How long will Test cricket last without subsidies? Should it be left to die a natural death?

[Joseph Gomes]

Previously, the regular fans outside Eng and Aus didn't care about tests anymore, but now even hardcore fans and cricket experts are getting frustrated that only teams from SENA get murdered in SC and vice versa. Almost all series with SC vs SENA is extremely predictable. This is far worse than what purists call JAMODI, bilateral ODIs are never as one sided anywhere.

Now that England is trying to focus on LOIs (they recently revamped their ODI squad with the likes of Bairstow, Roy, Buttler etc) and now planning about even shorter formats like The 100, test cricket future indeed looks perilous.

That would leave only Australia who'd give top priority to tests in about 10 years. With test cricket in this condition, how long do you think it would survive if boards stop subsidizing tests? Should it be left to die naturally? Does a slow and predictable format like tests deserve a lifeline in 21st century? The regular public seemed to have moved on long ago.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Test cricket is here to stay. Full houses in England, Australia, India and hopefully Pakistan only have good things to say about the format.

 

[Rahul1]

Why are you so desperate to see test cricket dead? It will does if it has to. The way things are going, i think ODI's will disappear before tests.

 

[cricket.mad]

I was surprised to find good number of spectators for recent test match between India vs Afghanistan in bangalore...if that is the case for a match against Afghanistan,then I think tests will survive in India and add Australia and England to the list as tests definitely matter a lot for their cricketing public

 

[BDfanforever]

Why are you so desperate to see test cricket dead? It will does if it has to. The way things are going, i think ODI's will disappear before tests.

World Cup Cricket is the most popular cricketing tournament...so I doubt ODI will ever disappear. T20 is just fun cricket.

Test on the other hand, I am wiling to bet most people just looks at cricinfo scorecards or maybe few retirees in the stands for top teams like Eng, Aus, etc. Otherwise, it is the most boring long sporting event in the world.

 

[Robert]

What is SENA?

 

[Sam99]

What is SENA?

I guess South Africa, England, New Zealand & Australia.

 

[Lefthanded]

What is SENA?

South Africa, England, New Zealand & Australia.

 

[Lefthanded]

It's not like most countries play that many Tests anyway.

Even so, doing the Test championship right is/was the last real chance for ICC to give Tests a shot in the arm. Unfortunately, the standards problems ailing Tests are not a priority for the ICC. Killing reverse swing seems to be. Fixing over-rates and improving pitches are not on the radar. A roomier calendar where teams can acclimatise by arriving early is another way Tests could be better. Nothing I'm saying is new but Tests don't have to die. It's not inevitable, or at least their imminent death is not inevitable.

If Pakistan and India were going to play in the Test championship, it would give the series and Tests a significant boost. However, BCCI and the Indian government have little time for the game's interests.

Test lovers are often tradition lovers. Personally, I don't care about tradition, but I do care about the feeling a Test provides on a final day when all three results are possible. No ODI or T20 can replicate that. Perhaps nothing else can.

 

[USofA]

The key word there is subsidy. Except for Eng and Aus, all the other boards subsidize test cricket. That is almost 80% of the test playing countries (not including Afg, Ire).

The JAMODI's that several people criticize are the ones that pay the bills. So, there is no leaving tests to die it's death. It will be instant, once the ODI's stop paying bills. It will be short and quick.

Right now tests are only draining the coffers. I think this is the case for even the BCCI. Right now the WC "handouts" and ODI's are the two big sources of revenues for cricket boards. Also, T20I's contribute some $$.

There is nothing wrong with the product - test cricket. Sadly, it's not a product that can be sold in the 21st century.

 

[kingusama92]

Let's see how the Test championship pans out.

Certain series will always have people watching - Ashes, IND-ENG, IND-AUS. You can include IND-PAK if they played.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Disgraceful thread. Cant imagine cricket without tests. Let's never forget test cricket is what real cricket is. Everything else came into the picture as a promotional tool. No matter how popular or profit making LOIs become they are not cricket in its purest form but abominations.

I dont care if only 5 nations play tests.

 

[USofA]

Disgraceful thread. Cant imagine cricket without tests. Let's never forget test cricket is what real cricket is. Everything else came into the picture as a promotional tool. No matter how popular or profit making LOIs become they are not cricket in its purest form but abominations.

I dont care if only 5 nations play tests.

The OP is talking reality. So nothing disgraceful in being realistic. I do understand your point. But the issue is, where will the $$$ come from to pay for tests. Because, everyone involved is conducting a test will expect to be paid. Only 2 of the 11 boards make money from tests. Where will the 9 boards go to pay the bills?

 

[Bhaijaan]

The OP is talking reality. So nothing disgraceful in being realistic. I do understand your point. But the issue is, where will the $$$ come from to pay for tests. Because, everyone involved is conducting a test will expect to be paid. Only 2 of the 11 boards make money from tests. Where will the 9 boards go to pay the bills?

The Big 3 have no problems with test cricket. They alone are enough.

The game will live on otherwise we might have to coin a different term fot whatever is left because surely there is no Cricket without test cricket.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

I think its high time that test cricket should be played as main format in associate countries.

I suggest a core of 12 test playing nations.

