What is the future of Test cricket, is it a dying format?

Test cricket existed long before the ODI format came into play in the 1970s and also existed way before the Twenty20 format that came in to play, over 100 year after test cricket. However now it is believed to be now under threat of dying out, as the shorter formats of the game, especially T20 cricket are drawing away crowd from Test cricket.

It is a topic that has divided fans and players for a while now, the fact that some enjoy the shorter forms due to the intensity and some that enjoy the test matches that last 5 days, that is traditional. However over the past few years the introduction of domestic T20 competitions such as the IPL, BBL and many more like this around the world has resulted in the increase the popularity of the shorter format.

However the prospect of test cricket doesn’t look to great as Harsha Bhogle stated "England look good at the moment, and Australia might revive. South Africa look strong but West Indies are still in disarray. Pakistan are good on some surfaces, as are Sri Lanka. New Zealand can't find a batsman to average over 40" last year in an article on Cricinfo.

Although the prospect of test cricket doesn’t concern a few players such as West Indian Chris Gayle who stated when asked whether he would be sad if test cricket died out ? replying "I wouldn't be so sad. Some other players would be. Maybe Andrew Strauss would be sad. Maybe he will be sad if Test cricket die and Twenty20 continue. Because there is no way he can make the change."

The extinction of test cricket is quite evident, as series between countries are becoming shorter and shorter, to accommodate for ODI and T20 cricket. This was quite evident last time Australia played in South Africa when they only played 2 games for a drawn series, when it should have been 4 matches, as they are 2 of the top teams in the world.

Hopefully test cricket does not become extinct, as many fans including me, look forward to Test matches, as do cricketers, for example young Australians dream to one day receiving the baggy green and represent Australia.

It is important that test cricket continues on into the future, it is the format of the greats, such as Sir Donald Bradman, a format that tests a players true skill and patience. 

Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game.