Test cricket is considered the purest format of the game. Almost every cricketer in the world wants to play Test cricket at least once in his career. However, it is not everyone’s cup of tea to make it to the playing XI of a Test-playing nation in the longest format of the game.
Over the years, several talented first-class cricketers have missed out on an opportunity to play the longest format of the game due to tough competition. The reason why almost every player wants to play Tests is that it requires the best skills to succeed in this format. Bits and pieces cricketers do not make it big in this format.
A player not only needs to have good technique but also patience to succeed in this format. It is a traditional format, and there are traditions associated with this format as well. For example, there is a lunch and tea break during the day’s play. Also, the captains come out for the toss wearing a blazer in this format of the game.
1. The Pongal Test in cricket
Many Indian fans would remember that like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have a Boxing Day Test and a New Year’s Test for their home fans, India used to have a Pongal Test. It happened in Chennai generally during the mid-January period. Last year, when England visited India, they played two Tests in Chennai, but they were not Pongal Tests.
In the past, Chennai hosted Tests between India and England, West Indies or Pakistan during the Pongal Tests.
2. Rest Day
In the past, there was also a concept of a Rest Day in the middle of the Test. During the 1980s, teams would play two or three days and then take some rest. However, the concept has totally changed now. Players are taking rest these days as well, but there is no special break in the schedule. Instead, the cricket continues.
