It has been just 5 days since Ravi Shastri advocated for a two-tier structure in Test Cricket. And now as per reports, the ICC, Cricket Australia, and the England Cricket Board are in discussions about making it a reality. The news made the headlines after Australia drew a massive crowd in the Border Gavaskar Trophy showcasing the demand for red ball cricket.
This move will see the three biggest boards, India, Australia, and England play more Test series in the coming years. While the Ashes is held every year, the BGT on the other hand is held every two years. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the ICC, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird, and England Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson are set to meet later in January to discuss the issue.
Two tire structure for Test Cricket?
As per reports, the India vs Australia Test series has been the most watched Test series in the history of the game. However, even if the plan is finalized, it will come into existence at a later date. Meaning, that the plan will come into existence after the conclusion of the 2027 Future Tours Program (FTP) cycle.
“To break crowd records that have stood for nearly a century is a testimony to the fact that when the best teams play, the toughest and best format of the game is still alive and thriving. It was also a sound reminder to the ICC that the best should play the best for Test cricket to survive. There’s too much clutter otherwise,” Shastri wrote in a column for The Australian.
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“This match further emphasises why we need a two-tier system with the top 6–8 teams and the inclusion of promotion and relegation. You will not get these kinds of crowds if you don’t have two proper teams playing,” Shastri added.
The plan is relatively simple. India, Australia, and England won’t have to play other lower-ranked nations in Tests. And in the meantime, they can play against each other twice within a span of three years. As per the current schedule, they play each twice other every four years.
Cricket
India squad for Sri Lanka Tests to be picked this week: Bumrah, Jadeja to return, Washington Sundar doubtful
