Test cricket set for radical shake-up as two-tier format discussed by chiefs - 'Has to happen'
Test cricket set for radical shake-up as two-tier format discussed by chiefs - 'Has to happen'
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Cricket's bosses are reportedly looking to introduce a two-tier structure to Test cricket which will allow the likes of England, Australia and India to square off more regularly. The International Cricket Council’s chair Jay Shah will meet with Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and his England Cricket Board counterpart Richard Thompson later this month, according to The Age. They will discuss the potential of splitting Test cricket into two divisions.
The structure would be introduced from 2027 if approved and will open the door for the so called 'big three' to play each other more regularly in the calendar. Currently Australia, England and India play each other twice every four years, but that could be changed to twice every three years.
Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan would also be included in the top tier. The countries would will be hit harder are the likes of the West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland, who would go into the second tier. Cricket Australia have seen home summers boom when they the Ashes or Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The organisation enjoys huge profits courtesy of larger crowds and increased broadcast revenue.
This season’s five Tests against India drew 837,879 spectators, making it the fourth most attended series in Australian history, which is even more impressive when you consider two matches ended within three days while another was continually interupted by rain. A record 373,691 fans attended the Boxing Day contest at the MCG, while this summer’s average of 41,894 people per day of Test cricket was comfortably the highest in Australian history.
