlighted a shift in player priorities, with franchise T20 leagues often taking precedence over national duty, and urged the board to create an environment that retains talent like Nicholas Pooran.
The meeting also discussed establishing a centralised high-performance centre and formal academy structure to create a stronger talent pipeline. Lara cautioned that while the roadmap is clear, meaningful change will take years, not months.
This intervention comes after the team’s humiliating collapse for 27 in a recent Test against Australia. The lowest total in their history served as a wake-up call for both management and former greats. The unity between CWI and past legends marks one of the strongest collaborative efforts yet to restore the West Indies to competitive strength on the world stage.
Pakistan suffered one of their biggest ODI defeats after they were bowled out for 92 while chasing 295 against West Indies in the series decider at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday night.
Pakistan endured a nightmare start with their top three being dismissed for ducks – Saim Ayub (0), Abdullah Shafique (0) and Mohammad Rizwan (0). Young pacer Jayden Seales produced a career-best spell, taking six for 18 to dismantle the batting order.
The visitors folded for just 92 in 24.1 overs, which is their lowest total against the West Indies in over three decades and their biggest loss to the Caribbean side in 50 years. In the process, the Windies sealed their first ODI series win against Pakistan since 1991.
Pakistan fans critical of team following disappointing defeat
Pakistan produced a solid series win in the T20Is, but followed it up with a disappointing performance in the ODIs.
Only three Pakistan batters – Salman Agha (30), Hasan Nawaz (13) and Mohammad Nawaz (23) reached double figures in a performance marked by poor shot selection and vulnerability to seam movement. The result handed the West Indies a 2-1 series win and a morale boost ahead of their ICC Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures. At the same time, Pakistan faces renewed questions over their batting depth and consistency in pressure situations.
Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope struck his 18th ODI century, anchoring the hosts to 294 for 6. Solid middle-order contributions ensured a challenging target, which proved far beyond Pakistan’s reach once early wickets fell.
Former Pakistan keeper-batsman Kamran Akmal was scathing of the defeat. “Our cricket team has been performing like this for the past seven years. At this point we’ve stopped worrying about embarrassing losses. No one even cares anymore not even if Pakistan wins the series. And the funniest part? Pakistan didn’t even win this one. Still no one cares,” wrote Akmal on X (formerly Twitter).
Here are some of other reactions by Pakistan fans to the West Indies’ huge win by 202 runs.
Our cricket team has been performing like this for the past seven years. At this point we’ve stopped worrying about embarrassing losses. No one even cares anymore not even if Pakistan wins the series. And the funniest part? Pakistan didn’t even win this one. Still no one cares.
Babar lost his form Shaheen & Naseem became medium pacers Rizwan's 2-year peak ended Shadab specialized in full-toss bowling Hasan Ali still thinks it's 2017 Fakhar is injury-prone
This lot was supposed to win us ICC titles, I had a dream.
It’s not about losing a series to a 10th ranked team, we’ve already lost to an 18th ranked side in a World Cup.
The harsh truth is that Pakistani fans have hyped the wrong players as superstars. If we look at our top 3–4 all-format players and count their genuine match winning…
West indies Beat Pakistan in an ODI Series after 34 years, Pakistan Cricket at its Low under Mohsin Naqvi Chairmanship, he has destroyed the only thing left for the happiness of Pakistani people. Shame!#PakvsWI#WIvPAK#PakistanCricketpic.twitter.com/EXhqAz0HjB
Any other cricket team fan would be furious but make no mistake – 🇵🇰 has lost to NZ C, USA, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, CT at home just in a span of one year.
So Italy fans, you have a good news coming your way.
Next up for Pakistan is a T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE later this month ahead of the Asia Cup. West Indies will also soon travel to the UAE for three T20Is against Nepal in Sharjah next month.
Dewald Brevis has produced exactly the kind of innings he is capable of, taking the Australian bowlers to the cleaners in the second T20I in Darwin. In an incredible display of hitting, Brevis single-handedly took the Proteas from the brink to a mammoth total, compiling the highest-ever individual score (125*) by a South African in T20Is off just 56 balls.
Down 1-0 in the three-match series, South Africa were struggling at 73/3 after nine overs. That’s where Brevis took over. He struck 15 off the tenth over and didn’t look back, taking a liking to the spinners in particular as he raced to 50 off 25 balls. He had already struck five sixes by that point.
Crucially, sub fielder Matt Kuhnemann dropped Brevis on 56, and the 22-year-old made Australia pay. Brevis’ second fifty came off just 16 balls as he pummelled the Aussie attack to all parts of Marrara Oval, achieving the second-fastest century by a South African, in just his ninth T20I.
The second-quickest T20I hundred from a South African player!
