With the expansion of lucrative T20 leagues around the world, cricketers are finding it hard to strike the balance between franchise cricket and national duty.

In July last year, England’s ace all-rounder Ben Stokes called time on his ODI career, citing that it was "unsustainable" for him to play all three formats amid a busy schedule.

Moreover, New Zealand’s star pacer Trent Boult gave up his central contract to spend more time with his family and feature in domestic leagues around the globe.

Amid the recent development, veteran Australia opener David Warner has expressed his fear over the future of Test cricket.

Warner, who has represented Australia in 101 Tests so far, said he had spoken about the significance of the longest format with his younger teammates, including Sydney Thunder talent Oliver Davies.

"I was speaking to (Davies) the other day. He likes playing white-ball cricket, I can't see him playing red-ball cricket any time soon," Warner told reporters. "If he wants to put his mind to it, he can definitely play.”

"But I've got a little bit of scaredness about what's going to happen in the next five to 10 years, where cricket is actually heading.

"I'd love for guys coming through to play red-ball cricket and play Test cricket because that's the legacy that you should want to leave behind," he added.

Over the last few years, a number of Australian cricketers, including Chris Lynn, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David, have made lucrative T20 careers without playing Test cricket.

However, Warner suggested they were the exception and advised the youngsters to prioritize Test cricket.

"There's only been a small minority of people who have been able to do that and have a long career (without Tests)," said the 36-year-old.

"Guys see the short term at the moment with all the leagues and stuff around. The best way to get value for your currency is actually making a name for yourself."

(With Reuters Inputs)