T20 Cricket can be Tougher for Batsmen than Test Cricket” Steven Smith

[Farabi]

Is the commonly held assumption that Test cricket is “‘more challenging” than T20 cricket really true, or is the unchallenged assumption based on a deep longing for the classical and old from cricket’s aging fraternities.
Let’s define “challenging” as “something that truly tests an athlete’s skills”.
The conventional wisdom is that test cricket is the most difficult form of cricket because it tests patience, endurance and concentration etc. But one could argue that T20 cricket just “tests” a different set of skills including agility/nimbleness, mindset/aggressiveness, creative/innovation, and athleticism.
Are we saying that the test of patience/endurance is more significant test of agility, quick thinking? That would be a subjective debate imo

It is also widely opined that test cricket is harder and Test cricketers can learn and adapt to shorter formats but the reverse is not true. But again, is this really true? If it is, then why do many MANY successful test specialists regularly fail as T20s cricketers (or even ODIs). There are countless examples from Pakistan including Azhar Ali, Asad, or even great Younus Khan. They are all decent/good/great test batsmen but no one will pick them for T20; even franchise teams. I’de pick Afridi all day any day.
From India, Pujara, Rahane come to mind. Every international test team have the “test specialists”.
Bowling is no different. Why aren’t Abbas or Yasir lighting up PSL or other T20 tournaments. Shouldn’t they be the best bowlers in T20s when they are currently Pakistan’s best bowlers in tests? It seems at least some skills are not directly transferable to reconcile these facts.

Is it possible that T20s cricket just requires different skills and techniques. No format is better than the other and all formats require different mindset, skills and a technique. While some some players have techniques that can adopt to the requirements for both formats, not all do.
Cricket is the best form of Cricket. Each format has their own idiosyncrasies and characteristics that make them unique.
While I love watching test Cricket personally and still don’t miss a test match, I love T20 cricket just as much and enjoy the quick thrills and entertainment from crazy catches and innovating shot making.

 

[tyron_woodley]

The GOAT has spoken. Past era frauds would never survive all 3 formats like modern era players.

 

[Mamoon]

Test cricket is not tougher than ODI and T20 cricket. It is simply different and tests a different skill-set.

If Test cricket was actually tougher, then great Test players would not have been able to adjust to white ball cricket with a breeze.

People who call Test cricket tougher cannot explain why great Test players like Younis, Cook, Pujara etc. couldn’t dominate Limited Overs cricket.

Players who dominate all three formats will always be superior to Test specialists even if the Test special has a better Test record.

 

[Giannis]

I don't think test cricket is tougher but is mentally draining, you have to mentally prep for a 5 day game and requires a lot of patience, perseverance, discipline and focus. I prefer LOIs over tests but test cricket does have that "coming of age" kind of charm that every international player has to experience.