Test Cricket remains popular with Cricket fans
The discussion on Test cricket and the shorter version of cricket is in the news with majority of ardent fans leaning towards the shorter version of the game. However, the more hardcore cricket fans still find an exquisite charm in the longer format and are the more sincere fans of the game.
According to this school of thought, real cricket with all the ingredients of endurance, temperament, and versatility are depicted in true form in the longer version of cricket. Whereas, the change of pace in shorter versions remains usually predictable, the improbability associated with test matches possess a beauty of its own kind. The delicacy involved in gaining test status adds another charm and elegance to the longer version of the game. Test matches were introduced in 1877, whereas, history of One Day Internationals (ODIs) could be traced back to three decades. The first One Day match was played between England and Australia on 5th January 1971. On the other hand the new shorter version of T20 series, was introduced in 2007 that gave a new pace and swing to cricket.
One Day International matches follow field restrictions that don’t allow 9 players outside the fielding circle for specific overs. In ODI matches, such restrictions are followed for 15 overs while T20 requires a five-over limitation for the same restrictions. Contrary to the restrictions in the shorter versions, the test format does not follow any field restrictions. Whereas fitness is a pre-requisite for all version of the game, the lengthy test format requires much more stamina and endurance as compared to ODIs and the T20 format. Similarly a specific kind of temperament is required for test matches that demand more resilience and passion in order to clinch success from the opponents.
It is normally said that the English and Aussies exhibit the highest level of temperament patience and skills during the renowned Ashes series. On the other hand Pakistan despite being an excellent performer of Test cricket, now days lacks the required temperament and resilience to withstand the pressure of a test match.
Test matches are not played in the World Cup format contrary to ODI World Cup held after every four years. The T20 World Cup has also been initiated after every two years.
Test matches are three dimensional in nature as compared to the one directional feature of the One Day match. It is the same three dimensional attribute of the game that requires continuous monitoring of the game for its real taste. The unpredictability and improbability associated with Test matches makes it an ideal candidate for displaying natural cricket. The result of Test matches may be hijacked by any player that is not expected to display superb performance. The results have been changed by superb batting by the tail-enders. In comparison to the natural taste of Test matches, ODIs project an artificial taste with the tempo of game dependent on the climax in the compressed period of the game.
The essence of Test cricket needs to be preserved by the ICC and introduction of new formats in ODIs may be thoroughly scrutinized to keep the real taste of cricket intact. In a recent test match between India and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ajantha-c42419 Mendis’s superb display of tactics and temperament revived the glorious traditions of Test matches that kept the heart beats of cricket viewers jumping in an exciting mode. The enthralling match proved the versatility of Test matches and truly depicted that Test matches depend on performance irrespective of the clock factor in ODIs.
The Ashes test series would be an enjoyable event for ardent cricket fans as it has enhanced its credibility and uniqueness over a period of time. While England and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. ICC must think of launching test series between India and Pakistan that would ultimately provide a new life line to Test cricket.
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