‘It is where legends are made, it is where reputations and careers are forged’ - Cricket Australia chief hails Ashes, believes it can preserve Test cricket

Ashes 2023 is one of the most talked-about topics in the cricketing world at the moment. After a humiliating 4-0 defeat last time around, England were expected to bounce back in the ongoing edition but unfortunately, the Ben Stokes-led side suffered a two-wicket defeat at Edgbaston in the first of the five-match series. The consequence of this defeat is legendary in itself, especially with how England have approached Test cricket in recent times.

Under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, the Three Lions revolutionized red-ball cricket but a win over their arch-rivals is still what the team is craving for. Meanwhile, speaking about their historic rivalry, Cricket Australia chief, Nick Hockley, stated that if the two teams can keep up with the intensity, then it’s great for Test cricket, as it can play a key role in preserving Test cricket worldwide. 

“We hope that will be a stimulus to encourage players and administrators that it is the ultimate format of the game. It is where legends are made, it is where reputations and careers are forged. In commercial terms, we have seen record audiences for this first Ashes Test. Both in Australia and England. We have seen big audiences around the world. That is driven by the compelling narrative,” Hockley was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"What we're seeing through recent weeks in the UK is the importance and enduring appeal of Test cricket. People will talk about the Test match at Edgbaston for many, many years. That is a great advert for Test cricket across all countries, because the reality is that T20 has encouraged different competing pressures. Both from a cricket side and a commercial side,” he added.

We are acutely aware of the pressures and demands: Hockley

Nick Hockley also believes that the concept of the World Test Championship can protect Test cricket going forward. He added saying that it’s a massive step forward, providing context and helping teams to focus more on red-ball cricket.

“We are acutely aware of the pressures and demands. The World Test Championship is a massive step forward, providing context to all the series and also making sure there is a well-established framework to ensure we play a range of teams. We need to make sure we are taking great care of international cricket. "We have just seen with our latest round of broadcast and sponsorship deals, that World Cups have never been more popular,” Hockley concluded.