INDIA: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar suggests that it is crucial to keep Test cricket attractive, even if that means matches can end in just three days.
In an interview with a media outlet, Tendulkar emphasized that the focus should not be on the game’s length but on engaging the audience. Tendulkar also stated that the sport should be result-oriented and everyone should go home knowing who won and who lost.
Tendulkar’s comments come after three of the four Border-Gavaskar Test matches between India and Australia ended within two-and-a-half days, which led to massive criticism of the pitches.
He pointed out that it is part of a cricketer’s job to play on different surfaces, be it a bouncy track, a fast track, a slow track, a turning track, swinging conditions, or seaming conditions.
Sachin Tendulkar believes that the most crucial factor is the kind of surface the cricketers play on, as it is the heart of Test cricket. Tendulkar highlighted that the ICC, MCC, and other cricketing bodies are talking about making Test cricket entertaining and the No.1 format.
Thus, it is necessary to have something for the bowlers, who ask a question off every ball, and the batter has to answer that. He added that if that question is not intriguing enough, it is hard to gain more eyeballs.
Tendulkar proposed giving the new ball to a spinner if the surface so demanded, as it would be challenging enough for batters to go out there and express themselves. He believes that rather than a fast bowler, a spinner can bowl an exciting opening spell.
He also stated that touring teams should not think that the players will get featherbeds and should make thorough preparations, as there are no easy conditions when touring the sub-continent.
In addition to his comments on Test cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also suggested significant changes to ODI cricket, which he finds a bit of a drag. While he did not elaborate on his suggestions, he emphasized the importance of making ODI cricket more engaging and entertaining.
Sachin Tendulkar’s comments have sparked discussions among cricket fans and analysts. While some agree with his proposals, others argue that Test cricket’s essence is in the duration and that shortening it may undermine its value.
Nevertheless, his thoughts on keeping the sport attractive are relevant, especially with the competition from other sports and the changing audience preferences.
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