Top 6 - Test Premier League - with promotion/relegation system in which the teams that finish 5th and 6th have play offs against teams winning and runners up in Test Division One

Test Division One - 6 teams with those winning and runners up having play offs.

Test Division Two - Start having associate teams playing tests and only one promotion/relegation.

Test Division Three -


I would want at least 3 divisions to 5 divisions of associate teams playing the 5 day test cricket and honing their skills with the red ball.

So when it comes to the real teams, they already have gained plenty of experience in red ball conditions and are not there to make up numbers.

I know it's never going to happen.

But if it did, Test cricket would rise from the ashes and once again be a force.

 

[USofA]

I think its high time that test cricket should be played as main format in associate countries.

I suggest a core of 12 test playing nations.

Top 6 - Test Premier League - with promotion/relegation system in which the teams that finish 5th and 6th have play offs against teams winning and runners up in Test Division One

Test Division One - 6 teams with those winning and runners up having play offs.

Test Division Two - Start having associate teams playing tests and only one promotion/relegation.

Test Division Three -


I would want at least 3 divisions to 5 divisions of associate teams playing the 5 day test cricket and honing their skills with the red ball.

So when it comes to the real teams, they already have gained plenty of experience in red ball conditions and are not there to make up numbers.

I know it's never going to happen.

But if it did, Test cricket would rise from the ashes and once again be a force.

Good suggestions. Similar ones have been made in the past. But none of them (including yours) have addressed a very important issue. Where do the $$$ come from to pay for it?

 

[USofA]

The Big 3 have no problems with test cricket. They alone are enough.

The game will live on otherwise we might have to coin a different term fot whatever is left because surely there is no Cricket without test cricket.

But the $$ issue is still not addressed. Because bills will come due. Unless, you are suggesting that the Big3 can have at it and the rest should pack up and leave the test scene.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Test cricket is not a game many casual fans take interest in.For some of these fans,even ODIs are too long.T20,T10 and ‘the Hundred’ plus any other alternatives will be more attractive to fans in the future.

I love test cricket as it is and I want Pakistan to play more of it against top teams.But Test cricket outside of Big 3 is in a precarious position.

 

[Mamoon]

Test cricket needs to die. Nothing lasts forever, it’s time is up.

The revenue generated by white ball cricket should not be used to fund an outdated format that has no play in the modern, fast-paced world.

Some people are denial, but they will eventually come to terms with the fact that a 100 year old person on life support is not going to live for long, and there is no point in prolonging his/her agony through contrived means.

Test cricket ruled the sport from 1877 to the 1990s, it has had its glory and run at the top, but a sport where a match lasts for five days is utterly ridiculous in today’s world, and even Tests purists do not have the time to watch a full day’s play.

It cannot compete with white ball cricket any longer, and white ball cricket is not responsible for Test cricket’s survival.

All these pink balls, day/night Tests, four day tests etc. won’t help. Test cricket has ran its course.

 

[USofA]

Test cricket needs to die. Nothing lasts forever, it’s time is up.

The revenue generated by white ball cricket should not be used to fund an outdated format that has no play in the modern, fast-paced world.

Some people are denial, but they will eventually come to terms with the fact that a 100 year old person on life support is not going to live for long, and there is no point in prolonging his/her agony through contrived means.

Test cricket ruled the sport from 1877 to the 1990s, it has had its glory and run at the top, but a sport where a match lasts for five days is utterly ridiculous in today’s world, and even Tests purists do not have the time to watch a full day’s play.

It cannot compete with white ball cricket any longer, and white ball cricket is not responsible for Test cricket’s survival.

All these pink balls, day/night Tests, four day tests etc. won’t help. Test cricket has ran its course.

Reality check.

 

[Robert]

Test cricket needs to die. Nothing lasts forever, it’s time is up.

The revenue generated by white ball cricket should not be used to fund an outdated format that has no play in the modern, fast-paced world.

Some people are denial, but they will eventually come to terms with the fact that a 100 year old person on life support is not going to live for long, and there is no point in prolonging his/her agony through contrived means.

Test cricket ruled the sport from 1877 to the 1990s, it has had its glory and run at the top, but a sport where a match lasts for five days is utterly ridiculous in today’s world, and even Tests purists do not have the time to watch a full day’s play.

It cannot compete with white ball cricket any longer, and white ball cricket is not responsible for Test cricket’s survival.

All these pink balls, day/night Tests, four day tests etc. won’t help. Test cricket has ran its course.

Stop playing it then. England and Australia will carry on with the Ashes, last as we were first.

 

[Mamoon]

Stop playing it then. England and Australia will carry on with the Ashes, last as we were first.

Only a matter of time before they lose interest a well. England’s rise in white ball cricket will mean that the next generation of English cricketers and supporters will be more geared towards ODIs and T20Is.

What is happening in Asia is also going to happen in Australia and England eventually.

 

[hafeezrocks]

Stop playing it then. England and Australia will carry on with the Ashes, last as we were first.

We will, enough of British Snobbery called Test Cricket.