In addition to Brevis’ clean striking, it was his solid base and excellent head position that was the hallmark of an incredible innings. Even if the Australians went wide, Brevis was in position very quickly to flay the ball through the offside. At one point, he even swatted a wide Adam Zampa legspinner gun barrell straight down the ground.
Cricket world reacts to stunning 125* off 56 balls by Dewald Brevis against Australia in Darwin
South African fans were full of joy. So were supporters of the Chennai Super Kings, as Mumbai Indians fans lamented the fact that Brevis was once part of the franchise.
“There was such a golden opportunity for IPL teams to pick up Dewald Brevis at the auction! Missed out badly. CSK either got very lucky, or maybe the biggest master stroke ever. The boy can play,” wrote AB de Villiers on X (formerly Twitter).
Australia didn’t know what hit them. Here are some of the reactions to a stunning hundred.
There was such a golden opportunity for IPL teams to pick up Dewald Brevis at the auction! Missed out badly. CSK either got very lucky, or maybe the biggest master stroke ever👏 The boy can play @BrevisDewald
Whether he is successful or has a few failures along the way which are totally normal with the type of high impact innings he plays we gotta give him love and keep his confidence up
Mumbai Indians had all four Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Tim David and Cameron Green at the same time. Now we don't have anyone when they are at the peak of their powers.
— 🇿🇦 Sabeeha Majid 🏏/DA Miller stan account❤️ (@SabeehaMajid) August 12, 2025
I talked about this right at the time MI had acquired Dewald Brevis in 2022. There was immense talent in him, but it was too early for him to compete at the IPL level.
MI had one job to do at that point in time – Hold on to him! Now when Brevis is much mature, MI don't have him. https://t.co/3muiw3lfoR
How it feels when you hate your job, no love life and have no generational wealth but realize Dewald Brevis plays for your beautiful team.pic.twitter.com/dOhDjOMoPO
Stop crying over CSK's acquisition of Dewald Brevis. Your team were so dumb that they didn't even bid for a talent like Brevis, abuse your owners abuse your coach & not CSK.
CSK just revived Brevis's career, credit to them. His IPL brilliance brought him back in T2OI setup.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s hopes of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup has stirred a lot of reaction on social media. Fans want to see their stars in the playing XI while the selectors are appearing to be in two minds about the same.
According to multiple media reports, the Indian team management and selectors are yet to commit to the inclusion of the veteran duo in their long-term plans for the tournament, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. While neither player has officially commented on the speculation, the news has triggered intense debate over India’s future squad composition.
Rohit, 38, and Kohli, 36, took retirement from Test cricket and T20Is but are currently part of India’s setup for bilateral series and ICC events. Both the veteran batters annouced their test retirement after the rumours of Shubman Gill becoming the new Test captain came out.
Should Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma be certainties for the 2027 ODI World Cup? Fans have their say
But with more than two years to go for the next 50-over World Cup, there is an increasing focus on transitioning towards younger talent. Both players were central to India’s campaign in the 2023 edition, where they reached the final but lost to Australia in Ahmedabad.
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from emotional defences of the pair’s legacy to pragmatic acceptance of a generational shift. “You don’t just drop legends like Rohit and Kohli. They are still match-winners,” wrote one fan. Others argued that planning for 2027 should begin now, with an eye on players who will be in peak form and fitness at that time.
The development comes amid a busy calendar for the Indian team, including the ongoing preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship cycle. Selectors are reportedly evaluating performances in both international matches and the IPL before finalising long-term plans.
🚨 BIG UPDATE ON KOHLI & ROHIT 🚨
The Team management is not seeing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 World Cup plans – But If both want to stay in the ODI team, they will have to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. (Abhishek Tripathi). pic.twitter.com/67nNAGxzsD
Do you guys realize how Gautam Gambhir has almost killed the individual obsession in Indian cricket with no major revenue losses?
Even Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma aren’t guaranteed a spot in the 2027 World Cup—because GG knows youngsters are hungrier, and he will back them. pic.twitter.com/40EyaIvDa0
I don’t understand why Rohit and Virat’s names are always linked together when it comes to retirement. The one who has the performance and fitness will play the ODI World Cup, and the one who doesn’t will retire. The talks that both will retire together makes no sense.
Years of hard work, pride, and dedication for this country, and now their careers might end because of one egoistic person? No true ICT fan will ever accept this. BCCI and Gambhir, you don’t realise the mistake you’re making by forcing RohiRat to retire before 2027 wc. pic.twitter.com/drcumlEOeD
Any day, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are better than most players when it comes to handling pressure and performing in big matches against top teams in a World Cup. Yes, testing new players is also necessary, but especially in Virat Kohli’s case, he is still fitter than many of… pic.twitter.com/UEsxl6q242
Rohit's career had never been consistent throughtout, so don't expect him to come good in every matches heading into WC27 , he will be retiring next year that's it
Now the retirement rumours of Rohit and Virat enters the hall of debate, no wonder it's difficult for both to play with only one format and without having age on their side. Their career are not less then a Biggest Era of India and imo they deserves to play ODIs till 2027 WC.
