Test Cricket or T20: What is your cricket preference?

[FearlessRoar]

Let's talk about the two major cricket flavors, Test Cricket and T20. Everyone has a favorite, and I'm curious about yours. Before we dive in, have you noticed that players from Australia and England tend to prefer Test Cricket? On the other hand, players from Asia, South Africa, and the West Indies seem to lean more towards T20, causing some concern about Test Cricket in those regions.

Now, why do some players love Test Cricket so much? Well, Test matches are like the marathon of cricket. They go on for days, and players need a ton of skills and patience. Think about the Ashes, those intense battles between Australia and England. Every run and wicket in Test matches feels like a big deal, and that's what makes them special.

On the other side, T20 is like a party. It's quick, and there's a lot of hitting. But sometimes, it's so fast that you miss the details that make cricket awesome.

While we discuss the decline of Test Cricket in some places, remember it's the format that gave us cricket legends.

For me, I like Test cricket. When both sides are playing with full strength. That's not to say I don't like T20; it's fun but mainly during ICC events.

What's your pick? Share your thoughts

 

[Rana]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.

Anyone who uses T20 runs and wickets to prove the greatness of a cricketer in all formats should never be taken seriously.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.

Anyone who uses T20 runs and wickets to prove the greatness of a cricketer in all formats should never be taken seriously.

This is so basic and fundamental. I also can't consider someone a legend of cricket if they do not have a great record in Test cricket. Here, I have a practical example that happened recently: David Warner retired, and the world was watching, recognizing him. Today, Aaron Finch retired from professional cricket, and no one even recognized him because he does not have good Test stats.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Let's talk about the two major cricket flavors, Test Cricket and T20. Everyone has a favorite, and I'm curious about yours. Before we dive in, have you noticed that players from Australia and England tend to prefer Test Cricket? On the other hand, players from Asia, South Africa, and the West Indies seem to lean more towards T20, causing some concern about Test Cricket in those regions.

Now, why do some players love Test Cricket so much? Well, Test matches are like the marathon of cricket. They go on for days, and players need a ton of skills and patience. Think about the Ashes, those intense battles between Australia and England. Every run and wicket in Test matches feels like a big deal, and that's what makes them special.

On the other side, T20 is like a party. It's quick, and there's a lot of hitting. But sometimes, it's so fast that you miss the details that make cricket awesome.

While we discuss the decline of Test Cricket in some places, remember it's the format that gave us cricket legends.

For me, I like Test cricket. When both sides are playing with full strength. That's not to say I don't like T20; it's fun but mainly during ICC events.

What's your pick? Share your thoughts

Still remember the words of Michael Holdings that Test is the real cricket and T20 format is ruining it. Just have a look at the West Indian team they were once the world champions in the long format game and now they are nowhere near it.

T20 no doubt is fun to watch but the fact is it is ruining the upcoming generation of cricketers.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Still remember the words of Michael Holdings that Test is the real cricket and T20 format is ruining it. Just have a look at the West Indian team they were once the world champions in the long format game and now they are nowhere near it.

T20 no doubt is fun to watch but the fact is it is ruining the upcoming generation of cricketers.

West Indies is an evident example of how T20 cricket has become a fundamental part of their life. I don't think the public in the West Indies is interested in Test cricket either.

When we talk about T20 cricket, the first thing that comes to my mind is West Indies.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

West Indies is an evident example of how T20 cricket has become a fundamental part of their life. I don't think the public in the West Indies is interested in Test cricket either.

When we talk about T20 cricket, the first thing that comes to my mind is West Indies.

They are the pioneers of T20 and also a strong candidate too in the upcoming T20I WC 2024.But unfortunately they themselves are the main culprit behind ruining the legacy of Test format.

 

[FearlessRoar]

They are the pioneers of T20 and also a strong candidate too in the upcoming T20I WC 2024.But unfortunately they themselves are the main culprit behind ruining the legacy of Test format.

Absolutely, a prime example is Jason Holder. He is an exceptionally skilled all rounder in Test cricket and was once the captain of the West Indies Test side, positioned to become a cricket legend. But, for quite some time, he has shifted his focus more towards T20, seemingly wasting his talent.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Absolutely, a prime example is Jason Holder. He is an exceptionally skilled all rounder in Test cricket and was once the captain of the West Indies Test side, positioned to become a cricket legend. But, for quite some time, he has shifted his focus more towards T20, seemingly wasting his talent.

Short term glory is just ruining great players. Steve Smith is another example because of shifting of attention to shorter formats, he has lost his form in longer ones.

 

[Devadwal]

I enjoyed watching quality test cricket .T20 can entrainment for two hour but once it done no one remembers it unless it big game . Test cricket has a legacy and always pinnacle form of cricket .
Can't wait for upcoming England -India test series than border gawaskar trophy later this year.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Test cricket.

