Kolkata: With the threat of Twenty20 cricket eating into the share of the five-day formats, former India middle order batsman VVS Laxman today said that it's high time that they bring in new innovation like introduction of day/night matches to sustain the legacy of Test cricket.
Worried about the future of Test cricket, Laxman advocated about introducing day-night matches to reignite the passion and rope in younger generation of crowd who have been hooked to T20 nowadays.
“The survival of the longer version of the game is very important for the future of cricket. This should be the biggest worry confronting the administrators. While we are not sure whether day night test will meet technical requirements, it may draw new audiences for its sheer novelty,” Laxman said while addressing the Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi memorial lecture organized BCCI.
“People could dash to a ground after a day's work and unwind for a few hours. Who knows the interest in Test cricket might be reignited... Maybe it's worth a shot,” Laxman said in his 30-minute address to the gathering.
“Test cricket during the day should remain long but occasionally five days of Test cricket under lights especially in places where there's extreme heat and less dew will add an exciting dimension to the game.”
Admitting that there's little interest in the longer version these days, the stylish Hyderabadi batsman said:
“There is no joy performing to empty galleries but suddenly though it has come to afflict the Test cricket. It's imperative to find the ways to sustain Test cricket. I say with confidence that to majority of the players Test cricket remains the most sought after badge of honour.”
At the same time, Laxman said he loves the shorter version of T20, something he missed playing.
“Admittedly, T20 has opened up a lot of avenues and economy for larger number of players. The spectators are guaranteed entertainment for spectators in three action packed hours like going to movie. We have to find ways for both formats work.”
“Despite being old fashioned, I'm a huge fan of t20 cricket. i would have loved to played t20 cricket earlier. It forces you to think differently. As we have seen it has triggered bowling and fielding innovation that are simply mind boggling.”
