“I believe the Test matches are the ultimate form of cricket where skill, tenacity, and determination are required.
It tests a player’s skill, perseverance, and patience. The format is such that it always allows a chance to come back into the game from any situation. Unlike other sports, sometimes, even the fight to secure a draw looks interesting to watch.

I recollect watching the famous 2001 Ind vs Aus Test series which I think is one of the defining moments in Indian Cricket. However, as a cricket lover, it is sad to notice a lot of test marches nowadays getting over within 3 days. Although the pitches in the test cricket will slightly favour the home side, they should strike a balance between batting and bowling and should last for 5 days. If the pitch deteriorates on the first session of the test match itself, then it will become one-sided. Also, I think with the T20, Big bash, and IPL, a lot of players are finding it difficult to adapt to conditions in test cricket where one needs to have the patience and the proper technique to score runs.

Also, the bowlers should be slightly benefitted in Test Cricket in terms of help from the pitch only then there will be a proper contest between the batting and bowling. Ultimately taking 20 wickets is what wins you Test matches and the ability to see it through with grit determination and technique by the batsman is what makes it interesting.

I believe the ICC should allocate more test matches in the first place in a calendar year more importantly being played by the top 5 teams to evoke interest.

The Pink Ball test matches have certainly drawn a good crowd. The test championship is a good start but we need more of such championships in the short run. Although we have a lot of venues in India if we can finalize 5- 7 test venues where the crowds have turned in large numbers exclusively for test cricket and promote extensively, it can help as well.

I think the current Bazball approach by the English team is fun to watch but eventually, it will not work out at all times in test cricket. Good sporting Pitches along with the desire to play test cricket are important.

Ultimately, as long as there is a good contest between both teams fighting over for 5 days, Crowds will turn up.”