Why a tiered Test system is right
Reconnect the fans
Test cricket is getting less popular each year. It is only facts that younger fans are hooked by floodlit white ball games with sixes flying to all parts of the ground. They consider leaves, blocks and singles boring, but this is the true identity of the sport. In an era of BazBall we should be grateful considering some had to watch a 10-day timeless Test end in a draw. However, lower interest in the format is not just younger people perceiving Test cricket as less exciting and entertaining. It stems from the fact the Test format makes no sense not just for younger people but for casual fans as well. The current ICC Test World Championship system is very hard to understand. What do you mean some teams play more matches than other?, How come there is 12 test nation but only 9 in the world test championship?, How is a team with 4 wins lower than a team with 1?, Why don’t all Tests count? and How do some teams play against some regularly but have barley played against others?
This confusion creates a lack of interest as it is hard to get into and follow. However, a tiered Test system like the English football pyramid would be much easier to understand. Each team plays everyone a certain number of times, 6 in the first division, 6 in the second and promotion and relegation, a simple concept but it could make all the difference. Everyone can support their country, egging them on to win.
Increased competitiveness
A tiered system means nations can play against other countries their level. If you’re not good enough you go down, if your too good you go up. This means there is no demolition jobs on smaller nations because that isn’t helpful for anyone. As shown in the World Cup many associate nations are holding their own against the big boys and it would be a missed opportunity not to include them in this. The best associates could make up a third division this would allow them to improve at a much faster rate. Currently they are good, but they will never get to the next level without playing against test nations. This has been shown in Asia with the Asia Cup allowing Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to get exposure against Full member nations which helped them to improve and gain Test status. The top one or two teams not in the system could also get promoted.
More revenue
Everyone having a chance to become a Test nation means more people from around the world would want to get involved in cricket. This surge of increased interest would draw views from countries not considered cricket playing Scotland, Netherlands and Namibia and therefore make the most prestigious format hit heights never seen before. These heights would then generate more revenue reinvigorating the format.
Why many fans disagree?
Even considering these benefits many are thoroughly against this because of the history behind some series and teams. Classic Test cricket fans are often against this as they wouldn’t like to see a country like the West Indies in a low division because of their terrifying pace throughout the 80s and the history behind them. Many cricket fans also cannot accept the possibility of the big three being in division 2 or 3 because it is embarrassing and goes against tradition. People also would not be happy if Australia, India or England lost power as it would lose money, power and influence and other fans worry smaller nations will not have the funds to cope. Finally, the fear of losing historic series such as the Ashes outweighs the excitement of new rivalries. In my opinion, cricket fans need to take a good look at themselves and realise we are hanging on to the unsustainable past and need to move on. We shouldn’t be looking at teams and going they can’t be in division 2 because they were good in the 80s and start thinking they’re good now so they should be at the top. We shouldn’t worry about losing big series either as it could work both ways and they could occur more often. Relegation scraps and promotion races can create even better rivalries like the Arsenal V Man City title race rivalry. And that is why if the tiered test system is implemented correctly, it could be amazing for reinvigorating the Test format
Struck for a duck 