How is ICC working towards saving Test cricket?
The longest format of cricket is facing a looming crisis. Test cricket is suffering because of the rise of T20 leagues in Test playing nations. The five-day, the four-innings form is now under severe pressure and the ICC is trying its best to bring back the crowds to the stands by introducing several new aspects into the longest format of the game. Here's more!
Test legend claims T20 cricket is killing 5-day format
Sri Lankan legend, Kumar Sangakkara is the latest player to voice his concern. The fifth-highest run scorer in Test cricket, quit his first-class career last year but continues to play T20 cricket across the globe. The 40-year old called for a pay rise in Test cricket so that youngsters don't opt to play in global T20 leagues instead of 5-day games.
Sangakkara calls for increase in pay for Test cricketers
"Players (are) taking up T20 instead of playing international cricket...Shouldn't there be a blanket minimum pay for Test cricketers? Top countries are being paid a certain Test match fee, shouldn't that be reflected all throughout the Test- playing countries?"
No more Test specialists in cricket anymore
With players participating in T20 leagues, they are spending less time honing their skills necessary for the long format, resulting in poor Test spectacles. Test cricket has already seen dwindling crowds in countries like New Zealand and South Africa. And since Pakistan haven't played at home for a while now Test cricket has also lost its popularity in the nation.
Cricket in whites under the lights
To battle this problem, ICC introduced day & night Tests. The first day and night Test match was played between Australia and New Zealand in 2015 and since then it is slowly gaining popularity amongst other Test playing nations. A special pink-ball was introduced to increase visibility under the floodlights. India are scheduled to play a day & night Test in Adelaide this year.
We have also seen 4 day Test cricket
Not just day and night Tests, the ICC even experimented with 4 day Test matches. Neighbours, South Africa and Zimbabwe were the first nations to try the format out, but the game was short of spectacle as it ended in just two days. Total overs were increased from 90 to 98 per day and extra 30 minutes of play per day was introduced.
ICC to introduce Test Championship
ICC has also introduced the Test championship, which will come into action in 2019. 9 teams will play six series against their opponents over a period of two years. Three will be played at home, the rest will be played away. The top two teams, which will be decided on the points system, will fight it out to win the Test championship in 2021
