As Bangladesh continues to lose test matches by huge margins and the team displays no semblance of any competitive flair, the case of a two tier test match system gains ground.
Would it not be a great idea to have the top 7 test teams play in tier 1 and remaining (currently 3) test teams play with the "A" teams of the top 4 teams in tier 1. The division into the tiers would be based on the ICC test cricket rankings. The last team in Tier 1, at the end of a year would automatically be demoted to Tier 2, with the top team of the bottom tier graduating to the Tier 1. If the top team of Tier 2 is not a Test playing nation, there need not be a move between the tiers. This would not only introduce more competition in the Tier 1 but also allow the minnows of World test cricket more experience playing with teams that are closer to their class. At the same time, it would provide the top teams a staging ground to try out their reserves against some international competition in a risk-free setting. A win-win for everybody.
Bangladesh and Zimbabwe (these days) are so far below the rest of the test playing teams that it really does not make sense to have them play along-side test playing nations. A two tier system will allow them time to set up a good first class system within their country and slowly raise their standard as they gain more experience. The worst thing that can happen to the game of cricket is a proliferation of one sided boring games that take out all spectator interest in the sport. The ICC needs to take a long-term view and ensure that test cricket continues to enjoy the popularity it has today (at least in the sub-continent).
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2 comments:
Look on the brighter side of playing Bangladesh. Pathan & Zahir gets their career best and Tendulcar gets the chance to score a double century getting nine lives (actually it was 12). Bangldesh was introduced to the bif scene a bit early and they are paying the price. But give them some more time and encouragement. As for Zimbabwe, I hope Mugabe falls soon and it can bring back some sanity to their cricket. They are not such a bad team after all.
I would like to look at the brighter side of things - but I just wonder if there is any meaning to Tendulkar's 248 especially as he was coming off that rotten form in his last few innings against better opposition. I would like these cricketers to score against better bowlers and establish their records, rather than against a team which till recently did not have a 3 day domestic competition and hence does not have players who know how to play the longer version of the game. On the flip side, it is fair to say that the Bangladesh cricketers are trying hard - but they should be given more time and that time should be spent playing in a lower tier - where they will not get demoralized.
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