OSCAR RESS: The suggestion from the ex-Australia captain would see Test privileges taken away from Ireland and Afghanistan, who were granted full status in 2018
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes the number of Test-playing nations should be reduced to eight, removing status from four nations, to ensure the future of the longest format.
In a column for ESPNcricinfo, the 79-year-old raised the argument amid the ongoing debate regarding the long-term health of Test cricket in the face of more lucrative T20 leagues.
The suggestion would see Test privileges taken away from Ireland and Afghanistan, who were granted full status in 2018.
He said: "Test cricket is a tough but rewarding game and players deserve the opportunity to participate in the format if that is their choice.
Afghanistan were given Test status in 2018 (STR/AFP via Getty Images)
"However, Tests are also steeped in culture and that requires the countries involved to have a strong first-class infrastructure.
"Not many teams have or can afford to build such infrastructure, as it costs money rather than bringing a return on investment. T20 leagues, which produce a healthy return, are much more acceptable to administrators.
"Consequently, it makes no sense to reward Afghanistan and Ireland, two recent recipients of Test status, neither of whom have the grounds or the infrastructure to reasonably expect that status. Sadly, Test status is best confined to the eight nations who have had a long-standing culture of the format."
His suggestions of a compromise included introducing a combined team made of non-Test nation players who have the desire to play the format and a second-tier competition designed to give teams a chance to prove their worth.
Ireland are due to return to Test action in 2023 (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Another key theme was the need for an improved relationship between the players and the administrators.
"If the international programme evolved as a result of consideration from such a partnership, then it would be much more palatable than the abomination that is the current schedule," he said.
The comments come after Moeen Ali described the schedule as "horrible" in relation to the timing of England's one-day international series against Australia, scheduled just days after the T20 World Cup win. Captain Jos Buttler said he was "not fussed at all" by the subsequent 3-0 whitewash.
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Posted by Andy on 06/12/2022 at 13:52
Fair comment. I'm not even sure on what basis the Afghanistan team is playing at the moment. Whom do they represent, and should we be playing sport against a team from a country ruled by that horrendous regime? Going to Qatar, playing Iran is bad enough, but the taliban is at least on a par with, and probably worse than, the old apartheid government.
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