Death of Test Cricket

According to this writer, a simple one-line summary of test cricket:
           “The most boring game ever invented by mankind.”

Test cricket is one of the oldest games ever played. In fact, according to a new theory, it might have its roots in 9th century India. However what was good for the people of the 9th century need not necessarily be good for the people of the 21st century!!!

One of the major scarce resources for any individual living in the 21st century is TIME. And that is exactly where test cricket loses out on. Test cricket, undoubtedly, is the longest game in the world. An ordinary test match will last 8 HOURS FOR FOUR TO FIVE DAYS!!!! Yes, can you believe it? A game that lasts for 5 days!! If that is not bad enough, one is expected to devote 8 hours a day. The worst part is this: the match might result in a DRAW on the fifth day!!! So, one can imagine himself watching a game from 9 am to 5 pm for 5 days in a row, and there is no guarantee of a result! How many people are out there who have that much time in their hands? Probably only millionaires.

It is not even 5 days of entertainment, but 5 days of boredom. Test cricket comes nowhere close to matching the sheer entertainment of football or basketball. Even golf is more entertaining than this. The game progresses at an extremely slow pace. In addition to that is the huge breaks, There is a lunch break and a tea break which may extend to half-an-hour or one hour. A modern Homo Sapiens Sapiens like you and me will go mad just watching the game, let alone play it.

The weather is of utmost importance in order for a game like cricket to be held. For a game of cricket to be held, the day should be clear and sunny, with no signs of rain. Even with the slightest drizzle, the players will run off the field and the covers will be pulled over the pitch to protect it from the rain.

Now the shorter formats are growing in popularity. The 20-20 format especially has hit the jackpot.

This is why test cricket is dying. It is now played in less than 11 countries, that too in only Commonwealth nations. A test match is usually played out in front of empty stadiums, except in England. There you get some kind of crowds. But the major reason why crowds gather here is to socialize and not to watch the game.

Farewell test cricket, you have served well. Now, rest in peace.