Even though Pakistan lost the series 3-0 vs Australia, we will remember some moments like Jamal's 90 odd runs and his 5 fer, how Pakistan crashed to 68-7 after being in pole position. It will be talked about years later as well. Just like everyone remembers how Gilchrist stole the win against Wasim and Co by chasing 369 being 130 odd for 5 and how Kamran Akmal caused Sydney to be a lost cause.

This T20 series against NZ? Meh. Won't even remember who played 2 years down the road.

Legends are made in test cricket.

Jokers are made in T20.

 

[sam_ahm]

I don't remember any T20s for long time honestly. Tests and a lot of ODIs esp the WC ones are the ones that stand out for me.

It's a no brainer that tests are the pinnacle while ODIs have their importance and certain ODI knocks can be classified as great knocks.

T20s, I mean it's a no brainer that these are just for fun.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Poll Added now.

For me, Test Cricket always. Red-ball format is the ultimate format where the skills and ability of an individual is tested and proves his greatness. T20 involves more money but you can never improve your game if you just keep playing t20 format.

 

[Hitman]

Forget T20's, it's a joke to compare the 2nd best format of the game i.e ODI cricket, to Test cricket. Comparing Test cricket to T20 cricket is an insult to the game.

 

[uppercut]

While I can watch any form of Cricket ... but Test Cricket is the ultimate Numero-Uno when it comes to leaving the couch with a heavy heart after Day5 of a competitive Test match. I had major withdrawal symptons after the BG Trophy win at Gaba lol. Took a while to recover ... was drinking early AM after that win lol. There is nothing quite like Test Cricket in the entire world of sport. Unmatched potential for drama and entertainment ... truly the king of all sport. I will be really mad if Test Cricket dies off.

T20 and ODI Cricket does offer quick fix to my Cricket itch but there is nothing quite like following a Test match ... heck I even watched Aus vs Pakistan Tests.

 

[BouncerGuy]

T20 cricket can attract crowds in the stadium and bring a lot of exciting stuff and money as well, but it can never make any player a great player.

Want to improve, play red-ball format. Simple

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Without any second thought its T20 cricket.

In this fast paced life nobody has the time to watch 7 hours of Tuk Tuk.

 

[FearlessRoar]

While I can watch any form of Cricket ... but Test Cricket is the ultimate Numero-Uno when it comes to leaving the couch with a heavy heart after Day5 of a competitive Test match. I had major withdrawal symptons after the BG Trophy win at Gaba lol. Took a while to recover ... was drinking early AM after that win lol. There is nothing quite like Test Cricket in the entire world of sport. Unmatched potential for drama and entertainment ... truly the king of all sport. I will be really mad if Test Cricket dies off.

T20 and ODI Cricket does offer quick fix to my Cricket itch but there is nothing quite like following a Test match ... heck I even watched Aus vs Pakistan Tests.

Nowadays, even when they are preparing pitches with the intention of ending Test matches in just two days, as seen in Newlands during the recent India vs. South Africa series, the influence of T20 cricket is evident. The real beauty of Test cricket lies in the traditional five-day format.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

A highly competitive Test series like BGT 2020/21 is always interesting.

But most of it is absolute rubbish .

Pakistan's entire home season last year was the worst kind of cricket for a casual fan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

A highly competitive Test series like BGT 2020/21 is always interesting.

But most of it is absolute rubbish .

Pakistan's entire home season last year was the worst kind of cricket for a casual fan.

Well, it was historic how the Indian team made a strong comeback after the 1st Test.

Pakistan had the opportunity to create history as well , but a lack of game awareness and a true essence of Test cricket cost us again.

We need to understand the beauty of Test Cricket. I enjoyed Test Cricket in the era of Misbah and Younis. Those days, we gave a tough time to England in England and played a 4-match Test series in 2016, which ended in a draw, 2-2. Those were the days.

Now, we have almost all T20 players in our Test Squad. Their approach is more of T20 in Test Cricket.

For your information, Test cricket was so challenging in the past that if you wanted to get six runs, you needed to hit the ball out of the park. Just crossing the rope was only 5 runs.

 

[Sher Khan]

I've always enjoyed ODIS the most. This is considering that both teams are playing full strength sides. I think ODI cricket is the perfect balance between tests and t20s.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I love test cricket played in England and Australia.

Watching play in India is not bad too if you mute the commentary and the camera man refrains from crowd shots.

Everywhere else is just dull cricket nowadays.

There is nothing quite like a proper hard fought 5 test series, but sadly these are only played between the big 3.

 

[Shaka81]

Test cricket is for old people and culture snobs who would never pay to actually watch any of the bore inducing stuff in the stadium.
T20 cricket is actually fun and brings people together to be entertained, which annoys test cricket fans even more.... cricket is apparently not about entertainment it's some wishy-washy nonsense about prestige and legacy or something but never to be watched and enjoyed live!

 

[FearlessRoar]

I've always enjoyed ODIS the most. This is considering that both teams are playing full strength sides. I think ODI cricket is the perfect balance between tests and t20s.

