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Test cricket is 'dying', says ICC chairman

TEST cricket is "dying", the chairman of the sport's governing body warned Thursday (7), adding the new world championship could help save the longest format of the game.

While Tests in Australia and England still draw sizeable crowds, filling stadiums and boosting interest in the five-day game has been a challenge in the rest of the cricket world for years.


"We are trying to see whether (the) Test championship can generate interest, because Test cricket is actually dying to be honest," International Cricket Council chairman Shashank Manohar told reporters in Dhaka.

"So to improve the situation, we are trying ways and means. The (ICC) board... came to a conclusion that if we start a Test championship, it would keep Test cricket alive and generate more interest in the game."

The Ashes series between arch-rivals England and Australia will kick off the World Test Championship in July, and the two top sides will face off in a final in 2021.

Manohar, who is in Dhaka to watch the final of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament, said the shortest version of the game now provides maximum ratings for broadcasters.

"Nowadays, people don't have five days... to watch a Test match. From 10 to 5, everybody has their own job to do so it is very difficult for them to watch (Tests)," he said.

T20s are "over in 3.5 hours, like watching a movie. Therefore, it is picking up very fast".

- Olympic challenge -

Manohar, a former president of the Indian cricket board, said the sport still faces challenges in its bid to become more global, including being added to the Olympics.

ICC officials in the past have expressed their willingness to submit an application for cricket to be included in the Paris 2024 Games.

But there are logistical obstacles, such as suitable venues for cricket, Manohar admitted, saying there is some way to go before it is featured on world sport's biggest stage.

"There are certain countries which are still not convinced whether to participate or not," he added.

The only time cricket was played at the Olympics was in 1900, with just two teams -- Britain and France.

(AFP)

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India suffered a 10-wicket defeat inside three days in Adelaide Test. (Photo: Getty Images)

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India face challenges in third Test against Australia at Gabba

INDIA head to Brisbane for the third Test against Australia, starting Saturday, amid concerns over captain Rohit Sharma's form and the fitness of pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, Australia, buoyed by their strong showing in Adelaide, aim to build on the momentum.
Rohit, who missed India’s win in the series opener in Perth to attend the birth of his son, returned for the Adelaide Test but dropped down the order and managed only nine runs. India suffered a 10-wicket defeat inside three days, intensifying scrutiny on Rohit’s contributions.
Critics have pointed to the 37-year-old’s continued struggles with the bat, suggesting it could be affecting his captaincy. Former teammates have also raised concerns about India’s tactics under his leadership in Adelaide.
The debate over Rohit’s role in the batting line-up — or whether he should be included at all — is likely to persist if he fails to deliver at the Gabba.
Rohit’s form, however, is not the only issue for India. Jasprit Bumrah, who impressed with four wickets in Adelaide, caused alarm when he clutched his inner thigh during his 20th over. Bowling coach Morne Morkel said Bumrah had suffered only cramp and was otherwise fine, but the pacer’s limited participation in training has raised questions.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting highlighted Bumrah’s importance, saying, “Bumrah's that big for India, I don't think they can win without him,” speaking to broadcaster Seven Network.
India may consider changes for the Gabba, including bringing back Akash Deep or opting for Ravindra Jadeja in place of Ravichandran Ashwin, who managed just one wicket in Adelaide. Harshit Rana’s performance in the second Test may also prompt reconsideration.
Australia face their own selection dilemma. Scott Boland, who performed well in Adelaide, could make way for Josh Hazlewood, who has recovered from injury. Mitchell Marsh, who bowled four overs in Adelaide, said he was ready to contribute more if required by captain Pat Cummins.
The Gabba holds bittersweet memories for both sides. India’s dramatic three-wicket win in 2021 ended Australia’s 33-year unbeaten run at the venue. While the current series will continue beyond Brisbane, the stakes are significant for the World Test Championship.
A loss for India would leave their WTC final hopes uncertain, while a win for Australia would bring them closer to next year’s decider at Lord’s.
(With inputs from Reuters)

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