Future of Test cricket

Test cricket is moving towards death slowly and gradually, constantly failing to even enthuse players, let alone the fans, in the face of the growling allure of T20 cricket. There are countless examples of renowned players who have "retired" from the five-day cricket, but are very much part of the other two formats of the game. Even players holding great Test records are not as popular among cricket fans as the cameo boys of T20. James Anderson – the English pacer who recently hanged his boots and who holds the record of most Test wickets, 704, by a fast bowler – is an example in the context.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and other stakeholders, including former players, are trying their best to resuscitate Test cricket back to its consciousness of yore, with measures like changing the rules governing the game of cricket, and announcing incentives for players. As part of such efforts, the ICC is considering establishing a multi-million dollar fund meant for preserving the future of Test cricket. As reported, the proposed fund "aims to increase match fees for Test players and counter the migration of talent to lucrative T20 leagues".

But it's indeed sad to note since today's cricket is marked by speed, energy and vigour – like any other modern-day activity – the measures being considered by the ICC to bring excitement back to Test cricket can only delay the death of the longest version of the game. It is painful to think that Test cricket which has entertained us all these years with nail-biting Ashes encounters and Indo-Pak duels may soon be restricted to a one-inning-per-side format – as being suggested by many an expert – before its final passing sometime later. This is the writing on the wall.