ODIs and Tests have a lot of similarities in terms of fitness, temperament, and patience.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I love test cricket played in England and Australia.

Watching play in India is not bad too if you mute the commentary and the camera man refrains from crowd shots.

Everywhere else is just dull cricket nowadays.

There is nothing quite like a proper hard fought 5 test series, but sadly these are only played between the big 3.

We enjoy Test cricket in Australia and England because of crowd interest. In South Asian countries, during Test matches, stands are almost empty.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

I love test cricket played in England and Australia.

Watching play in India is not bad too if you mute the commentary and the camera man refrains from crowd shots.

Everywhere else is just dull cricket nowadays.

There is nothing quite like a proper hard fought 5 test series, but sadly these are only played between the big 3.

Yep agree with your opening statement and stance. Test cricket is still alive in England and Australia but has become dead in sub continent due to poor pitches.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Test cricket is for old people and culture snobs who would never pay to actually watch any of the bore inducing stuff in the stadium.
T20 cricket is actually fun and brings people together to be entertained, which annoys test cricket fans even more.... cricket is apparently not about entertainment it's some wishy-washy nonsense about prestige and legacy or something but never to be watched and enjoyed live!

That's why I said T20 cricket is just a party, and Test cricket is real cricket.

 

[Shaka81]

That's why I said T20 cricket is just a party, and Test cricket is real cricket.

So "real cricket" is not meant to be fun. Then what's its purpose?
Also have you paid to sit through 5 days of test cricket?

Personally cricket owes a massive gratitude to the T20 format for expanding cricket beyond its historically narrow following.

Growing up I could never have imagined that cricket would have anything other than a tiny following in Scotland but now I have colleagues who will discuss cricket with me and Scottish cricket is growing and becoming more competitive without relying solely on English born players. Test cricket or even ODIs alone would never have achieved this kind of interest in cricket.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Well, it was historic how the Indian team made a strong comeback after the 1st Test.

Pakistan had the opportunity to create history as well , but a lack of game awareness and a true essence of Test cricket cost us again.

We need to understand the beauty of Test Cricket. I enjoyed Test Cricket in the era of Misbah and Younis. Those days, we gave a tough time to England in England and played a 4-match Test series in 2016, which ended in a draw, 2-2. Those were the days.

Now, we have almost all T20 players in our Test Squad. Their approach is more of T20 in Test Cricket.

For your information, Test cricket was so challenging in the past that if you wanted to get six runs, you needed to hit the ball out of the park. Just crossing the rope was only 5 runs.

I wasn't talking about Pakistan's tour of Australia which was at least somewhat competitive .

I was talking about England's and NZ tours of Pakistan in the 2022/23.

It was the worst kind of cricket for a casual fan of the sport.

I personally find bilateral T20's extremely boring . Heck, a good franchise league like SA 20 is much better than watching India pummel Afganistan


But at least they get over quickly. Mismatches or boring contests in Test cricket can go on for 5 days and still not produce a result.

ODIs on good pitches still provide the best contest for me

You get to see some good technique against the new ball, proper strike rotation - a hallmark of ODI cricket and some T20 style fireworks .

There's something for everyone.

 

[Rana]

Personally cricket owes a massive gratitude to the T20 format for expanding cricket beyond its historically narrow following.

Wow.

Just. Wow.

 

[Shaka81]

Wow.

Just. Wow.

You need to come from a country where cricket wasn't popular to appreciate T20's impact. I grew up in Scotland where I would lie to people in my school about being in a cricket team because it was considered a joke sport. Now the same people talk about cricket and have kids playing cricket in summer when it's football off-season.

 

[Human786]

TEST over everything !!!

 

[sweep_shot]

T20 is not real cricket. Between these two, Test is obviously way superior. It is not even a competition.

But, I personally like ODI the most. ODI is the best format for me (neither too long like Test nor too short like T20).

 

[Major]

T20 Cricket.

A game of cricket can only be enjoyed when the whole game is watched. Just by watching a few clips of a match means nothing. Dont have time to watch 5 days of test cricket on a weekday. T20 cricket allows me to enjoy the whole game.

Few years ago I used to love One Day cricket, but it no more has the same appeal as it used to back in 2007

Posters here are afraid to admit that they prefer T20 cricket because all these years they called T20 cricket not being real cricket, and also live in this false sense of belief that if you like T20 and not Test you are not a true cricket fan.

I also used to believe in this dumb concept, but I realized during the World T20 2021, atleast I can follow the whole game and enjoy it.

 

[Major]

So "real cricket" is not meant to be fun. Then what's its purpose?
Also have you paid to sit through 5 days of test cricket?

Personally cricket owes a massive gratitude to the T20 format for expanding cricket beyond its historically narrow following.

Growing up I could never have imagined that cricket would have anything other than a tiny following in Scotland but now I have colleagues who will discuss cricket with me and Scottish cricket is growing and becoming more competitive without relying solely on English born players. Test cricket or even ODIs alone would never have achieved this kind of interest in cricket.

