Twenty20: A cure?
Posted by Prof on September 15th, 2007
In his article, A cure for cricket’s cancer, Ian Chappell argues that 20-20 will benefit the test and one day forms by improving the quality of competition and cricket.
While the points he makes are quite valid, I am not certain whether 20-20 cricket can actually bridge the gap in quality between the minnows and the big teams. The odd upset will happen but it is unlikely to be translated into performances in a 50 over game leave alone tests. Also, to fit in that many more 20-20 games, number of playing days in a year will increase or tests will be sacrificed (I don’t think they’ll cut down on one-dayers).
The former will mean that big stars will have to rest for matches and my belief is, the established stars will stay away from 20-20. While this will create a new range of favourites and so on, it will be a pity to have the most skilled players stay away from a format as it doesn’t do enough justice to their skills. In a few years though this will change with a new breed of cricketers who have played this form from their junior levels and hence you will see every big team practice a rotation policy very seriously. The latter is a devastating blow for any serious cricket watcher. A good test match with all its twists and turns has something to suit every taste. The recent test series in England being a good example. Significantly reducing test cricket though seems to be a real possibility.Â
At the end of the day what keeps the cash registers ringing will become the dominant form. But authorities must do their best to ensure that we strike the right balance. And here Chappell’s suggestions point in the right direction - cut the flab out from tests and one-dayers, package them well and they will probably flourish.
If you liked that post, then try these...
Indian Squad for Australia by G Man on December 11th, 2007
With less than 3 weeks left for the Boxing day Test match the hype machine for India's tour down under has just started.
Murali beats Warne by G Man on December 4th, 2007
.
Kirsten- the new Indian coach? by Z on November 27th, 2007
.
September 17th, 2007 at 6:30 am
T20 has a great entertainment value.I loved watching them simply because all teams have a fair chance esp one good over can change the course of the match.
All the time,four hours is ok.
I think T20 is a new brand of cricket which has to be accepted and given encouragement.
I hope IPL and Champions 20 would bring a new dimensions to Cricket.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:36 am
want to link exchange……..put my link at your blog thn i’ll put ur’s bye…have a gr8 time..http://iclinfo.wordpress.com/