Kohli is India’s second-highest run-getter in ODIs with over 13,000 runs. Rohit is regarded as one of the format’s most destructive openers, holding the record for the highest individual score in an innings (264). Despite their achievements, selectors face the challenge of balancing experience with the need to build a squad capable of competing in changing conditions and formats.
For now, the possibility of an ODI World Cup without India’s two modern-day greats remains hypothetical but the conversation around it has clearly struck a chord with fans.
Former India all-rounder R Ashwin has sought clarity from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on his role for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and is open to parting ways if he does not feature in their plans, ESPNcricinfo has reported.
Ashwin was bought for ₹9.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction, which was billed as a homecoming. He featured in only nine of the team’s 14 league matches last season, the fewest games he has played in a single campaign since his debut year in 2009. The 38-year-old off-spinner endured his most expensive IPL season yet, conceding runs at 9.12 an over, surpassing his previous worst economy rate of 8.49.
Chance that R Ashwin has played his last game for CSK
The player release deadline will depend on the yet-to-be-finalised date of the IPL 2026 auction. While mega auctions occur every three years, a mini auction is held annually between November and February. Player trades can be conducted until a week before the auction. Ashwin, during an interview with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson, had even hinted light-heartedly at the possibility of a trade.
A veteran of 197 IPL matches, Ashwin is the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker. He began his IPL career with CSK, later representing Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, before returning to Chennai in 2025 after an eight-season gap.
Here is Ashwin’s detailed look at his IPL career:
Matches: 221 Runs: 833 Wickets: 187 Highest Score: 50 Bowling Average: 30.22 3 Wickets in an Innings: 9 4 Wickets in an Innings: 1
The franchise faces other major decisions, notably around captaincy. In 2025, Ruturaj Gaikwad began the season as skipper but was sidelined mid-tournament due to injury, prompting MS Dhoni to step back into the role. CSK typically awaits Dhoni’s decision on his availability after he resumes training at the end of the year. Despite Dhoni’s presence, Gaikwad is expected to remain captain if fit, continuing the leadership transition initiated last season.
With Ashwin’s future under discussion and leadership roles yet to be confirmed, CSK could be heading into a pivotal off-season phase ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
Ricky Ponting is a fan of Bazball, but says England face a conundrum for the Ashes. The former Australian captain, now one of the world’s finest commentators, believes England will bat aggressively in Australia, but even flat pitches can work against them in their quest to win.
“I’m as Aussie as anyone and I love watching the way England play. The Aussies embraced it and learnt about it the last time they were here,” Ponting said in an interview with The Times.
“They’ll have an understanding now of what is a slightly more refined version of what England started a few years ago [when Ben Stokes became captain and Brendon McCullum coach].
“I think they can [bat aggressively in Australia], and they will definitely try.”
The key question Ricky Ponting has about Bazball
With the praise came a key question. Ponting believes the England batting lineup will be tested significantly in more bowler-friendly conditions. However, it is those spicier conditions that England may actually need from a bowling perspective.
Pitches down under have provided more assistance for the fast bowlers in recent years, with Australia fighting hard against Pakistan, West Indies and India in the past two years. England have not won a Test in Australia since 2011 and have struggled for bowling penetration in the three subsequent tours.
“It’ll be interesting to see which way we prepare our tracks,” Ponting said. “I don’t think the Aussies will be saying anything to the groundsmen. Certainly through my time, I didn’t speak to the groundsman, and even my coaches didn’t speak to him.
“They always expected them to prepare the best wicket they could… I don’t really know which way England want it.
“They probably play their best cricket when they’ve got flatter pitches because that’s what they need for their batting, but in Australia, they probably need something in the wickets to help their bowling.”
From a bowling perspective, England’s fastest bowlers – Jofra Archer and Mark Wood – will be key to their chances. However, it is highly unlikely either will play five Tests given their injury history. So, the likes of Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and especially Ben Stokes will have a vital role to play.
Also vital to England’s hopes is Joe Root. England’s stalwart recently went past Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. Now, a century and dominant performances in Australia will seal Root’s legacy.
However, Ponting has seen enough, naming Joe Root among the very best he’s witnessed.
“Brian Lara was the most skillful batsman I played against, and when I was captain, he gave me more sleepless nights than anybody. Sachin [Tendulkar] was technically as good as anyone I’ve seen, along with Rahul Dravid; I’d put Joe in there now as well, and Kane Williamson.”
South Africa are touring Australia for a bilateral white-ball series for the first time since 2018. This time, the matches will be played at Marrara Oval in Darwin, Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, and Great Barrier Reef in Mackay; a shift away from the usual SCG, MCG and the like we’ve become accustomed to over the years.