I agree. Cricket fans dont want to come off there high horses.

T20 Cricket allowed more countries to join in and gave them a chance. Especailly franchise cricket allowed players from different nations to get proper constracts. Sandeep from nepal, Tim David from Singapore, Ali Khan from USA, Namibian cricketers etc...

 

[FearlessRoar]

T20 Cricket.

A game of cricket can only be enjoyed when the whole game is watched. Just by watching a few clips of a match means nothing. Dont have time to watch 5 days of test cricket on a weekday. T20 cricket allows me to enjoy the whole game.

Few years ago I used to love One Day cricket, but it no more has the same appeal as it used to back in 2007

Posters here are afraid to admit that they prefer T20 cricket because all these years they called T20 cricket not being real cricket, and also live in this false sense of belief that if you like T20 and not Test you are not a true cricket fan.

I also used to believe in this dumb concept, but I realized during the World T20 2021, atleast I can follow the whole game and enjoy it.

The basic thing is that you were enjoying hard hitting and catches at the ropes.

 

[FearlessRoar]

T20 is not real cricket. Between these two, Test is obviously way superior. It is not even a competition.

But, I personally like ODI the most. ODI is the best format for me (neither too long like Test nor too short like T20).

Absolutely, a Test match is a competition in itself.

 

[FearlessRoar]

You need to come from a country where cricket wasn't popular to appreciate T20's impact. I grew up in Scotland where I would lie to people in my school about being in a cricket team because it was considered a joke sport. Now the same people talk about cricket and have kids playing cricket in summer when it's football off-season.

Do they not play cricket so often in Scotland?

 

[Major]

The basic thing is that you were enjoying hard hitting and catches at the ropes.

bro, i enjoy watching a full game of cricket that is feasible.

The so called real cricket fans cant digust someone liking t20 cricket, so they come up with such assumptions that oh its because he likes boundaries and sixes.

Any sport that one follows, it can only be enjoyed if one can watch the whole game.

Plus, i also prefer PSL over Pakistan international T20s, (except for ICC events) as all the matches are scheduled after evening and everyone is discussing the event.

This thread is little about preference, more about pretend cricket fans gloating about how they enjoy test cricket and look down upon those that prefer t20

 

[moghul]

Won't care if T20 is totally excluded from international calendar , not a big fan of it, test cricket is the real deal.

 

[Buffet]

Test cricket by a wide margin as long as home team is not preparing/playing for a draw before single ball is bowled. Those ones are horrible.

Indians used to do that in past after going 1-0 up and now Pakistan does it with aim to draw series 0-0 before ball gets bowled. I hardly watch T20 but any random T20 is better than those games.

 

[Markhor]

I love any form of cricket provided it's a close, competitive game on a good surface.

I hate seeing one-sided borefests in any format - especially when a team racks up a massive total first up and the rest of the game becomes a foregone conclusion. The exception being Pakistan obviously because I want us to hammer everyone.

If I were to pick one - I'd say Tests simply because teams have more time to come back into the contest. There's more time for ebbs and flows, twists and turns. Take the 2010 SCG Test (a painful memory). However one or two bad overs in a T20 and the game's done.

I do think T20s have helped enhance Test cricket in that matches move at a quicker pace. 200-3 after 90 overs is no longer acceptable. Even for a cricket diehard it's hard maintaining your interest during such grinding contests.

 

[Asad T]

Has to be T20 for me.

While it's true that Test matches is more about skill, strategy, and atleticism, the truth is that most matches tend to be very one-sided and it makes for boring watching. I'd say, only 5% or less of games really go down to the wire so the trill isn't there for me and longer. Also, 8 hours per day for 5 days gets too long.

In T20's, the frequency of cliffhanger matches are much higher; a minnow country has a higher chance of winning in T20's very Tests, so its a bit more of a level playing field, and lastly, there are cheerleaders haha. So just more fun to watch imo.

 

[Shaka81]

Do they not play cricket so often in Scotland?

Cricket season can be very short in Scotland due to the weather. So many games called off due to the rain. Also football dominates everything in the west of Scotland where I'm from so a lot of people only really play when the football season ends or there are no big football games on.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

This is nothing against T20 internationals.

People have wrongly made assumptions that someone who thinks Test Cricket is best looks down upon the T20 matches. I think T20 matches are crucial for the development of the game. You can't market Test Cricket at all because it is so nuanced and the ebbs and flows are so subtle that someone who is just learning the fine art of cricket is unlikely to make dive into Test Cricket immediately. The sweet point is the T20 where the matches end in 3 hours or less and their is quick result. T20 has boosted the market even for kids and womenfolk who can spare their 2-3 hours instead of the long 7-8 hours per day of 5 day test matches and get entertainment. I think T20 is the only format where teams like Germany, Croatia and other European countries might ever get interested if it were to get mainstream in Europe.