 

[coy0607]

I think it's clear test cricket will mostly die out over time given it's not financially viable - no product or business that's losing money survives over the long term. So I'll estimate 8-10 years for majority of test cricket to go away, a few marque series like Ashes will remain

Administrators need to tweak the format is some way to start attracting bigger TV audiences for Test cricket to continue

 

[Bhaijaan]

Stop playing it then. England and Australia will carry on with the Ashes, last as we were first.

We are with you Robby. India will play test cricket. India loves test cricket. Never feel alone for as long as your Bhaijaan is there.

 

[Brodipet_baadshah]

Most recent snoozefest series like ind vs afg, ind vs sl attracted good number of spectators to stadiums in India..soo noo..test cricket will not die atleast in India

 

[Titan24]

Many are missing a big point regarding test cricket irrespective of revenue and crowd pulling

- If test cricket dies

- First Class cricket dies (No point in playing 4 day in domestics when there is no test cricket)-

- This happens then you lose biggest nursery of player development in each country as first class (4 day) cricket is the one which develops the basic skills of a cricketer and ODIs and T 20s are just a platform to showcase that. You can see players in each team, they have all come through by playing and developing their skills through 4 day cricket

- This will lead to poor players, poor quality of cricket and eventually cricket will die

ICC and boards know this and that is why they are trying things to impose interest in test cricket.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Test cricket needs to die. Nothing lasts forever, it’s time is up.

The revenue generated by white ball cricket should not be used to fund an outdated format that has no play in the modern, fast-paced world.

Some people are denial, but they will eventually come to terms with the fact that a 100 year old person on life support is not going to live for long, and there is no point in prolonging his/her agony through contrived means.

Test cricket ruled the sport from 1877 to the 1990s, it has had its glory and run at the top, but a sport where a match lasts for five days is utterly ridiculous in today’s world, and even Tests purists do not have the time to watch a full day’s play.

It cannot compete with white ball cricket any longer, and white ball cricket is not responsible for Test cricket’s survival.

All these pink balls, day/night Tests, four day tests etc. won’t help. Test cricket has ran its course.

No it doesnt need to die.

I am not a fan of all this purist nonsense but I do believe that red ball cricket is a different skill altogether.

Also I am in favor of having no flat tracks at all in test cricket so that there is at least some competition between bat and ball.


I dont want test cricket to die BECAUSE its purist and old and loyalty.

I want it because it is a different skill and requirement and I dont want to do away with a brand of cricket that is a test of patience, resolve and time.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Good suggestions. Similar ones have been made in the past. But none of them (including yours) have addressed a very important issue. Where do the $$$ come from to pay for it?

ICC can initially allot 30 percent of all ODI funds and 20 percent of T20 funds by every country playing those versions to development and establishing test cricket.

If you expect Test Cricket to make its own funds at the moment, besides the Ashes it would be incredibly hard to generate revenue.

But if given proper time and attention by pouring funds from other formats, I believe it can survive the onslaught of other formats.

 

[ads101]

Stop playing it then. England and Australia will carry on with the Ashes, last as we were first.

Honestly just dislike the ashes. It's whole concept disgusts me a little. It's arguably the reason why I don't support England as my first team. Two teams treat a series as the most important thing in cricket, i.e. the pinnacle, regardless of strength of teams. Just feels like elitism from the two oldest nations in cricket. Just disrespects other teams. Part of the beauty of sport is that any county can get good at demand that respect, i.e. become the team people want to beat. Anyone can potentially be recognised if they put in the hard work and become the best.

Yet with the Ashes mentality though let's Say England are 2nd, Australia are 8th. England would still rather beat a weak Aussie side than beat the team at 1. That's wrong. It's fine to have a friendly rivalry but the Ashes takes it a bit far, as I said feels like exclusivity. Though when I speak with Eng/Aus fans I don't know why they don't see it, or realise how it can be seen like that from other countries. As I said a friendly rivalry is fine. But the Ashes isn't just that.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Test cricket needs to die. Nothing lasts forever, it’s time is up.

The revenue generated by white ball cricket should not be used to fund an outdated format that has no play in the modern, fast-paced world.

Some people are denial, but they will eventually come to terms with the fact that a 100 year old person on life support is not going to live for long, and there is no point in prolonging his/her agony through contrived means.

Test cricket ruled the sport from 1877 to the 1990s, it has had its glory and run at the top, but a sport where a match lasts for five days is utterly ridiculous in today’s world, and even Tests purists do not have the time to watch a full day’s play.

It cannot compete with white ball cricket any longer, and white ball cricket is not responsible for Test cricket’s survival.

All these pink balls, day/night Tests, four day tests etc. won’t help. Test cricket has ran its course.

Fully agreed.

Sadly, this is the truth.

 

[Robert]

Honestly just dislike the ashes. It's whole concept disgusts me a little. It's arguably the reason why I don't support England as my first team. Two teams treat a series as the most important thing in cricket, i.e. the pinnacle, regardless of strength of teams. Just feels like elitism from the two oldest nations in cricket. Just disrespects other teams. Part of the beauty of sport is that any county can get good at demand that respect, i.e. become the team people want to beat. Anyone can potentially be recognised if they put in the hard work and become the best.

