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'Dedicated Window...,' Michael Vaughan Shares Interesting Plan To Save Test Cricket

image-lrn4ac4oIndian players celebrating Rory Burns wicket

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, known for his outspoken and controversial viewpoints, has proposed a new concept for a dedicated three-month window exclusively for Test cricket. He shared this idea in anticipation of the highly anticipated and challenging five-match Test series between England and India, commencing on January 25 in Hyderabad.

The opening clash of the series is scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on January 25. This marks the first Test encounter between England and India since their 2-2 draw in the five-match Test series during the 2021/22 season. Additionally, this series will be Ben Stokes' first Test assignment in India after assuming the captaincy from Joe Root.

In recent times, cricket legends such as Brian Lara and Ian Chappell have voiced concerns about the diminishing popularity of Test matches. Various suggestions have been put forth to ensure the sustainability of Test cricket amidst the rising popularity of franchise-based formats. Joining the ranks of those advocating for the preservation of five-day games is former England cricketer Michael Vaughan. 

In his latest proposal, Vaughan advocates for a dedicated three-month window exclusively for Test cricket, suggesting that white-ball matches should not be scheduled during this period.

Vaughan has been proactive in suggesting measures to rejuvenate Test cricket.

“A 3 month dedicated window for Test cricket every year for both the men & women’s teams is the only way to protect the greatest format. No other cricket but Test around those 3 months, the other 9 months for all the leagues ICC events,”  Vaughan posted on ‘X’.

Recently, he proposed that in case of a ‘bad light’ problem, umpires should allow the play to be continued with the pink-ball in place of the red ball.

The traditional form of the sport, Test Cricket, requires a significant boost to survive. The proliferation of T20 leagues, including the recently introduced T10 and The Hundreds, all based on franchise cricket worldwide, is fundamentally altering the game's core and essence. 

With numerous leagues emerging to capitalize on the popularity garnered by these formats among cricket enthusiasts, players are increasingly turning away from Test cricket. This trend has led many to believe that the days of playing the serious version of the sport are rapidly diminishing. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as an effort to attract more viewers, emphasizing teams playing for a result rather than settling for draws. Implementing additional measures is crucial to preserving the longest format of the game.