I would compare T20 to someone who starts off in medical school as a student and is trying to learn the art of medicine. If you ask him to immediately make a jump and start performing C-sections, not only will he be out of his depth, but he will also show no interest in doing C-sections because the basic concepts of maternity and postpartum care and the essentials of obstetrics are yet to be learned. But does he not deserve to be in medical school because he can't do C-sections yet? Not really. In the same way, every new country needs T20 to garner interest and to hone their basic skills in the game of cricket. Once they are at a level where they can understand the game, then you can switch over to other formats.

I consider ODI as someone who is done his medical school but is doing his residency. He will pick up interesting aspects of ODI, like how to build innings, when to attack, and when to defend. That is the market for ODI. You learned the basic skills of the game. Now it's time to fight for it against the best 10-12 teams of the World. I would never make the ODI World Cup bigger than 12 teams, because the new teams are simply not good enough. They can spring surprises in T20 and that should be their market. But you can't ask Nepal to win against Pakistan in 50 overs of cricket, where Pakistan will pummell them every single time because of greater experience. You can definitely ask Nepal to shock Pakistan over 10 to 15 overs in a T20.
I would actually make a pre-T20 World Cup for around 20 to 40 teams and only top 3 qualify for the actual World Cup to add to the 12 teams of T20 to make it a 15 team contest. That would work wonders for T20.

I consider Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. But it simply can't be enjoyed by Hungary if they start playing Test Cricket. The skillset required to negotiate pace, bounce, spin over 450 overs is simply too much and its a poor market for Test Cricket because even after 450 overs you might find that no one really won and it was a stalemate. Sort of like chess where people play for hours to sometimes have a stalemate or draw. Test Cricket requires teams that have played the sport for greater part of 10 years and who have the vision to understand it. I totally understand the newer generation not being interested in Test Cricket. If I was born in this century, I would be also furious at a format which basically feels like blocking all day. The little battles created in Test Cricket are way too much for the average Joe to ingrain in his mind. So I am not going to market that format to anyone who thinks it is just a waste of time. Test Cricket is more like the attending physician. Only he can enjoy the true format after having survived the rigors of medical school and residency.

And the new kids starting medical school, or that matter cricket? How could they ever be interested in a format that is way above their pay grade and their thoughts.

T20 should stay simply because it is the most attractive market to make the game global.

Test Cricket should stay simply because it is the most attractive market for people who love the game.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

This is nothing against T20 internationals.

People have wrongly made assumptions that someone who thinks Test Cricket is best looks down upon the T20 matches. I think T20 matches are crucial for the development of the game. You can't market Test Cricket at all because it is so nuanced and the ebbs and flows are so subtle that someone who is just learning the fine art of cricket is unlikely to make dive into Test Cricket immediately. The sweet point is the T20 where the matches end in 3 hours or less and their is quick result. T20 has boosted the market even for kids and womenfolk who can spare their 2-3 hours instead of the long 7-8 hours per day of 5 day test matches and get entertainment. I think T20 is the only format where teams like Germany, Croatia and other European countries might ever get interested if it were to get mainstream in Europe.

I would compare T20 to someone who starts off in medical school as a student and is trying to learn the art of medicine. If you ask him to immediately make a jump and start performing C-sections, not only will he be out of his depth, but he will also show no interest in doing C-sections because the basic concepts of maternity and postpartum care and the essentials of obstetrics are yet to be learned. But does he not deserve to be in medical school because he can't do C-sections yet? Not really. In the same way, every new country needs T20 to garner interest and to hone their basic skills in the game of cricket. Once they are at a level where they can understand the game, then you can switch over to other formats.

I consider ODI as someone who is done his medical school but is doing his residency. He will pick up interesting aspects of ODI, like how to build innings, when to attack, and when to defend. That is the market for ODI. You learned the basic skills of the game. Now it's time to fight for it against the best 10-12 teams of the World. I would never make the ODI World Cup bigger than 12 teams, because the new teams are simply not good enough. They can spring surprises in T20 and that should be their market. But you can't ask Nepal to win against Pakistan in 50 overs of cricket, where Pakistan will pummell them every single time because of greater experience. You can definitely ask Nepal to shock Pakistan over 10 to 15 overs in a T20.
I would actually make a pre-T20 World Cup for around 20 to 40 teams and only top 3 qualify for the actual World Cup to add to the 12 teams of T20 to make it a 15 team contest. That would work wonders for T20.

I consider Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. But it simply can't be enjoyed by Hungary if they start playing Test Cricket. The skillset required to negotiate pace, bounce, spin over 450 overs is simply too much and its a poor market for Test Cricket because even after 450 overs you might find that no one really won and it was a stalemate. Sort of like chess where people play for hours to sometimes have a stalemate or draw. Test Cricket requires teams that have played the sport for greater part of 10 years and who have the vision to understand it. I totally understand the newer generation not being interested in Test Cricket. If I was born in this century, I would be also furious at a format which basically feels like blocking all day. The little battles created in Test Cricket are way too much for the average Joe to ingrain in his mind. So I am not going to market that format to anyone who thinks it is just a waste of time. Test Cricket is more like the attending physician. Only he can enjoy the true format after having survived the rigors of medical school and residency.

