Cricket: ‘Series loss to deepen crisis’

LONDON:

Former captain Geoffrey Boycott feels England’s hammering of a financially powerful India might leave spectators disillusioned and deepen the problems of Test cricket.

“I’m thrilled and delighted by England’s performances,” he said. “But it’s a shame that they’ve risen to number one in an era when other Test teams are declining.” Boycott further felt the game’s future and India’s performance is inter-linked. “India’s financial might is the biggest thing cricket has going for it and everyone will suffer if their spectators become disillusioned.” The former opener felt the rise of Twenty20 cricket coupled with the economic scenario is pushing Test cricket to the brink of extinction.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2011.