Virat Kohli says Test cricket shouldn't be tinkered with
What's the story
After opining that Test cricket is the best format of the game, post the first Test against England last month, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has once again come out in support of the 5-day format. The 29-year-old sounded out his advice to the ICC, stating that the Test format should not be tinkered with. Here is what the superstar had to say.
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Kohli feels Test cricket gives more job satisfaction
The ICC is planning to introduce a 4-day format on a trial basis soon but Kohli feels the original 5 days should remain as is. Kohli spoke about the satisfaction he gets from playing Tests. "I cannot explain to you the job satisfaction that you get when you do well in Test cricket, because you know how demanding it is," Kohli told Wisden.
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Awareness of the sport is necessary to enjoy Tests
Kohli feels that Test matches are well enjoyed in countries like South Africa, Australia and England where many people come to watch. "In a few countries, yes. It all depends on the awareness of people who watch the game. If you take a country like South Africa or Australia or England, they have big crowds for Test matches because people understand the sport."
5-day game
It's literally living life over five days: Kohli
The Indian skipper, who had a dream series against England with the bat, feels that Test cricket is literally living life over 5 days, "It's literally living life over five days. There are so many ups and downs and even when you've done well you've got to keep coming back and doing it all over again."
ICC
ICC to come up with Test Championship in 2019
In order to keep Tests alive and prevent it from dying a slow death with the advent of T20Is, the ICC is coming up with the Test Championship in 2019. It will be a nine-team event and will have the normal 5-day format. The period will be of two years from 2019 to 2021. A 13-team ODI league is on the cards, as well.
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What's next for Indian Test team?
India are gearing up for the 2-match Test series against West Indies starting October 4. This year they started by losing an away series 1-2 against South Africa. After bagging the one-off Test against Afghanistan, Kohli's side then lost 1-4 to England away from home. India's next major assignment is against Australia later this year. They play a 4-match Test series 'Down Under'.