Michael Vaughan demands 'dedicated window' to protect Test cricket

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan recently took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to ask for a three-month dedicated window just for Test cricket and no other format. The tweet came in the context of protecting the longest format of the game, as many cricketers as well as the cricketing boards have been prioritising shorter formats as of late.

It is worth noting that India are set to take on England in a five-game Test series, slated to begin from January 25 in the subcontinent, which will also be the first red-ball assignment of the year for the Three Lions. In the light of favouring the red-ball format, the former English cricketer came forward and opined that an exclusive schedule must be given to the game's oldest format.

ALSO READ: No offline sales for India-England 1st Test; Tickets to be sold exclusively online by the HCA

With a plethora of T20 leagues being held across the globe, Vaughan has said that all those leagues should be held, but not in the window dedicated for the longest format. All the domestic leagues, including ICC's marquee events, should be held outside the window, according to a recent X post shared by the 49-year-old.

“A 3 month dedicated window for Test cricket every year for both the men & women’s teams is the only way to protect the greatest format .. no other cricket but Test around those 3 months .. the other 9 months for all the leagues ICC events,” Vaughan posted.

4 day games should be the way now: Vaughan

Furthermore, the ex-cricketer also talked of how the life of Test cricket can be prolonged. Replying to a user talking about how Test cricket is on its way to die, Vaughan agreed with his opinion and opined that the shift of four days from five days should be made to make sure that the Test cricket is preserved. All in all, he feels that four-day games in a three-month window will be helpful in sustaining Tests.

“You could be right .. that’s why we must do everything can to save it .. Also 4 day games should be the way now IMO,” Vaughan tweeted. 

Meanwhile, the first Test, which will be held in Hyderabad, will be a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2023-25. Currently, the Indian team sit in second place in the WTC standings with 26 points in four matches. On the other hand, England sit in seventh place with nine points in five games, touring India, the Ben Stokes-led side will hope for an impressive performance and scale the standings with this series.