Can't disagree that people's interest has gone down, but no way is Test cricket dying: Michael Holding

Legendary former West Indies cricketer Michael Holding does not mince words while commentating or giving views related to anything. He talks straight from the heart and often gets misunderstood by fans and experts. Recently he spoke about how he does not consider the T20 format as cricket and feels it has ruined the purest format of the game.

Often there is widespread debate among the experts and fans that Test cricket is dying. To promote the red-ball game among the followers, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced World Test Championship (WTC). The first cycle was a huge success and the ICC has already announced the schedule for the next cycle.

While some fans feel Test cricket is dying, others love the intense battle of five days between the bat and ball. The debate is a never-ending one and Holding has his say on the matter.

Michael Holding believes Test cricket is the ultimate form of cricket

“When people say ‘Test cricket is dying’, you first have to understand what they are referring to. And in what context they are saying ‘Test Cricket is dying’. If you look at it, in the context of people attending tests and interest in Test cricket, I don’t think you could disagree with anyone that the interest and attendance at Test cricket has down tremendously.”

“It is no longer at the top of people’s lists. When you think of the standard of cricket being played and how entertaining it is, there’s absolutely no way you can say Test cricket is dying, because of the standard of cricket that you’re watching, and the entertainment value from Test Cricket…. As far as I am concerned it is alive and well.” Holding told Times of India.”

The WTC final between India and New Zealand was a close affair. The Blackcaps won the encounter, and the former West Indies pacer believes that’s what Test cricket is all about.

“When you watch two Test teams taking part in a Test match, I don’t think there could be anything better. The ebbs and flows throughout the five days, if it lasts that long, I think is fantastic. But you cannot argue with anyone who says that the interest in it, and the attendance and the priority that people give to Test cricket has certainly waned.” Holding concluded.