Yet with the Ashes mentality though let's Say England are 2nd, Australia are 8th. England would still rather beat a weak Aussie side than beat the team at 1. That's wrong. It's fine to have a friendly rivalry but the Ashes takes it a bit far, as I said feels like exclusivity. Though when I speak with Eng/Aus fans I don't know why they don't see it, or realise how it can be seen like that from other countries. As I said a friendly rivalry is fine. But the Ashes isn't just that.

Yes, in 1986 England and Australia were the worst test teams in the world. But winning the Ashes was still more important than beating West Indies or winning the World Cup. It always will be.

 

[Robert]

We are with you Robby. India will play test cricket. India loves test cricket. Never feel alone for as long as your Bhaijaan is there.

Hurrah! The Anglo-India series is always one I look forward to. I love the positive spirit it is played in.

 

[ads101]

Yes, in 1986 England and Australia were the worst test teams in the world. But winning the Ashes was still more important than beating West Indies or winning the World Cup. It always will be.

And you don't think that's a little bit wrong? Inclusivity and all?

 

[barah_admi]

Previously, the regular fans outside Eng and Aus didn't care about tests anymore, but now even hardcore fans and cricket experts are getting frustrated that only teams from SENA get murdered in SC and vice versa. Almost all series with SC vs SENA is extremely predictable. This is far worse than what purists call JAMODI, bilateral ODIs are never as one sided anywhere.

Now that England is trying to focus on LOIs (they recently revamped their ODI squad with the likes of Bairstow, Roy, Buttler etc) and now planning about even shorter formats like The 100, test cricket future indeed looks perilous.

That would leave only Australia who'd give top priority to tests in about 10 years. With test cricket in this condition, how long do you think it would survive if boards stop subsidizing tests? Should it be left to die naturally? Does a slow and predictable format like tests deserve a lifeline in 21st century? The regular public seemed to have moved on long ago.

You're mixing up several issues.

The non Asia sides not playing well in Asia is an age old problem, it's only the Aussies at their peak and Smiths Saffers who managed to do well/win at times. None of that has got anything to do with England's 100 ball game or their rising T20 ambitions (the English league will be revamped sooner rather than later). It is true that the ECB has pumped more money and care into the ODI game, in the run up to a home world cup BUT that does not mean the English fans have lost the appetite for test cricket, nor does it mean Sky's deal for test cricket is any less lucrative.

In fact, England still plays in front of packed houses, often sold out, from London to Manchester, Leeds to Birmingham in test matches. Australia is just as enthusiastic, with the odd big crowd appearing in SA and at times NZ. It's true that the SC nations usually play in front of empty seats but I do not think it is enough to kill test cricket financially because the big money is in TV deals and sponsorship.

 

[Robert]

And you don't think that's a little bit wrong? Inclusivity and all?

No. Especially given the number of Africans, Caribbeans and Asians who have played for England down the decades. Historically, England are the most inclusive team.

 

[silentkiller187]

how about a franchise style 4 day league, similar to the ipl. could draw in some new fans, would be good to see some of the best players in the world mix it up on the test stage, through in some entertainment etc. could be on to a winner.

 

[ads101]

No. Especially given the number of Africans, Caribbeans and Asians who have played for England down the decades. Historically, England are the most inclusive team.

UK has been very pro-inclusivity, there has been more racial integration than most countries. It's a great thing. Which is partially why it bothers me, I've grown up with those values. Just because England shows inclusivity in one regard doesn't allow them an excuse to show exclusivity in another. And it's far worse in my opinion is that exclusivity in this regard is set up and encouraged. It's not treated as a problem, it's celebrated.

It seems like you're dodging the question a bit though. That doesn't make a difference, it doesn't address the issue directly. And if it it hypothetically did, does that mean Australia should feel worse than England? Because while they have had players of different ethnicities in their team, they're no where near in comparison to England.

As I said from a moral standpoint, I find it difficult to justify.

 

[USofA]

ICC can initially allot 30 percent of all ODI funds and 20 percent of T20 funds by every country playing those versions to development and establishing test cricket.

If you expect Test Cricket to make its own funds at the moment, besides the Ashes it would be incredibly hard to generate revenue.

But if given proper time and attention by pouring funds from other formats, I believe it can survive the onslaught of other formats.

It's been there since the advent of the game. How much more time does test cricket need? Also you are still advocating test cricket to leach off the other formats. How long should this leaching go on? Shouldn't there be a time limit set for tests to stand back on its own feet again?

 

[Robert]

UK has been very pro-inclusivity, there has been more racial integration than most countries. It's a great thing. Which is partially why it bothers me, I've grown up with those values. Just because England shows inclusivity in one regard doesn't allow them an excuse to show exclusivity in another. And it's far worse in my opinion is that exclusivity in this regard is set up and encouraged. It's not treated as a problem, it's celebrated.

It seems like you're dodging the question a bit though. That doesn't make a difference, it doesn't address the issue directly. And if it it hypothetically did, does that mean Australia should feel worse than England? Because while they have had players of different ethnicities in their team, they're no where near in comparison to England.

As I said from a moral standpoint, I find it difficult to justify.

