Pat Cummins, the Australian cricket team captain, recently expressed his concerns about the increasing inclination towards franchise cricket over Test matches among national teams. At 30, Cummins highlighted the crucial role of broader participation from more teams and top players to ensure the survival of Test cricket.
The challenges faced by red-ball internationals are evident as South Africa considers sending a second-string team to New Zealand in February, conflicting with the SA20 league schedule.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) might request numerous players, including nine from the current Test XI, to prioritize domestic commitments. Cummins conveyed his disappointment, emphasizing Australia’s strong support for Test cricket and advocating for more teams to embrace this format.
In a conversation with AAP, Cummins remarked, “I find this disheartening. It’s strange because in Australia, Test matches thrive. The audience turnout is impressive, with millions tuning in each summer. However, it seems there are fewer countries now fully investing in international cricket compared to five or 10 years ago.”
“I may not have the solution, but as someone who loves Test cricket, my wish is to see 20 Test teams in the next 10 years, if not more,” he added.
Promoting Test cricket during the upcoming home summer poses a challenge for Cricket Australia as they gear up to host Pakistan and West Indies. While the West Indies may pose less of a threat, Cummins identifies Pakistan, with their formidable bowling unit, as a potential challenge for the Australian team.
