Tests’ solid future after strong year, poll shows
TEST cricket is in robust health after a strong year, according to the custodians of the game’s laws, after a survey in which fans have hailed it as the “ultimate” of the three formats.
The future of five-day cricket has been a subject of debate since the rise of Twenty20 leagues around the world, coinciding with dwindling crowds for Tests outside Australia and England.
The lure of quick money has spawned several T20 freelancers, while many players have signed white ball-only contracts in English county cricket, making their priority very clear.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) surveyed more than 13,000 people from more than 100 countries, with an overwhelming 86 per cent of fans identifying Test cricket as their preferred format.
“Responders ... still consider the Test format to be the pinnacle of cricket and the favourite format of cricket to attend, follow and watch, with respondents describing the game as the ultimate form of cricket,” the MCC said in a statement.
The past few months have been a great advertisement for the long form, with India registering its first Test series victory in Australia, the West Indies humbling England and Sri Lanka becoming the first Asian country to win a series in South Africa.
“Test cricket has had the most incredible year and that has contributed to the strong support,” said Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara, a member of the MCC world cricket committee.
“There’s huge competition among the top countries at the moment and it makes for exciting competition.”
The survey also pinpointed some of the key challenges in increasing attendances at, and viewership of, Tests, including cost and availability of tickets and free-to-air TV access.