I don't understand why you think this has a moral dimension. England and Australia are like brothers who each really get up the other's nose - the older stuffier one, and the younger brasher one. The rivalry goes back 150 years.

Think of Spurs and Arsenal. Their unending furious rivalry doesn't imply disrepect for Chelsea and Man City.

 

[Mamoon]

No it doesnt need to die.

I am not a fan of all this purist nonsense but I do believe that red ball cricket is a different skill altogether.

Also I am in favor of having no flat tracks at all in test cricket so that there is at least some competition between bat and ball.


I dont want test cricket to die BECAUSE its purist and old and loyalty.

I want it because it is a different skill and requirement and I dont want to do away with a brand of cricket that is a test of patience, resolve and time.

No one wants Test cricket to die because they hate it. However, it is inevitable now because Test cricket is at the need of its product lifecycle.

There is simply no demand for it anymore, and white ball cricket cannot subsidize it forever.

Good pitches etc. will not make a difference in the long run because the younger generations are simply not interested in a format where a match lasts for five days.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Yes, in 1986 England and Australia were the worst test teams in the world. But winning the Ashes was still more important than beating West Indies or winning the World Cup. It always will be.

Forget it Robby. Some people will never get it. Ashes is a test series we all purists look forward to. As a pure spectacle nothing comes close to it. Ashes remains the face of test cricket and one of the prominent reasons why test will/should never die. As bhaijaan said earlier the word Cricket should retire if at all tests are to retire because without tests there is no such game as cricket. Just some mikey mouse gimmicks.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Hurrah! The Anglo-India series is always one I look forward to. I love the positive spirit it is played in.

I'm glad we are now starting to play 5 test series. The Big 3 have their priorities set right for sure. Hopefully the Border-Gavaskar trophy will also be expanded to 5 tests in due course. Good to see us play a lot of tests with each other.

 

[ads101]

I don't understand why you think this has a moral dimension. England and Australia are like brothers who each really get up the other's nose - the older stuffier one, and the younger brasher one. The rivalry goes back 150 years.

Think of Spurs and Arsenal. Their unending furious rivalry doesn't imply disrepect for Chelsea and Man City.

Cos Spurs and Arsenal would rather win the league/trophies. It's not their main focus. Beating say Man city in the title race to clinch the Premiership cup means far more. Hence a good example how a team with relative little flashy history now demands respect from other teams. With the Ashes, there's the ideology as long as you won the ashes it's the pinnacle. Means more than finishing first, beating the strongest team or winning a world cup. Which isn't the case in the football example you mentioned. I've heard some England fans say they would prefer to finish at the bottom of the rankings at 8th, yet win the Ashes. When you here some pundits on air, they talk about how the current test series going on is a warm up for the Ashes, and what they have to fix/change for that, irrespective whether the current team is actually stronger than England or Australia. There are very few examples (if any) I can think of where a sport for teams is centralised around one match/series. It's not your typical rivalry, it's extremely unusual.

I'm fine with England fans having that viewpoint, everyone's free to have their own opinions, and like you I don't think they think they're being elitist or snobbish by doing so. And in the same turn, I'm sure the existence of the Ashes doesn't bother other non-England/Australia fans, and they don't understand why it bothers others. But personally I really just don't get it, it seems wrong to me.

 

[Robert]

No one wants Test cricket to die because they hate it. However, it is inevitable now because Test cricket is at the need of its product lifecycle.

There is simply no demand for it anymore.

Watch every day of the next Ashes tests sell out.

 

[Mamoon]

Watch every day of the next Ashes tests sell out.

For how long? Do you anticipate the same in 20-30 years time?

 

[Mp812]

Test cricket needs to die. Nothing lasts forever, it’s time is up.

The revenue generated by white ball cricket should not be used to fund an outdated format that has no play in the modern, fast-paced world.

Some people are denial, but they will eventually come to terms with the fact that a 100 year old person on life support is not going to live for long, and there is no point in prolonging his/her agony through contrived means.

Test cricket ruled the sport from 1877 to the 1990s, it has had its glory and run at the top, but a sport where a match lasts for five days is utterly ridiculous in today’s world, and even Tests purists do not have the time to watch a full day’s play.

It cannot compete with white ball cricket any longer, and white ball cricket is not responsible for Test cricket’s survival.

All these pink balls, day/night Tests, four day tests etc. won’t help. Test cricket has ran its course.

True.
Test match was for 19th and to an extent 20th century days ,when entertainment options were limited and people had time at disposal.
In todays era ,people somehow manage time to watch a T20. Change is imminient and crickets future is mostly T20s ( wether purists like it or not) .
Even in T20s .... league will takeover in a decade if not earlier and T20s between countries will be probably restricted to something like FIFA worldcup i.e. once in 2 or maybe 4 years
ODIs might survive...but tests will eventually fizzle out as world changes more in future.

 

[USofA]

Watch every day of the next Ashes tests sell out.

Yes, they will. But how many eyeballs on tv? That is where the real money is made. Any sport needs TV audience and $$ generated from it to grow and be robust.

Another key aspect is, how may 10 -15 year old kids are watching test cricket, especially on TV? Because they are the people who are the future, and will spend their $$ on the sport.

