Moeen Ali worried about the future of Test cricket

Moeen Ali returned to England squad for the One Day International series in New Zealand.

Moeen Ali | Reuters

England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who returned to the national squad for the upcoming One Day International series in New Zealand after being rested for the Trans-Tasman Tri-Series, is worried about the future of the traditional format of the game –Test cricket.

Following Australia's 4-0 Ashes win over England, Cricket Australia claimed that more than 865,000 people had attended the five-Test series, the highest since the 1936-37 Ashes, but Moeen claimed that the crowds were quite disappointing during the Australia series that made him realize the struggles of the survival of Test cricket. 

As per Reuters, Moeen Ali told reporters, “I feared in the Ashes actually.... The crowds were quite disappointing. There were a couple of big days, but even when they (Australia) won the Ashes there weren’t that many celebrating. That’s when I thought, ‘Actually, we’re struggling a bit’.”

He added, “It is a worry. Test cricket is the pinnacle. It is in my opinion where the best players play. You can really see who is the best. It’s been a worry for a while, but Australia really opened my eyes.”

There has been introduction of the day-night tests, four-day matches and a new championship in a bid to bring crowds and revive the taste of the longest format of the game.

The all-rounder signed off by saying, “When the idea of four-day Tests came up I was against it because it’s always been five days. But maybe it has to change. I don’t really like the pink-ball tests, but maybe if it works and brings crowds in it has to be done.”

England is scheduled to play five-match ODI series followed by two 2-day practice match and two Tests in New Zealand while the tour will start with the first ODI on 25 February at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 24 Feb, 2018

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