Former Indian cricket coach and commentator Ravi Shastri has reignited the debate on revamping Test cricket by pushing for a two-tier system. His comments came after the recent Boxing Day Test between India and Australia set a record for attendance in Australia, with a staggering 373,691 spectators over five days. This historic match surpassed the previous record of 350,534 attendees set during the 1936/37 Ashes series.
Shastri highlighted how crowd engagement demonstrated the enduring appeal of high-quality Test cricket. “Breaking a crowd record that stood for nearly a century is proof that when top teams face off, Test cricket remains as exciting as ever,” he said.
Why a Two-Tier Test System?
Shastri argued that only competitive matches between strong teams can sustain the format’s popularity. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider a structure where the top 6-8 teams compete in the primary tier, with promotion and relegation ensuring a steady flow of competitive matches.
“You won’t see these kinds of crowds if unbalanced teams play against each other. A two-tier system will bring more meaningful contests and keep the format alive,” Shastri wrote in his column for The Australian.
A Proposal Once Rejected
The idea of a two-tier Test cricket system isn’t new. The ICC first floated the concept in 2016 but later withdrew the proposal due to resistance from several cricket boards.
Despite that setback, Shastri believes recent developments make a strong case for revisiting the structure. The dramatic five-day Test at Melbourne, which Australia won by 184 runs to lead the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1, further reinforced his view.
Keeping the Five-Day Format Intact
Amid debates over shortening Test matches to four days, Shastri defended the traditional five-day format. He noted that the Melbourne match showcased why a full five-day structure is essential for producing thrilling finishes.
“If we don’t adopt a two-tier system, many Test matches will likely end early due to one-sided contests. That’s when the calls for four-day Tests will grow louder,” he warned.
As Australia gears up for the final Test of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, cricket enthusiasts and administrators alike may reflect on Shastri’s suggestions — considering them crucial for the survival and growth of Test cricket.
