The Three Formats (an all inclusive thread)

[Raynman]

Here’s an attempt to consolidate the preferable format debate. I will try to be as objective as possible in this initial thread so everyone can refer to it to try to understand both sides of the equation:

Test Cricket:

What the supporters like – This is real/pure cricket. The head games between the bat and the ball. The strategies, the declarations, the follow-ons, the ability to bat out a draw, the skill and stamina, the techniques , the history.

What opponents say – Too long, boring, doesn’t belong in the modern world, no championship and the games don’t really mean much.

Where Bangladesh stands – Still not quite there to grab the attention of the ‘elite’ teams. Occassional bursts here and there but most of them at home. Probably at least a few years away from gaining noteworthy respect of writers/analysts/other teams.

Reality – played exclusively as bi-lateral. With the exception of a few series’ this format does not generate revenue and requires funding generated by T20 and ODI to survive. The oldest existing format of cricket and generally considered the epitome of cricket. Players would rather hold the world record in this format than any other. However, players are more likely to retire earlier these days with financial benefits looming in other formats as well as a prolonged career. Requires a good domestic first class structure to prepare cricketers for this format. This is where the money factor comes in again. It’s a catch 22 since to fund it you need to have ODI and T20 tournaments which will generate the revenue but that will cut into the schedule to hold 4 day long matches as well. Scheduling around the international calendar is another factor. Countries like AUS, ENG, IND enjoy playing each other (along with SA) but tend to hog up the calendar between themselves and restrict the series to a 2 test affair while playing other countries. WI has some traditional series where they still get decent amount of tests but that is most likely to change in the future. Associates have zero to nil chance of becoming a test nation anywhere in the near future.

My Opinion – I doubt anyone questions the grandeur of test cricket but the revenue and length factors make an important debate. With new generation of professional athletes seeing a better future in IPL and T20, test cricket will surely start to see T20 habits seep into it. Whether that’s a good of bad thing is up for debate. I think test crickets biggest problem is its ‘elitist’ qualities. Unless ALL test nations are given equal number of matches with each having the same importance, test cricket is a cruise ship heading for an iceberg. If there is no intention of growth (in teams), the fanbase has only one direction to go. Once the fanbase goes, so goes test cricket.


ODI Cricket:

What the supporters like – Faster than test cricket but longer than T20. A mixture of hitting (PP and death overs) and building an innings. Bowlers, though limited in their options still don’t get shut out as much as in T20.

What opponents say – Overkill with T20 being there. No need for a middle format. Becoming too predictable at times.

Where Bangladesh stands – Without a doubt the most successful format for BD. Hosting the 2011 WC will be a big deal. Making it to the quarters or beyond will be even bigger. Lots of hope going forward as WI is within striking distance for #8 should BD keep improving and WI fail to recapture its status amongst the others.

Reality – The World cup ODI is still the crown jewel of the cricketing world in terms of fan attention. Countries like ENG and SA (who don’t even have domestic 50 overs) are looking to alter the length or even discuss making it a two innings T20 game. Multi nation series exists (Asia cup, tri-series etc.) which generates interests. Long bi-lateral series are becoming stale (IND-ENG, AUS vs. anyone in the domination era) when one team is too strong for the other one.

My Opinion – I think the ODI world cup should stay as the centerpiece. But instead of the test teams getting automatic qualifications and not being obligated to host the associate teams with ODI status, there needs to be a long qualification route to the world cups. This way associates have a purpose and enough games are played where test nations will have no right to complain should they fail to qualify.

T20 Cricket:

What the supporters like – Fast and entertaining. Innovation in batting and captaincy/strategy. Once the bowlers figure out how to be effective in this format it will be THE format to watch. A different beast that should not be compared by Test and ODI standards. Can expand cricket to new markets.

What opponents say – Circus cricket, bhua cricket etc. etc. No skills required just blind hitting. Has no business in being in existence.

Where Bangladesh stands – BD doesn’t understand the game and has not put much effort into it (coaching, creative selection etc.). Unfortunately, this is one format where the team can be in mix due to its newness, but that doesn’t appear to be the priority now, even though we’re going to be hosting the 2014 (?) WC.

Reality – Money talks. T20 is vital to keep cricket alive. The Olympics option alone should make it a priority for ICC. The growth opportunity is there and it can bring in new fans who might stick around for ODI and Tests.

My Opinion – ICC missed out on creating an international calendar to IPL. Imagine a home/away tournament year round with international teams. You can create divisions by geographic locations and then culminate in a knockout round. An exciting format that can offer a lot once you take your test and ODI glasses off.