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'Hopefully Test Cricket Still...,' Steve Smith Concerned For Test Cricket Ahead Of WTC Final

image-lij1azhdSteve Smith at a nets session (Twitter)

Australian batter Steve Smith has expressed his concern for Test cricket ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final.

While teams like India, Australia and England are effectively playing the most Tests, other boards have allowed the format to take a backseat amidst rising franchise cricket across the world.

Notably, the Indian, Australian, and English teams also played the highest number of Tests during the WTC 2023 cycle, participating in 18, 19 and 22 matches respectively. Meanwhile, South Africa emerged as the next highest with 15 matches to their name.

Steve Smith ‘slightly concerned’ about Tests

Ahead of the WTC final against India, Steve Smith stated that he is slightly concerned about the future of Test cricket. However, he also acknowledged the rise of competitiveness as seen in the format off late. The Australian batting veteran said:

“Yes, I am slightly concerned. But, hopefully Test Cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment.”


“Some of the games we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing. So, for me as, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the Board’s mind and stays alive and well for some time to come.”

In the meantime, Smith has been gearing up for the imminent WTC shootout alongside his teammates. He was among the first Australians to touch base in England, and participated in some County Championship matches to get accustomed with the playing conditions.

The WTC 2023 final will get underway on June 7 and will be played out at The Oval in London.