Martin Crowe asks ICC to focus on Tests and T20s
With the advent of T20 in cricket, ODIs have somehow taken back seat. These views were also expressed by former New Zealand Test captain Martin Crowe. Crowe has asked cricket’s governing body, ICC, to focus on Test and Twenty20 formats.
Tests, the oldest and original form of cricket, are widely supported by former players and fans alike.T20s in recent years has seen exponential growth both in terms of viewership and commercial appeal in recent years.
Crowe, who led http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 in the 1992 World Cup, has warned ICC that it should not try to make ODIs more appealing as it would lead to more confusion. Instead it should focus on Tests and T20s. He also proposed a knockout Test Championship to boost the popularity of Tests. Talking to a T.V. channel, Martin Crowe said, “I don't believe three forms will work, I think it is confusing. I think new formats, tinkering with rules like silly split innings will only see the global game become another fun park with different rides and attractions. That will just dilute the market and create confusion and chaos”. He advised ICC to focus on two formats so that they can easily consolidate them in the world of sports. He asked them to use the strategy which was employed in firming ODIs and Test cricket in 70s and 80s.
Crowe is currently part of MCC Cricket Committee, who last year unveiled plans to make Test cricket more competitive. This plan includes a proposition of an annual Test Championship comprising of seven-day knockout games, with four top teams pitted against the teams of lower standing. According to Crowe, this championship once introduced, will become the focus for all the media, fans and teams alike. He also said that it will boost competitiveness in Test cricket. Such measures will also silence the skeptics of Test cricket as Test cricket will become more relevant for cricket teams and their itineraries.
Commenting on it, former New Zealand opener, Crowe said, “The Championship, while giving all teams an opportunity to win the title, would also make Tests more relevant. It firstly gives the worst team a chance to possibly dream that it could make that final. Obviously it gives all the other teams a chance to be crowned every year”.
With the introduction of a Test championship, Test cricket will get a new boost of life. Currently cricket is dominated by shorter formats through events such as World Cups, Champions Trophies, World Twenty20, the IPL, the Champions League. But, Test cricket, which is the original form of cricket, does not have any major place in cricket’s calendar. In order to make Test cricket more relevant, Crowe has also supported the concept of day-night Tests and use of pink balls. According to Crowe, such measures will add more attraction in Test cricket and will draw more fans. Crowe asked ICC to focus on marketing Test cricket in new and unchartered territories for the overall betterment of cricket.
Commenting on use of a pink ball, Crowe said, “The MCC has nearly nailed it with the pink ball. It nearly lasts up to 70 overs, and that's pretty close to what you want in a Test match. It's time we tried it, because people will be surprised as to how good it is”.
Following Crowe, other cricketers have also joined this chorus. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sanjay-c88566 Manjrekar, the former Indian batsman, believes that Test cricket needs some tweaks to save it from a fate of obscurity. Manjrekar has asked for lifting a ban on bouncers in Test cricket. Manjrekar believes that such measures will add spice and flavour to Test cricket and will provide entertainment.
It is hard to say what ICC will decide to do with Test cricket or any other format. But the ICC needs to bring some radical reforms to curtail problems in cricket today.
Tags: