While players are taking sides with or against the idea of ICC's proposal of mandatory four-day Tests post the current FTP cycle, Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts says the governing body down under isn't yet in position to make public its stance and needs more "informed perspective" on the concept.
The ICC cricket committee will be discussing the contentious proposal in March before forwarding its recommendations to the institution's executive committee.
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"Not at this point. We are going to ask ourselves the right questions and the hard questions, develop an informed perspective," Roberts told Times of India. "Interestingly, there's been like 130 three-day Tests, 120-odd four day Tests and there have been 100 Timeless Tests. So Tests haven’t always been five days."
"It's also interesting to see how many matches are finishing inside four days. The data is being considered. Personally, I love five-day Tests. But my role isn't to make decisions on what I love. I don't think it's a binary discussion of four or five days. There needs to be a balance of head and heart. If it was purely based on the numbers, it doesn't pay respect to the game’s history," he added.
"The concept does raise interesting possibilities like starting Tests on a Thursday, to give fans the maximum opportunity to watch on Saturday and Sunday."
Unlike a lot of the other markets, Test cricket remains strong in Australia. "We're so pleased to have had 200,000 people in total at the Boxing Day Test. And then over 100,000 people in the New Year's Test in Sydney. They are two examples of Tests thriving," Roberts said.
"We've got great respect for the history of Test cricket. It's the most premium and most special format. We will take responsibility for playing a role in ensuring it stays relevant."
FICA, the worldwide players association body, has raised genuine questions marks over the intent of those who want this proposal to go through, especially on whether the trimming will be done just to ensure there is more space in the calendar for extra lucrative white-ball cricket.
"Broadcasters are a really important stakeholder, the commercial side. Fans are a critical stakeholder too," Roberts said. "The players are the stars of the show. We always look at those three areas, not just one of those perspectives. The fourth (factor) is the development of the community level. That is a significant focus for us."
(Inputs from TOI)
