In just under six hours, the
India vs Australia Test series would commence. There would be 4 test matches played between the two teams within the next one month. That would be 20 days of play and possibly 1800 overs or 160 hours of wasted time. Allegedly, the term test is in reference to the fact that a test match is a "test of strength and competency" of the two teams concerned. In my opinion, it is just a test of patience of all others concerned. At least, all those who aren't earning from the event.
"Why wasted time?", you may ask. But, I have a feeling that you already know the answer to the question. For a format of a game that drags on for 5 days with approximately six hours of play per day, a test match is supposed to give a result. At least, for the sake of the poor souls who watch it.
Have this for comparison, a Twenty20 cricket match has a 100% chance of producing a result once the match is underway. An ODI match in which each team gets to play at least 25 overs (i.e., play half the match), the chances of having a clear result is 97% and even the rest 3% of matches (which are tied) are described to be 'going to the wire'.
In contrast, a test match has a 53% chance of being drawn.i.e., after 5 days of play, the result is "I don't know who is the better team.", and the chances of having a tied match is also very slim. There have only been 2 tied test matches till date out of about 1200 matches played.
AAArgh!!! save the spectators and abolish this drab, swimming in treacle form of cricket.
The elegance of Test Cricket is the contest between the bat and ball and the exciting moments of play and miss, the bouncers and all those closing fielders, which you never find in ODI or T20. Result is something that nobody is much worried about in a test match.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Test match is for those who dont have anything else to do. But dont you think Australians have the changed the perception of Test cricket too.