Test status is best confined to eight nations: Ian Chappell

While the Australian team made light work of the visiting Caribbean outfit in the first Test in Perth, former Australian skipper Ian Chappell made a bold remark about restricting the traditional format of the game to just eight nations. His suggestion would see Afghanistan and Ireland lose their Test privileges, which were granted to them in 2017.

The former Australian cricketer, who is known for his stern remarks, feels that Test cricket requires a ‘strong first-class infrastructure’ and it is not feasible for several countries to build such a sustainable environment. He also felt that the introduction of lucrative franchise leagues has further hindered the growth of red-ball cricket in associate nations as it seems the more rewarding option to the administrators.

“Test cricket is a tough, but rewarding game, and players deserve the opportunity to participate in the format if that is their choice. 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,” Ian Chappell said in a column for a cricket news website.

The 79-year-old stated that nations like Afghanistan and Ireland, which received Test status in 2018, do not have the required infrastructure to sustain the longest format of the game. The veteran commentator also suggested introducing a combined team of players from non-Test playing nations in a bid to fulfill their desire of playing the traditional format of the game.

“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,” Chappell further added.