Also is can enough money be generated from Ashes alone to keep all the counties alive? Since the ECB has to give handouts to the counties.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Yes, they will. But how many eyeballs on tv? That is where the real money is made. Any sport needs TV audience and $$ generated from it to grow and be robust.

Another key aspect is, how may 10 -15 year old kids are watching test cricket, especially on TV? Because they are the people who are the future, and will spend their $$ on the sport.

Also is can enough money be generated from Ashes alone to keep all the counties alive? Since the ECB has to give handouts to the counties.

Kids don't give a damn about test cricket, why do you think ECB is so desperate to come up with the The 100 and now 10 over cricket? It's because younger folks don't watch 5 day blockades on TV. They don't even watch TV, not that TVs show test matches anyway.

 

[happydavy]

It's a question of when and not if. The 2 biggest stakeholders - players and spectators, both don't care much about test cricket, and so its only a matter of time.

 

[sohailmm]

Test Cricket should die ,the feeling of being the number on team in Test Rankings come no where close to the the joy one experiences after being the ODI World Cup Champion.

I used to be a purist 5-7 years back but our life dynamics have changed in the last couple of decades and Test Cricket is just not suited to it and don't fit in.

Keep liking it as much one wish ofcourse no one can take away the love of it but it wont last for long due to time it takes and the pace it is played at.

 

[BDfanforever]

Forget it Robby. Some people will never get it. Ashes is a test series we all purists look forward to. As a pure spectacle nothing comes close to it. Ashes remains the face of test cricket and one of the prominent reasons why test will/should never die. As bhaijaan said earlier the word Cricket should retire if at all tests are to retire because without tests there is no such game as cricket. Just some mikey mouse gimmicks.

Oh sure. Why stop at 5 days only? Why not 10 days of test match?

 

[Robert]

Yes, they will. But how many eyeballs on tv? That is where the real money is made. Any sport needs TV audience and $$ generated from it to grow and be robust.

Another key aspect is, how may 10 -15 year old kids are watching test cricket, especially on TV? Because they are the people who are the future, and will spend their $$ on the sport.

You’ll get a good wedge of well-off viewers in the U.K. and Australia to advertise BMWs and Mercs to.

 

[UN talkz]

Cricket = Tests
Tests = Cricket

All other T20s, ODIs, T10s, Ttosses and all rubbish = Tamasha

 

[USofA]

You’ll get a good wedge of well-off viewers in the U.K. and Australia to advertise BMWs and Mercs to.

In other words, not many watching on TV. Which means less $$ to be made. Also no young ones watching, which means even less $$ in the future. How does/can test cricket sustain this?

And I am talking about the Big3 who make $$ now. Let alone the rest, where test cricket has pretty much been given the boot.

 

[USofA]

Cricket = Tests
Tests = Cricket

All other T20s, ODIs, T10s, Ttosses and all rubbish = Tamasha

Yet people moving away from it. 80% of test playing countries lose money on this "premier" format.

 

[Itachi]

Its a matter having a franchise.

In one place (ashes), it does make profit (suppose). But everywhere it is at a loss. Does it justify to continue with the franchise because in one particular place it makes profit?

 

[Robert]

In other words, not many watching on TV. Which means less $$ to be made. Also no young ones watching, which means even less $$ in the future. How does/can test cricket sustain this?

How do you know that youngsters do not watch test cricket in England and Australia?

Ir depends what type of products you are trying to sell. Test cricket attracts educated people with discerning taste and more earning power, so manufacturers of high quality products will advertise. ODI cricket attracts less discerning viewers so the marketing people will advertise lower-end products. A mnarket exists for both.

 

[USofA]

Kids don't give a damn about test cricket, why do you think ECB is so desperate to come up with the The 100 and now 10 over cricket? It's because younger folks don't watch 5 day blockades on TV. They don't even watch TV, not that TVs show test matches anyway.

There were more spectators in one section of the ground, in one Eng vs Ind ODI than all the fans that showed for the entire recent test series (4 tests - WI-Bang, SL-SA).

 

[UN talkz]

Yet people moving away from it. 80% of test playing countries lose money on this "premier" format.

Look bro
Do I watch whole 5 days of Test cricket? No not at all

But I am irritated with all these guys saying this is rubbish format and should be scrapped etc

If it wouldn't have been Test cricket there would have been no cricket at all, Test cricket is pinnacle of cricket bcz it is real form of cricket and all other forms have emerged from it.

It needs to be given respect rather than saying we need to get away with this British nonsense, what does that even mean??

Test cricket is all skills, you watched Td bryne innings few days ago against SL, it was all class, something you can never see in other formats of game. In LOIs sadly today it is all about whacking the ball and you need luck on your side, Irony is that ppl are comparing guys like Faheem Ashraf and Hardik Pandya with Imran and Kapil, they are not even 0% of what Imran and Kapil were.

I watch a lot of T20s and I enjoy it tbh but I never complain about Test cricket bcz It is where greats are made, To me VK is the best batsman at the moment and surely he is among Top 10 batsmen of all time, but he is still considered inferior to the likes of Dravid, Sachin and Gavaskar bcz he is yet to prove his mettle in Test cricket.

