Cricket legend Clive Lloyd has expressed concern over the current imbalance in the cricket calendar, emphasizing the need for a better distribution between T20 and Test cricket. The former West Indies captain believes that the proliferation of T20 matches may be overshadowing the significance of Test cricket, urging for a reconsideration of the format’s priority.
Speaking at the Ekam Awards night in Kolkata, Lloyd stressed the importance of preserving Test cricket, stating, “I’d like to see a little bit more Test cricket. And if you’re playing Test cricket, I’d prefer three Test matches or five.”
The cricket icon suggested that playing only two Test matches in a series, especially when teams have to travel long distances, doesn’t make sense and may undervalue the true essence of the format.
Expressing his discontent with the current cricket landscape, Lloyd remarked, “I don’t think the West Indies should travel to Australia, 12,000 miles, for two Test matches. And it doesn’t make sense. Like the other day, it’s one-all (in India vs South Africa series). Now the other Test would have shown who was the better of the two teams.”
Lloyd, a pivotal figure in the West Indies‘ cricketing history, is known for leading the team to victory in the 1975 and 1979 ODI World Cups. His views align with the growing concern among cricket pundits and former players regarding the dominance of T20 cricket and its potential impact on the future of Test matches.
Highlighting the distinction between T20 and Test cricket, Lloyd emphasized, “I’ve said time and again that T20 is an exhibition, and Test cricket is an examination. Our youngsters seem to be getting this habit of trying to hit the ball out of the ground so that they can get a contract somewhere else. And I don’t like that.”
While acknowledging the excitement of T20 cricket, Lloyd asserted that Test cricket, with its rich history and strategic depth, should not be overshadowed by the shorter formats. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance to ensure the longevity and relevance of Test cricket in the evolving cricketing landscape.
Addressing recent concerns about pitch conditions, particularly in the India-South Africa series, Lloyd defended the wicket at Newlands, Cape Town. Dismissing criticism of the pitch, he pointed out that a batter, Aiden Markram, managed to score a century on the same surface. Lloyd challenged players to adapt to different conditions, stating, “If you’re playing top-class cricket, you should be able to handle those sorts of things.”
In a cricketing world increasingly dominated by fast-paced T20 leagues, Clive Lloyd’s call for a more balanced approach reflects a broader conversation within the cricketing community about preserving the essence of Test cricket amid the surge in T20 popularity.