And the new kids starting medical school, or that matter cricket? How could they ever be interested in a format that is way above their pay grade and their thoughts.

T20 should stay simply because it is the most attractive market to make the game global.

Test Cricket should stay simply because it is the most attractive market for people who love the game.

These days even players are losing their interest in playing Test cricket. I don't see this format surviving for much longer.

 

[Advaith]

Memories , prejudices may pick test over T20 , If we have had test matches without restriction of 5 days then purists would have preferred that on 5 day test matches.
Three formats tests different skillsets of players and if we starts to play tests only rejecting newer versions then we have to say bye bye to cricket as newer generations without prejudices and old memories may follow some other sports which are exciting and less time consuming..

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

People who prefer test cricket are the ones who want to be considered real cricket fans. Especially those who totally neglect T20.

If fans wanted test over T20 than you would see test leagues and not T20 leagues.

In modern world no one watches test from ball 1 to last ball.

Tests are only watchable when either England or Australia is involved. Especially if it's played in Eng or Australia.

Who can forget tests in UAE between Pakistan and Australia with less than 20 spectators.

Tests in future will only be played by Eng, Aus and India.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

This is so basic and fundamental. I also can't consider someone a legend of cricket if they do not have a great record in Test cricket. Here, I have a practical example that happened recently: David Warner retired, and the world was watching, recognizing him. Today, Aaron Finch retired from professional cricket, and no one even recognized him because he does not have good Test stats.

Do you think cricketers really care for legend status of test cricket anymore? In India, Pandya ran away from test cricket, Gill doesn't seem motivated either. My 17 year old cousin plays state level and his dream is to play IPL and setup restaurant business. Kids these days are very practical, ambitious and less driven by emotions.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

People who prefer test cricket are the ones who want to be considered real cricket fans. Especially those who totally neglect T20.

If fans wanted test over T20 than you would see test leagues and not T20 leagues.

In modern world no one watches test from ball 1 to last ball.

Tests are only watchable when either England or Australia is involved. Especially if it's played in Eng or Australia.

Who can forget tests in UAE between Pakistan and Australia with less than 20 spectators.

Tests in future will only be played by Eng, Aus and India.

Agree with your assertions. Tests only relevant in Anglo Saxon nations now.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Rest of the world have fallen way behind top 3 in Tests. Having said it was always the case. In the 80s WI was far and ahead of everyone else. Most of the tests ended in boring draws. Imagine Mudassar batting for 550 minutes making 100 now. Compard to 80s Test cricket is much more result-oriented. Also Bazball is way more entertaining than ever cricket was. Problem is not format. Problem is the gulf between certain teams. When your team starts doing well you will start rooting for them in Tests.

 

[FearlessRoar]

What a T20 match it has been today between India and Afghanistan. I think it's one of the best T20I games I have ever seen. Gulbadin Naib's innings of 55*(23) overshadowed Rohit Sharma's 121*(69).

 

[uppercut]

I agree. Cricket fans dont want to come off there high horses.

T20 Cricket allowed more countries to join in and gave them a chance. Especailly franchise cricket allowed players from different nations to get proper constracts. Sandeep from nepal, Tim David from Singapore, Ali Khan from USA, Namibian cricketers etc...

Today's T20 vs Afg is a classic example of how shorter formats artificially level the playing field for weaker teams when they play against strong sides.

There is no way any Afg team will even come close to beating the same Indian team that played today in our backyard in a proper test match. This is the reason why Test Cricket is the pinnacle. Pretty sure even the players will say the same thing. Nothing to do with superiority complex or anything like that.

PS: some Aspects of T20 cricket have enriched Test Cricket and most importantly franchise cricket ensures that large number of players can make a living.

@Shaka81

 

[uppercut]

Nowadays, even when they are preparing pitches with the intention of ending Test matches in just two days, as seen in Newlands during the recent India vs. South Africa series, the influence of T20 cricket is evident. The real beauty of Test cricket lies in the traditional five-day format.

such really short test test matches are still very rare. What matters in Test cricket is that there 2 innings where in a team has a second chance ( both bowling and batting ) to make a comeback and ample time to go with it.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Test cricket can improve a player's skill and ability to succeed in every other format while T20 cricket, on the other hand, can improve only the financial situation of a player. The choice is yours. Many players will prefer t20 cricket because it can bring a lot of money.

 

[Shaka81]

Today's T20 vs Afg is a classic example of how shorter formats artificially level the playing field for weaker teams when they play against strong sides.

There is no way any Afg team will even come close to beating the same Indian team that played today in our backyard in a proper test match. This is the reason why Test Cricket is the pinnacle. Pretty sure even the players will say the same thing. Nothing to do with superiority complex or anything like that.

