Ian Chappell, former Australian cricketer, has voiced concerns about the future of Test cricket, stating that it is "endangered" due to the growing popularity of lucrative T20 leagues globally. Chappell highlights administrators' focus on the financial rewards of T20 leagues, coupled with the high costs of preparing cricketers through first-class cricket and the lack of competition among Test-playing nations. These factors, he argues, collectively pose a threat to the existence of Test cricket as they contribute to its decline.
"It is no secret that Test cricket is an endangered species. Administrators are enamoured of T20's popularity and its huge financial rewards; there has been a world-wide explosion of T20 leagues and now players are signing long-term contracts with major T20 franchises. These are all contributing factors. However, the list also includes the exorbitant cost of preparing cricketers through longer-form first-class competition and a lack of competitiveness among a number of Test-playing nations," stated Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
Chappell Unhappy With Slow Pace In Test Cricket
Ian Chappell expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of play in Test cricket and the lack of initiatives by administrators to address it. While discussions about reducing Test matches from five to four days are gaining momentum due to various factors, Chappell questions why the sluggish pace of the game itself is not being tackled.
“Discussion is gaining momentum for four-day Tests in the wake of five-day games lasting slightly longer than a 50-over match. There are valid arguments about the increasing costs and for the introduction of four-day Tests, but why isn't the tardy pace of play being addressed?”
He also highlights England Test skipper Ben Stokes' efforts to enhance the entertainment factor in Tests but criticised administrators for not matching these initiatives.
“The pace of play in Test cricket is abysmal. It's slowing every day and nothing is being done to improve matters. On the one hand Ben Stokes genuinely strives to improve the entertainment quotient of Test cricket but he's being undermined by the administrators' lack of initiative,” said the former Australian cricketer.
“Surely This Is Superstition More Than Need”
Chappell also raised concerns about various aspects affecting the flow of the game, including constant drink breaks, frequent glove changes, and what he deemed as "pointless replays" to determine if a shot hit is a boundary or not. He questioned why batters are allowed to meet mid-pitch without penalties and why drinks are allowed outside regular breaks. Chappell also criticised the growing number of tactical reviews and the time-consuming nature of replays.
“Why are batters allowed to meet mid-pitch during overs to discuss who knows what without penalty? Why aren't batters informed that etiquette requires them to be in their stance at the crease when a bowler is ready to deliver? Heat extremes excepted, why allow drinks at times outside of the regular break? Why do glove changes occur so often? Surely this is superstition more than need. Why aren't boundaries signalled only for balls that hit the rope rather than allowing pointless replays that look at the whereabouts of a fielder's feet or hands?”
Additionally, he also voiced his disapproval of players arguing with umpires, expressing concern over the increasing number of tactical reviews and the time consumed by replays. Chappell called for penalties for players charging at umpires while appealing, citing recent incidents of such behaviour in the SCG Test involving Australian players.