The problem with Test cricket is that there has been literally no change in apart since it's beginning apart from abolishing indefinite Test matches and reducing it to 5 days and now 4 days. You need more innovation in Test cricket. As far as talks of Test cricket is dying are concerned, I can tell u one thing that it isn't going anywhere, atleast for next 100 years.

 

[USofA]

@UNTalkz, I do not disagree with most of what you have said. But you, like many others have not addressed the key issue, financial sustainability. [MENTION=43242]Dr_Bassim[/MENTION] briefly did. Even he suggested leaching off ODI's and T20 (which has already been happening, for a while).

Right now, outside of Big3 (though I have doubts on BCCI) all other boards are losing money. The ODI's and T20's are paying the bills. Tests are being artificially propped up by the other formats.

I can tell you one thing. If the status quo prevails test cricket will be gone in a lot less than the 100 years you suggest.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Look bro
Do I watch whole 5 days of Test cricket? No not at all

But I am irritated with all these guys saying this is rubbish format and should be scrapped etc

If it wouldn't have been Test cricket there would have been no cricket at all, Test cricket is pinnacle of cricket bcz it is real form of cricket and all other forms have emerged from it.

It needs to be given respect rather than saying we need to get away with this British nonsense, what does that even mean??

Test cricket is all skills, you watched Td bryne innings few days ago against SL, it was all class, something you can never see in other formats of game. In LOIs sadly today it is all about whacking the ball and you need luck on your side, Irony is that ppl are comparing guys like Faheem Ashraf and Hardik Pandya with Imran and Kapil, they are not even 0% of what Imran and Kapil were.

I watch a lot of T20s and I enjoy it tbh but I never complain about Test cricket bcz It is where greats are made, To me VK is the best batsman at the moment and surely he is among Top 10 batsmen of all time, but he is still considered inferior to the likes of Dravid, Sachin and Gavaskar bcz he is yet to prove his mettle in Test cricket.

The problem with Test cricket is that there has been literally no change in apart since it's beginning apart from abolishing indefinite Test matches and reducing it to 5 days and now 4 days. You need more innovation in Test cricket. As far as talks of Test cricket is dying are concerned, I can tell u one thing that it isn't going anywhere, atleast for next 100 years.

Test cricket is already dead outside Eng, Aus, India and SAF. Test cricket and Cricket will soon be separate terms. Public have moved on, advertisers have moved on, and now ECB is moving towards LOI as well. Only Australia will remain the last country to care about tests in 10 years.

Good luck getting Gen Z to watch trst matches, who think ODIs are too long. As for test specialists, Pujara doesn't have a thousandth of fans of Rohit Sharma. Most kids in England don't know who Cook is. Kapil and Imran are popular because they won World Cups, not because they socred 20 runs off 100 balls.

This is 2018 sir, not 1978. Wake up.

 

[USofA]

How do you know that youngsters do not watch test cricket in England and Australia?

Ir depends what type of products you are trying to sell. Test cricket attracts educated people with discerning taste and more earning power, so manufacturers of high quality products will advertise. ODI cricket attracts less discerning viewers so the marketing people will advertise lower-end products. A mnarket exists for both.

I do not know if youngsters watch or not. I will have to take your word for it and assume the there is a robust demand and consumption of cricket on TV in Eng.

I do not doubt the demand for cricket in Eng. with them being part of the Big3 and all. What I do not understand is ECB's focus on short, shorter and shortest forms on the domestic side. What are they doing to get people to watch the county championships. Which tells me that the shorter format is where the demand/future is. That is where the fans will be and what the fans want.

 

[USofA]

Test cricket is already dead outside Eng, Aus, India and SAF. Test cricket and Cricket will soon be separate terms. Public have moved on, advertisers have moved on, and now ECB is moving towards LOI as well. Only Australia will remain the last country to care about tests in 10 years.

Good luck getting Gen Z to watch trst matches, who think ODIs are too long. As for test specialists, Pujara doesn't have a thousandth of fans of Rohit Sharma. Most kids in England don't know who Cook is. Kapil and Imran are popular because they won World Cups, not because they socred 20 runs off 100 balls.

This is 2018 sir, not 1978. Wake up.

Once again I have to say, REALITY CHECK!

 

[UN talkz]

@UNTalkz, I do not disagree with most of what you have said. But you, like many others have not addressed the key issue, financial sustainability. [MENTION=43242]Dr_Bassim[/MENTION] briefly did. Even he suggested leaching off ODI's and T20 (which has already been happening, for a while).

Right now, outside of Big3 (though I have doubts on BCCI) all other boards are losing money. The ODI's and T20's are paying the bills. Tests are being artificially propped up by the other formats.

I can tell you one thing. If the status quo prevails test cricket will be gone in a lot less than the 100 years you suggest.

I said we need innovation in Test cricket, reducing it to 2 and 3 days will do nothing, it will ensure a rapid death instead, almost all Test matches in Eng and Australia are full houses, In india and South Africa you get huge crowds although not full houses but still good crowds. So these are 4 nations who won't stop playing Test cricket anytime soon. People are talking abput County getting less crowds, nobody watches domestic cricket except Eng and Aus, we see zero attendance in Indian Domestic matches despite being free entry most of times, we are coming to conclusion that Test cricket has died only bcz Wngland are going to do some nonsense called The100 where will see 12 players per side and 5 ball overs and all that nonsense, it has nothing to do with Test cricket, they are trying to maximize their earnings.