PS: some Aspects of T20 cricket have enriched Test Cricket and most importantly franchise cricket ensures that large number of players can make a living.

@Shaka81

You've actually proved my point. India vs Afghanistan in a T20 gave an exciting game full of incidents. Something people will pay to watch. Whereas India vs Afghanistan would be a borefest that would be completely one-sided and played in front of a small dwindling crowd.

So many Test games are one-sided that it makes no sense on any parameter to call it the pinnacle of anything unless you support one of India, Australia or England where they are playing against each other but even a lot of those games are sleep enducing.

 

[Advaith]

Test cricket can be very interesting and crowd pulling format if ICC encourages extremely bowling friendly pitches and matches finish in one or two days and it should go to fifth day in rarest of rare cases..Test batsman should test their skills in trickiest possible conditions and in T20 bowlers should test their skills in batting friendly pitches ..But not even one analyst is talking about this even if test format is in its death bed ..

 

[jnaveen1980]

Nobody stops anyone from playing Tests like T20. Have you ever seen 3 or 4 slips in T20? But you don't do because you can collapse. Longer the format, better the shot selection should be. That is why guy like SKY is struggling even in the slightly longer format of ODI. England somehow managed to bring that T20 flavor into Tests with aggressive batting on flat tracks. Sehwag did 2 decades back. T20 masks the weaknesses of batsmen and strengths of bowlers. It is a glorified net practice if you ask me. But it is fun when it happens in leagues. But no internationals.

 

[topspin]

I agree. Cricket fans dont want to come off there high horses.

You assume wrong. Most of us were watching cricket before T20Is were introduced whereas you started watching cricket in 2010.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Today's T20 vs Afg is a classic example of how shorter formats artificially level the playing field for weaker teams when they play against strong sides.

There is no way any Afg team will even come close to beating the same Indian team that played today in our backyard in a proper test match. This is the reason why Test Cricket is the pinnacle. Pretty sure even the players will say the same thing. Nothing to do with superiority complex or anything like that.

PS: some Aspects of T20 cricket have enriched Test Cricket and most importantly franchise cricket ensures that large number of players can make a living.

@Shaka81

What do you think it artificially levels the playing field?

Its a completely different format and has zero bearing on test cricket.

But regardless, whats wrong with levelling the playing field if it gets more nations involved and more people enjoying the sport?

 

[uppercut]

What do you think it artificially levels the playing field?

Its a completely different format and has zero bearing on test cricket.

But regardless, whats wrong with levelling the playing field if it gets more nations involved and more people enjoying the sport?

The key ingredients of a Test match are high skill levels that can last across 5 days and 2 innings. This requires a different level of fitness, match awareness, patience and overall skill levels that will get tested as the pitch wears out. Since there are no artificial limits on overs to be bowled Bowlers priority in Tests changes to Wicket taking. If you do not take 20 wickets your team will never win a Test match ( excluding rare declarations ). Therefore the line/length and field settings in Test Cricket are very different and it results in a completely different kind of a game altogether.​

In a T20 match since the bowler can bowl a max of 4 overs and is usually never going to get attacking fields it forces the bowler into a containment mode.

The bottom line is Cricket is one of those rare games that was never meant to be played for short durations. The shorter the duration the easier it gets for avg teams to win over strong teams and luck tends to plays a significant factor.

 

[shokz1408]

Test cricket> bilateral t20s.
T20 World Cup> test cricket.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Want money? Play t20 cricket
Want to play all formats and improve your skills, play red ball cricket

 

[Major]

You assume wrong. Most of us were watching cricket before T20Is were introduced whereas you started watching cricket in 2010.

i started watching cricket from 2003.

I became passionate about the game from 2006 onwards

From 2010 i started to follow the team by making sure to watch every game and every format of it

 

[FearlessRoar]

Test cricket> bilateral t20s.
T20 World Cup> test cricket.

Yes I also want the ICC to restrict T20 to just the World Cup and bilateral series should be for Tests with at least three Test match series.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The key ingredients of a Test match are high skill levels that can last across 5 days and 2 innings. This requires a different level of fitness, match awareness, patience and overall skill levels that will get tested as the pitch wears out. Since there are no artificial limits on overs to be bowled Bowlers priority in Tests changes to Wicket taking. If you do not take 20 wickets your team will never win a Test match ( excluding rare declarations ). Therefore the line/length and field settings in Test Cricket are very different and it results in a completely different kind of a game altogether.​

In a T20 match since the bowler can bowl a max of 4 overs and is usually never going to get attacking fields it forces the bowler into a containment mode.

The bottom line is Cricket is one of those rare games that was never meant to be played for short durations. The shorter the duration the easier it gets for avg teams to win over strong teams and luck tends to plays a significant factor.

That's why we see upsets in shorter formats. We rarely see upsets in the Test format because in Test cricket fluke doesn't work.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Today's T20 vs Afg is a classic example of how shorter formats artificially level the playing field for weaker teams when they play against strong sides.

