Test Cricket vs. T20: The Impact of a Shorter Format on the Traditional Game

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a blast in both innings in the second test at Kanpur. A speedy 71 in the first inning and a match-winning half century in the second have reminded some of "Bazball," especially in the minds of the Englishmen. especially "critiques" like Michael Vaughn.

However, thoughts may strike that Indian cricket once had a Virendra Sehwag who used to go for over boundaries whenever he was nearing big scores. In recent days, India has Rishabh Pant, who has made a comeback and hopefully has sealed the spot! 

But is "Bazball" or some underlying effects of the popularity of T-20 cricket that have imposed the fast-paced nature? Or it was implanted before, like in Viru's case.

Moreover, does T-20 affect the test in terms of technique and acceptability among fans and the money-mongering nature of the boards? A big question that apparently has answers, but here goes some thoughts.

The changing dynamics of Test cricket!

Think about Ashes! Even when cricketers are playing in leagues like the Big Bash League or the Indian Premier League, the craze about Ashes is still unmatched! But do people frustrate with the pace?

Bazball came in the league when the Kiwi smasher Brendon McCallum took charge as the head coach of England. The record says England chased 300+ totals for at least 3 times in a span of 12 months. 

Players like David Warner and Johnny Bairstow, initially white-ball specialists, have adapted to Test cricket, lighting up the game with aggressive play.

Teams are playing with greater intent, aiming to set up wins quickly rather than playing for draws. While traditionalists may criticize this approach, it’s undeniably entertaining for the fans and has made Tests more decisive.

Not only that, the number of overs bowled has seen a significant change from the days of its advent to now. The average number of overs bowled in a Test match has dropped significantly, from 331 in the 1990s to 295 in recent years, signaling a shift toward shorter, result-oriented games.

Read Also: Cricket versus "Sports": A friend or a foe?

How T20 Leagues Are Shaping Test Players

The rise of franchise T20 leagues, like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL), has drastically impacted Test cricket. These leagues have created a platform for players to mingle with international stars, exchange ideas, and improve their game.

Exposure to new coaching methods and teammates has enhanced the skills of many Test players.

Notably, players like David Warner transitioned from being short-format specialists to excelling in Tests. Warner’s career path—from T20 prominence to Test dominance—is probably a testament to how T20 has indirectly benefited Test cricket.

The other discussed benefit of franchise cricket is that they paved the way for many youngsters to train with international coaches and well-set facilities. In domestic cricket, when they are limited to their countrymen, the leagues throw them in front of the class bowlers!

Keep aside the stardom and money they receive thereafter; this enhances the mindset and skills of the rookies to face the world-class bowlers at international levels.

Shrinking Test Matches: The Four-Day Conundrum

Test cricket is getting shorter. From an average of 331 overs per match in the 1990s, this has now dropped to 295 since 2020. Matches that used to stretch into the fifth day are now wrapping up in three or four days. The iconic Newlands Test of 2024, which lasted just over one day, highlights the rapid nature of modern Test cricket.

Several factors contribute to this trend. The aggressive batting styles adopted from T20 cricket mean that teams are scoring quicker, but often at the cost of defensive technique.

Pitches are also being curated to produce results rather than traditional drawn-out contests. This has led to a significant rise in the percentage of decisive Tests, from 50% in the 1980s to 85% in the current era.

While shorter Tests might seem like an exciting development, they also raise concerns about the game’s future. Fans booking tickets for the fourth and fifth days of a Test match might soon find that those days don’t exist anymore. The introduction of four-day Tests could be a way forward, but the question remains: will this compromise the unique charm of the longest format?

Players Declining Central Contracts for Franchise Tournaments

Cricketers have started shifting focuses towards league cricket. Almost all cricket playing countries have their own leagues. These leagues provide the bulk of money that exceeds the contract. Not only that, it works like freelancing, providing them ample time not only to balance their work load but to give some time to family.

Trent Boult, New Zealand’s left-arm pacer, opted out of his central contract in 2022 to focus on family time and franchise commitments. Similarly, England’s Jason Roy ended his contract early in 2023 to join Major League Cricket (MLC), with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supporting his decision.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez turned down a lower-grade contract in 2020-2021 to continue playing in T20 leagues worldwide.

This trend isn’t limited to individuals. West Indies’ stars Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran all declined central contracts in 2023. Meanwhile, Afghan players Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq faced sanctions for prioritizing league cricket.

With more cricketers seeking freedom and financial security in league cricket, national boards may face growing challenges.

The Fan Shift: T20’s Appeal to Younger Audiences

Once Wasim Akram, in an interview, said that fans will prefer a 4-hour engagement over an 8-hour one while speaking about the extinction of the One Day Internationals!

The test here consumes 8 hours per day for five consecutive days! Sounds hectic for league fans, but its true! The empty galleries, even though it hurts the heart, show a shift of audience towards the league matches and the T-20 matches, as the later hardly keeps a single ticket unsold!

Test cricket requires patience and time—qualities that are at odds with the modern pace of life. The decline in viewership and attendance at Test matches reflects this changing landscape.

T20, with its explosive action and commercial appeal, is increasingly becoming the go-to format for both players and fans. As this trend continues, Test cricket faces a challenging future.

Bazball or T-20

The 90's kids idiolized Rahul Dravid for his art of defence. For a long time, Cheteshwar Pujara guarding the wicketes, taking deadly blows on his body, was admired. 

Test cricket was an art. A field with 9 men scattered, wearing whites, and four men taking the center of the main play—it had a serene beauty. Every defence was a piece of art. 

Harsha Bhogle defines life with test cricket: "Don't worry about outcomes in life. We are not playing a T-20 match in life, you know. We are playing a test match. The great thing about a test match is it always gives you a second chance... In life, you always get a second innings. That's why there is a second innings in test cricket.

"When the going gets tough, you don't out. But you hang in... You become a Pujara. Why is Pujara so admirable? Hang in there. I may not be able to score just now, but I won't let you get me out. 

When the tide turns. I am still here. You're not"

Such a beautiful portrayal of traditional test cricket- that test cricket that is not supporting hanging in, in the recent days! 

Alas!