It is currently winter in Australia and it is rare to see internationals being played in the country in August. In 2022, Australia hosted Zimbabwe and New Zealand in August and September, and those matches were also played in the northern regions. Before that, Australia’s men’s team hadn’t played a home international at this time of year since the the three ODIs against Bangladesh in Darwin in 2008.
Australia vs South Africa series to take placein lesser-known grounds in northern Australia
Why the Australia-South Africa matches will be taking place at these lesser-known venues is two-fold.
First, it is much warmer and drier in Darwin, Cairns, and Mackay than further south including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. In fact, Darwin has top temperatures of 31-32 degrees every day even in the winter months. Cairns is in the mid-20s, while Mackay is cooler in the lower 20s.
Also, the cold winter climate in cities like Sydney and Melbourne is not suitable for cricket. Sydney, for example, has shivered through very cold temperatures and plenty of rain this winter. More rain is forecast this weekend.
Second, the major cricket grounds in Australia, namely the SCG, MCG, Gabba, Adelaide Oval and Perth’s Optus Stadium are all occupied by Australian Rules Football, also known as the Australian Football League (AFL). These grounds all have multi-million dollar contracts with the AFL and getting the grounds ready for cricket matches during this time is not feasible.
AFL, along with the National Rugby League (NRL), are the sporting codes that garner the most attention in the winter months. Sport in the major capital cities is very seasonal, with footy the talk of the town until cricket fever takes over when summer arrives.
It's winter in the southern states so it's raining Also they are all multi sport stadiums and are currently being used for either rugby league or AFL Stadiums have contracts for other codes they can't and don't want to break Darwin and Cairns are in their dry season
AFL being played at the SCG on a cold, rainy day in early August.
AFL played at the MCG on August 8, 2025.
Also, fans up north have a rare opportunity to witness international cricket. The first T20I in Darwin on Sunday August 10 is reportedly sold out. Tickets are selling fast for the second T20I at Marrara Cricket Ground as well.
Arrived in Darwin early this morning to cover the first leg of the South African white ball tour for @AAP and the locals are up for it! Sunday’s T20 match sold out! Tuesday’s selling fast. #AUSvSApic.twitter.com/eSgMEsjjzQ
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.
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 nation
Yes, only if there is promotion and relegation
Yes, regardless whether there is promotion
No to two-tier Test cricket
India
56.25%
13.84%
29.46%
Australia
56.88%
8.13%
35%
England
51.61%
7.26%
41.13%
South Africa
57.99%
7.10%
34.91%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE
65.91%
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 nation
Yes to 4 day Tests
Yes but only matches with the “big 3” should be 5 days
No to 4 day Tests
India
7.74%
20.68%
77.31%
Australia
10.63%
18.75%
70.63%
England
5.65%
20.97%
73.39%
South Africa
18.93%
5.32%
76.33%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE
20.45%
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 nation
More equal share of matches
Bonus points for away wins
Change cycle to 4 years
Less penalties for over rates
No changes
India
78.72%
61.16%
25.30%
23.51%
8.33%
Australia
77.50%
50%
30%
29.38%
10.63%
England
84.68%
52.42%
33.87%
35.48%
4.84%
South Africa
90.53%
47.34%
25.44%
14.20%
5.32%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE
87.88%
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 nation
Organised calendar: windows for Tests
Adjust IC revenue: More funds to smaller nations
Central fund for player payments on top of their match payments
India
71.43%
59.22%
35.42%
Australia
71.3%
66.25%
45%
England
66.13%
70.91%
38.71%
South Africa
79.29%
70.41%
43.79%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE
68.94%
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 nation
Yes, six nations by 2030
No
Not sure
India
44.94%
29.32%
25.60%
Australia
51.25%
28.75%
20%
England
44.35%
26.61%
29.03%
South Africa
42.01%
25.44%
32.54%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE
45.45%
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 nation
Keep ODIs & T20Is
Remove ODIs
Remove T20Is
India
71.26%
13.84%
14.43%
Australia
53.75%
18.75%
27.50%
England
58.06%
21.77%
20.16%
South Africa
53.25%
21.89%
24.85%
Others, including WI, NZ, PAK, USA, NEP, AFG, ZIM, SL, BAN, IRE
63.63%
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 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.”
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.
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
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.
Pant never bats at 7 but you randomly put him there. So your logic of batting order is out of question. Root at No.4 is far better, but you could’ve placed Gill at No.3
I know numbers don't mean everything Stuart, but how can Shubman Gill not be there after scoring two hundred runs more than the next batter! https://t.co/8ZaKX0fTGX
Jaiswal out – Duckett in Pope out – Gill in (duh) Brook out – Jadeja in (highest score by a no. 6 or lower in a series in over 2 decades; 5th highest ever) There can be a case for Tongue over Archer as well. https://t.co/UZdJTU8GyJ
