Collingwood: We need to keep Test cricket alive
dubai — The dwindling crowds at Test matches around the world worries former England player Paul Collingwood, who has now turned a coach.
He reckons that it was high time the authorities try to bridge the gap between T20 and Test cricket to lure back fans and save the longer version of the game.
It is an age of T20 because everybody wants to be entertained in the shortest possible time and Collingwood says: “Nobody can deny the importance of new phenomenon called T20. It the most popular version of the game in terms of spectators and the amount of money it attracts.
“It (T20) is serving cricket in many ways — players are earning more money and lots of jobs are being created.
“But in my opinion Test is the ultimate — technically, strategically, physically and mentally. It has been there for the last 120 years and has gone through many such phases but the game has survived.
“I am sure it is going to stay and there is nothing like to play a Test series for a country. Apart from England, we find few spectators watching Test cricket.
“England is a traditional country and they stick to their values. It is high time for the authorities to do something to bridge the gap and save the Test cricket.”
Every player has the right to choose what he deems right. One should not miss a chance to earn more money and that is what T20 provides to the cricketers.
“T20 is contributing to the game in many ways,” agrees Collingwood.
It is a circus but a necessary circus. People want to be entertained and this is the best way Ashley Giles
“Players want to make hay while the sun shines. Top leagues in the world pay handsomely to top players,” he pointed out.
“It also provides younger players a chance to perform and get picked for the national sides. They get valuable experience by mingling up with international players. But we have to take care of Test cricket,” he stressed.
Former English spinner Ashley Giles has similar views about T20. He said: “It is a circus but a necessary circus. People want to be entertained and this the best way.
“Authorities need to take steps to safeguard the Test cricket because it is the ultimate.”
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com