There is no way any Afg team will even come close to beating the same Indian team that played today in our backyard in a proper test match. This is the reason why Test Cricket is the pinnacle. Pretty sure even the players will say the same thing. Nothing to do with superiority complex or anything like that.

PS: some Aspects of T20 cricket have enriched Test Cricket and most importantly franchise cricket ensures that large number of players can make a living.

@Shaka81

I didn't understand 'artificially level the playing field.' What do you mean?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Nobody stops anyone from playing Tests like T20. Have you ever seen 3 or 4 slips in T20? But you don't do because you can collapse. Longer the format, better the shot selection should be. That is why guy like SKY is struggling even in the slightly longer format of ODI. England somehow managed to bring that T20 flavor into Tests with aggressive batting on flat tracks. Sehwag did 2 decades back. T20 masks the weaknesses of batsmen and strengths of bowlers. It is a glorified net practice if you ask me. But it is fun when it happens in leagues. But no internationals.

You have forgotten about Shahid Afridi, he did it even before Sehwag and Bazball.

 

[shokz1408]

Yes I also want the ICC to restrict T20 to just the World Cup and bilateral series should be for Tests with at least three Test match series.

I don’t bother watching bilateral t20 series at all, really means nothing winning them, just come back another day for “fun cricket”. Don’t bother watching Psl either, as when it comes to internationals they flop, so what’s the point. I’d be okay with t20s being in World Cup only, as I want to watch cricket when it means something.

 

[uppercut]

I didn't understand 'artificially level the playing field.' What do you mean?

mainly the restriction on the number of overs ... this completely negates the potency of strike bowlers and emboldens batsmen to take risks. And since the duration of an inngs is just 20 overs even avg teams can back themselves on dominating good bowlers .... this results in a situation where a team can outbat a opposition ( exactly what Afg did yesterday) whereas in Test Cricket you have to outbowl your opposition and also bat reasonably for long periods of time which is much much harder to do hence why it is very rare to see upsets in Test Cricket.

 

[FearlessRoar]

One of the greatest chases in Test cricket was achieved by Pakistan, famously known as PakBall. We successfully chased 302 runs in just 57.3 overs. I still remember that Dav Whatmore was our head coach, and Misbah gestured his mustache style to him.

 

[FearlessRoar]

mainly the restriction on the number of overs ... this completely negates the potency of strike bowlers and emboldens batsmen to take risks. And since the duration of an inngs is just 20 overs even avg teams can back themselves on dominating good bowlers .... this results in a situation where a team can outbat a opposition ( exactly what Afg did yesterday) whereas in Test Cricket you have to outbowl your opposition and also bat reasonably for long periods of time which is much much harder to do hence why it is very rare to see upsets in Test Cricket.

Well, here I have to agree with you. Test cricket is a competitive format. One Test match is akin to a competitive tournament.

 

[uppercut]

Well, here I have to agree with you. Test cricket is a competitive format. One Test match is akin to a competitive tournament.

Here the current England Test team deserve a lot of credit for having successfully implemented the attacking batting template from white ball cricket even in Test matches. I cannot wait for the India vs Eng series to begin next week ... hope all the top players from both sides are fit. this is going to be a mouth watering contest.​

 

[greatest]

Here the current England Test team deserve a lot of credit for having successfully implemented the attacking batting template from white ball cricket even in Test matches. I cannot wait for the India vs Eng series to begin next week ... hope all the top players from both sides are fit. this is going to be a mouth watering contest.​

Indeed!
I think the toss would play a vital role.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Here the current England Test team deserve a lot of credit for having successfully implemented the attacking batting template from white ball cricket even in Test matches. I cannot wait for the India vs Eng series to begin next week ... hope all the top players from both sides are fit. this is going to be a mouth watering contest.​

It will be the greatest test contest. I'm looking forward to Ben Stokes and Jimmy Anderson from England, and Virat Kohli and Bumrah from India.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Indeed!
I think the toss would play a vital role.

Yes, batting first will give an edge.

 

[greatest]

It will be the greatest test contest. I'm looking forward to Ben Stokes and Jimmy Anderson from England, and Virat Kohli and Bumrah from India.

Would be an exciting series. Too bad many would be more interested in watching and following a few useless T20 leagues.

 

[Abdullah]

It's like Biryani and Naan Ghosht....
You need BOTH!!

 

[FearlessRoar]

In the seventh round of the President's Trophy 2023-24, WAPDA secured victory over PTV by 3 wickets in just 2 days. How is this possible? What kind of red-ball cricket is this? It seems more like the T20 version of red-ball cricket to me.

 

[FearlessRoar]

In the ongoing President's Trophy 2023-24, I am shocked as PCB has shown us a mixture of Test and T20 cricket. Most matches are often over in 2 or 3 days

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Cricket formats T20 or Test could be made more interesting by introducing player substitution policy like in Football. It happened today in ILT20 and could be introduced on international level too.