Test Cricket
Cricket has a history dating back to 16th century. This magnificent game has evolved since then. But, one thing has endured: it is still cherished and adored by the commonalities. We chiefly have three formats in the game now: T20, ODI and Test Cricket. Test cricket was the foremost form of the game. And, indisputably it is the purest form! But, with the drop in frequency of test matches is this untainted and challenging format on for a farewell now!?
Yes, this is a major issue. The exciting and shortest T20 format is on a roll. It has suppressed all other layouts of the game. This format is doing wonders for the businessmen. It is making the players blissful by pouring their pockets. The spectators are very pleased by this format due to its diminutive, electrifying and thrilling nature. T20 is reaching all types of spectators which cricket’s previous formats were not able to reach! It’s promoting the game enormously. The leagues like “IPL” and “T20 World Cup” gain tremendous TRP’s. The IPL is high on the glamour quotient too. It has an Ambani, Shahrukh Khan, Shilpa Shetty and even more celebrities. Who will not love to follow such a sensational and splendid event?! And even the international players due to the colossal pay are choosing to play in an IPL over a national team match! Wow! I am not being jingoistic, but, isn’t this format decimating the emotion of “we all together as a nation”.
After a T20 league nobody feels like watching an ODI. Spare a thought for the Test game. So, is playing this format just a formality now! Indeed, this form is the real mentally challenging one. It tests the physical and mental fitness of the players. It is longest and most demanding format. It takes its toll on the players. Only tough and chiefly orthodox players can survive in test cricket. It requires patience, technique and a good temperament to play in it. Moreover, it’s also a balanced form. Bowlers get to play their role too in it which is rather unapparent in the shorter T20 form which is batsman dominant. No wonder we see unorthodox like Afridi turning their face off this test format and the skilled ones like Gambhir demanding its rejuvenation!
So, yes actually there is a huge shift today in the choice of the community. The extravaganza’s like IPL are nurturing raw talent erroneously to be unorthodox and just boom-boom! The young exuberant blood has to be redirected to save the original courtesy of Cricket. The ICC has to take some decisions to revive Test Cricket. One of them maybe to cut short ODI’s! But, then, yes at the end in this promptly gliding world it depends totally on the spectators to make the choice!
By: Chintan Zalani
Tags: Cricket, IPL, ODI Cricket, Sports, T20 Cricket, Test Cricket
