Is Test cricket losing its shine?

Is Test cricket losing its shine?: I am a huge fan of cricket, especially Test cricket. T20 is the name we often hear these days. The innovation, entertainment and the fun it offers attracts large crowds. But, it is Test cricket which brings out the real cricketer.

The big question today is: Is Test cricket losing its shine? In my opinion, yes! it is. Are there any particular reasons? Yes, there are. Is T20 the reason? Yes, it is. Is T20 the only reason? No, definitely not.

Presently, we see almost every Test match producing a result. Is it good for Test cricket? Yes, why not. So, we definitely expect to see some classics. Are there many classics? No, not many, only a few. The flat pitches used mean a lot of runs are scored. The last decade has seen batsmen-friendly wickets being used. Test matches now don’t last 5 full days. Why?

Well, T20 is surely one of the reasons. Yes, on flat wickets, we see draws, but very few. Even if the pitch is a little lively, we see Test matches get over in just 3 days. Take the example of the recently concluded Ashes (Ashes 2015). When the pitch aided some movement, we saw the matches get over in 3 days.

Is it because of poor technique? Yes, technique is a factor. But there is another factor, the mindset. The way batsmen are trying to play aggressive shots and getting out is depressing to say the least. They bring the T20 mindset into a Test match. They say that it is important to be aggressive. I say controlled aggression is necessary. More than that patience is important. Ultimately, it is patience and temperament which are the 2 most important skills a Test player must possess.

Let me also present a small theory. Winning must be the first priority of any team in a Test match. But when the team realises that it cannot win, a draw must be their next priority, not a loss. But this is not what most of the current captains feel. They go for the kill, no matter what. And that is why we see so many Test matches ending with a result.

Even though Test matches are producing results, they are becoming boring. Why? Most of them are very one-sided that they get over in 2 days. Rarely do we find classics like the Ashes 2005 classics. And when dead wickets are used, they totally kill Test match cricket.

All I am trying to say is that we as Test cricket lovers need lively wickets and batsmen to play with more responsibility. Let me confirm that I am not at all against T20 cricket. After all it is so much fun. But please do not employ T20 methods in Test cricket. Look at the Gavaskars. The Pontings, the Richards, the Dravids, the Tendulkars. T20 is about innovation, Test cricket is about class, T20 is about entertainment but Test cricket is what defines a real cricketer. The legends of the game know that. If each player plays a Test match the way it should be played, then it has a lovely future; for now, Test cricket is definitely losing its shine.