The Rejuvenation of Test Cricket
Last year will be remembered in many ways in the cricket world. Like, the father of this game, England could name the ODI World Cup for the first time. However, with this victory, the disputed boundary rules will always be remembered on the basis of which the final match was decided. This was followed by some modifications.
Last year we also saw a lot of activity in other sports formats. For example, the bilateral T20 series increased slightly, while T-League in the United Arab Emirates and hundred balls in England were also used. This year also proved to be an inspiration for the longest format of the game i.e. Test cricket. The same year the World Test Championship began. Also, the world's cricketing power India started playing the day-night test this year.
There is no other game like cricket in the world that has so many formats. It has three formats only internationally. The idea behind various formats is to make the game popular so that it can entice more and more youth as well as make inroads in those countries which usually do not play cricket.
Has the game of cricket been enriched by this? Certainly its body has changed a lot, but is its original soul intact?
This year's discussion focused on reviving Test cricket. A major concern in India is to bring the spectators back to the stadium. The day-night test is inadequate in itself despite being a welcome move. Certainly, administrators will have to take more steps on this front.
On the subject of increasing the popularity of Test cricket, veteran cricketer Vivian Richards said that this would require improving the infrastructure as well as improving the wider audience experience. If you have seen a match in any cricket stadium in India, then you can understand the meaning of his talk very well. Indian captain Alan Border has also advocated restricting Test matches to certain centers.
In the past, many people have advocated that small and new centers be allowed to host only ODI and T20 matches while Test matches are held only at some major centers.
Discussions have also been made on creating a scheduled Test match schedule on the lines of Australia and England. For example, on Boxing Day, on 26 December, Australia plays a Test match in Melbourne. Similarly, England must also play Test matches at Lord's during July. With such a scheduled event, it will be easier for the fans to plan in advance to watch the matches in the stadium.
Along with the commendable initiative of making a debut in pink-ball day-night test cricket, it is necessary to address these issues so as to entice the audience. But will it be enough to do this much? Perhaps there will still be some room left.
The sportsmanship of a player is not enough to arouse audience interest in a match and sustain it. The thrill of the match and the eagerness of the result are also important. Look at the results of some recent Test matches. India defeated Bangladesh in less than two and a half days by an innings margin. In such a situation, what is the point of a five-day match when the game is settled in half time period?
Australia also trounced Pakistan without batting in the second innings in two Tests at home. These are not good signs to increase the popularity of Test cricket. These encounters were just a joke. Such ridiculous results will not attract the audience even on television. This type of unilateral match is not good where there is such a huge imbalance between the two teams.
Today, comparing the top five teams of international Test cricket India, England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa with the rest of the other teams, a big difference will be seen. There will be no competition in them. Naturally, this will increase the dullness. In such a situation, it would be better if the sports administrators consider the concept of five-cornered tournament with the top five teams. This will raise the level of competition appropriately and keep the thrill in the game.
In shorter formats, weaker teams can give some competition, but in the longer format, it would be better for these teams to play against each other or compete with other teams of strong countries. He needs to give his abilities enough edge before he can play two-handed with the legendary teams.
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International Test cricket can be made better by focusing on another aspect. This aspect is the benefit of home advantage. This has always been an effective factor, but over time it has become so decisive in which the host team gets an unfair advantage. In the recent home series, India beat South Africa badly, while last year when India toured South Africa, we lost there. We cannot and should not dismiss the benefit of home conditions for the hosts.
However, in terms of fair competition, cricket administrators can follow a tradition in the football world. This tradition is home-away, that is, the domestic and guest teams play games here. For example, if there is a six Test series between India and England, then its three matches should be played in India and three in England.
Wouldn't the results be more exciting and more real than that? Ultimately the top teams must master any kind of environment. There is always a desire for equality, balance and fairness in life. Is the world of sports different from ordinary life?
Cricket is constantly experimenting to keep itself relevant over time. In such a situation, it becomes the responsibility of the institutions of cricket to take adequate measures to enhance the aura of the game, ie, the core of the game. India is the financial superpower of the cricket world. As such, it is expected that he will be at the center of any revolutionary change and will command it. We look forward to it.
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