Test Cricket - are they becoming boring ?

The recently concluded test match between India and Srilanka at Ahmedabad has once again ignited the debate about future of test cricket."Test Cricket is no longer favorite of crowds"- this view is now universally accepted.50-50 and 20-20 have replace it. Now if I say that TEST CRICKET IS PLAYED FOR RECORDS AND NOT FOR ENTERTAINING CROWD - it will not be wrong. Some traditonalists may disagree but I have many reasons to say that the Test Cricket is fast becoming obsolete and boring these days.

In comparision to ODIs and T20s there are not many spectators in the ground to watch the dull and lifeless proceedings of a test match. I often see players playing at their leisure, blocking each ball or leaving out the outswingers, which would have easily been despatch our of the ground by our own Shewag or Yousuf Pathan, if it were either ODI or T20. There is hardly any enthusiasm in the field either.

The players looked tired while changing sides. Just lethargy all round. Even the two batsmen in the middle hardly show any enthusiasm or interest. It appeared that they were playing not for the crowd but to cement their place in the side or for records. fanfare and enthusiasm are completely lacking in test matches.

In the past, People used to wait in que right from the middle of the night to get their tickets, some sleeping on the platform and some even used to bring blankets with them along with food. That was the craze or enthusiasm for the game. When the match started from the first day onwards the stadium would be full to the capacity for all the five days, barring a day break in-between.

When India and Pakistan played either in Lahore of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, there was jubiliation all over. It was a festive like atmosphere in both the countries. Everyone used to be concerned about the match whether he is a small boy or 80 years old man or woman. Such was the enthusiasm and importance attached to the Test Cricket those good olden days. Now today every thing has changed.

First it was the advent of One Day World Cup matches staged in England or Kerry Packers colour revolution that all brought changes to the game of cricket. But then, Test matches still continued to draw a huge crowd, as there were very few ODIs and more Test matches played.

Then the frequency of ODI matches brought new flavour to the entire game of cricket. The instant cricket or big hitting game produced many young cricketers who became instant heroes. The game became popular and drew more and more sponsors. The game was commercialised. From a dull Test match to a very vibrant game of ODI all changed the interest of the people. Test cricket started waning.

Then came another shortened form of game. It was T20 matches. It became still popular and drew the youth to the game. Never before opportunities wide opened for the upcoming cricketers. The young and old started enjoying this game. This shorteened form of game produced many heroes and people started identifying themselves with them. This sent Test cricket to the background further. The T20 World Cups and IPL all hastened the demise of the interest in Test cricket.

Those days, people had enough time to watch the game of Test Cricket. But then the changes in the very form of the game was responsible for making the game of Test cricket a dull and boring affair.

Notwithstanding the records made or broken, Test Cricket is at a crucial stage. It would be sooner than later, the Test Cricket would be slowly disbanded. There would be more ODIs and T20s than Test Cricket. After some time, even ODI would also loose its sheen giving way to abridged T20 form of game. It would not be a surprise or wonder, if this game is further reduced or shortened as T10 matches.

People cannot waste their time going to Test venues to watch a dull game for four or five days, notwithstanding the result it would produce or the performance of the individuals. But then enough is enough. It's time to say good-bye to Test Cricket. Sooner it is better for the game.