Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has called for a two-tier system in Test cricket, incorporating promotion and relegation, to ensure the survival and competitiveness of the red-ball format. His remarks came after the record-breaking fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which drew an unprecedented 373,691 spectators over five days.
A Historic Spectacle
The Melbourne Test broke a near-century-old record set during the 1936-37 Ashes series, where 350,534 spectators witnessed Donald Bradman’s heroics over six days. Shastri, now a commentator, described the match as the greatest advertisement for Test cricket and evidence of the format’s continued relevance amid the growing dominance of T20 franchise cricket.
“To break crowd records that have stood for nearly a century… is testimony to the fact that when the best teams play, the toughest and best format of the game is still alive and thriving,” Shastri wrote in a column for The Australian newspaper.
The Need for Quality Matchups
Shastri emphasized that for Test cricket to thrive, the top teams must face each other more often. He proposed a two-tier system with the top 6-8 teams in one group, allowing for promotion and demotion based on performance.
“You will not get these kinds of crowds if you don’t have two proper teams playing,” he said, adding that the ICC must act to reduce the “clutter” of mismatched contests.
ICC’s Two-Tier Plans: A Long-Standing Debate
The ICC has floated the idea of a two-tier Test cricket system for years, aiming to keep the format competitive. However, efforts have stalled, most notably in 2016 when a proposal for a premier league involving the top seven teams was scrapped due to opposition led by the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Critics argued that such a system would marginalize smaller cricketing nations.
While Shastri’s vision highlights the potential benefits for marquee matchups like India vs. Australia, the BCCI has previously pointed out the adverse impact on less established teams, which rely on playing higher-ranked sides for revenue and exposure.
The Five-Day Debate
Shastri also addressed the ongoing debate about reducing Test matches to four days to streamline cricket schedules. Using the Melbourne game as an example, he argued that five days are essential to preserving the drama and unpredictability of classic Test matches.
“The theatre in the end on (day five) Monday was further proof of why we need five days for a classic Test match,” Shastri said. “Without a two-tier system, it’s unlikely that weaker teams will stretch games to the fifth day, fueling talk of four-day Tests.”
Australia’s Series Lead
Australia’s 184-run victory deep into the fifth day gave them a 2-1 lead in the series, with the final Test set to take place in Sydney. The gripping contest has reignited discussions about the future of Test cricket and the measures needed to preserve its legacy.
Conclusion
Ravi Shastri’s call for a two-tier structure reflects the urgent need to balance competitiveness and inclusivity in Test cricket. As discussions continue, the ICC faces the challenge of finding a solution that safeguards the red-ball game while fostering its growth in an era dominated by shorter formats.
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