Ensure that pitches are balanced and not like recent SLvSA series and you will see 90% of the above posters say that Test cricket is best. Pitches are the main problem atm, they are supporting home sides and have nothing for the touring party. Aus and Eng boards are getting all these huge broadcast deals only bcz of Ashes and you are telling me Test cricket is surviving bcz of LOIs.

If a 5 Test series bw Ind and Pak is played, nobody will care about any other cricket even if you have a world cup going on

 

[USofA]

I said we need innovation in Test cricket, reducing it to 2 and 3 days will do nothing, it will ensure a rapid death instead, almost all Test matches in Eng and Australia are full houses, In india and South Africa you get huge crowds although not full houses but still good crowds. So these are 4 nations who won't stop playing Test cricket anytime soon. People are talking abput County getting less crowds, nobody watches domestic cricket except Eng and Aus, we see zero attendance in Indian Domestic matches despite being free entry most of times, we are coming to conclusion that Test cricket has died only bcz Wngland are going to do some nonsense called The100 where will see 12 players per side and 5 ball overs and all that nonsense, it has nothing to do with Test cricket, they are trying to maximize their earnings.

Ensure that pitches are balanced and not like recent SLvSA series and you will see 90% of the above posters say that Test cricket is best. Pitches are the main problem atm, they are supporting home sides and have nothing for the touring party. Aus and Eng boards are getting all these huge broadcast deals only bcz of Ashes and you are telling me Test cricket is surviving bcz of LOIs.

If a 5 Test series bw Ind and Pak is played, nobody will care about any other cricket even if you have a world cup going on

Yes, ODI's pay for tests outside the Big3 as I mentioned. From what you are saying, only 4 test playing nations will remain. I guess the others can take a hike?

What are the innovations that should be made? Balanced pitches is not an innovation. You do not want test to be cut to 3 or 4 days. So what changes to bring people in and more importantly the eyeball on TV?

Test cricket has a time problem. It is just too long and played during weekdays and during hours people are busy. It is a 19th century product (though a good one) just does not work in the 21st century.

Again, how can Pak, SL, WI, Bang, NZ, heck even SA make money from staging tests?

 

[big_gamer007]

This topic is going on since ages and test cricket will not die as people are predicting.. Teams will still play tests but the amount of matches will reduce and be limited to iconic series..

As it is teams are playing 2 or 3 tests series nowadays to get T2’s in. If cricket needs to grow then T20 should be promoted in upcoming markets, tests can be played between top nations once in a while

 

[UN talkz]

Yes, ODI's pay for tests outside the Big3 as I mentioned. From what you are saying, only 4 test playing nations will remain. I guess the others can take a hike?

What are the innovations that should be made? Balanced pitches is not an innovation. You do not want test to be cut to 3 or 4 days. So what changes to bring people in and more importantly the eyeball on TV?

Test cricket has a time problem. It is just too long and played during weekdays and during hours people are busy. It is a 19th century product (though a good one) just does not work in the 21st century.

Again, how can Pak, SL, WI, Bang, NZ, heck even SA make money from staging tests?

Why won't Test cricket die in England and Australia?? It is becoz of the history between these two nations, The RIVALRY between these two nations, other rivalry and the greatest RIVALRY is Ind-Pak but unfortunately they haven't played a Test match in last ten years which has affected Test cricket overall.

Play Test cricket in colours, allow a super sub, ensure more and more Day night matches are played, Have some Test leagues, there are numerous qualifiers for associates which they keep playing every year but these are only LOs and not Test cricket which should be done, allow only 100 overs per innings.

 

[Robert]

I do not know if youngsters watch or not. I will have to take your word for it and assume the there is a robust demand and consumption of cricket on TV in Eng.

I do not doubt the demand for cricket in Eng. with them being part of the Big3 and all. What I do not understand is ECB's focus on short, shorter and shortest forms on the domestic side. What are they doing to get people to watch the county championships. Which tells me that the shorter format is where the demand/future is. That is where the fans will be and what the fans want.

That is driven by the Counties. They need to get backsides on seats as they have no TV coverage. Hence the Twenty20 league. Nobody has tuned up to watch three or four day cricket for decades.

Test cricket is a different market for ticket sales and TV rights.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

If a 5 Test series bw Ind and Pak is played, nobody will care about any other cricket even if you have a world cup going on

You trolling right? Even a practice LOI match between India and Pakistan will have more audience than test match. Never seen the empty grounds during India vs Pak during tests, did you?

A world cup is infinitely more relevant to average cricket fan than any test match. Foeget world cup, even bilateral ODIs wipe the floor with tests. Have done so for 30 years now outside Eng and Aus.

 

[Kaka4pope]

I think of test cricket is to survive, in that players themselves continue wanting to play it - it needs be shorter.

Design games that finish quicker, ultimately, give it back to the bowlers...that way batsmen may continue to see it as the ultimate challenge...