Ben Stokes, captain of England’s Test team, has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not paying enough attention to scheduling. He also stated that the growing popularity of provincial Twenty20 leagues throughout the world poses a threat to the long-form version of the game.
“The game of test cricket has been discussed in a manner that I do not enjoy. As a result of all the new competitions and formats, it is failing to capture the interest of its devoted following. We are aware that there are a great many options for players outside of the test cricket format. However, I believe that it is quite significant for the game “said Stokes.
Stoke has stated that ‘entertainment,’ rather than’result,’ will go a long way in popularising the five-day format, and he has made this statement while dropping hints that Test-playing nations should follow England’s footsteps in playing ultra-attacking cricket.
“A fantastic place to begin is by removing the focus on the result from one’s mentality. Putting more emphasis on the fact that every day should be entertaining. preventing people from being informed about what is going to take place. If people come to the event enthusiastic about what they are going to see, you have already triumphed before a single ball has been bowled “explained Stokes.
He encouraged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to “do something different” to increase the interest in test cricket.
“I enjoy playing Test cricket and felt that we could do something new,” said Stokes, who has led England to nine Test wins in a row out of ten games since taking over as captain from Joe Root. Root was the previous captain of England.
The all-rounder, who is 31 years old, is also dissatisfied with the several different squads that are selected and the players that are rested as a result of the large amount of cricket that is being played and the commitment that cricket players have to their respective franchises.
“Some people will tell you that the fact that you are playing for England should be sufficient motivation. However, there are many more considerations to take into account. You want the best possible standard to be played in international cricket. However, we have witnessed a variety of squads being selected, as well as players being given rest; this is not the way that international cricket should be played, “opined Stokes.
While admitting that the concept of franchise cricket was a good one, Botham stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between domestic leagues and the five-day version of the game.
“The reason why a game of cricket is dubbed a “test match” is because participating in one puts a player’s skills to the ultimate test. There is an excessive amount of focus on the white ball. In England, we play a handful of first-class games around the beginning of April, and then the competition is suspended until the end of the season. It needs to have a better overall balance. You will need to find space for everything “explained Botham.
“The concept of establishing one’s own franchise is a sound and sound idea. I really really hope that we can keep things in check. And if franchises are able to keep that equilibrium, then we should investigate that further.”