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The issue with Test cricket (TC) and the shorter forms of the game is an interesting one. Products have a shelf life, but Test and First Class has a particularly long one. Those with longer memories would realize that this is not the first time that the traditional game has faced problems. When the West Indies participated in the first tied match back in the 1960/61 season, the longest form of cricket required a boost-it got that from within. When one-day cricket came along, cricket fans and pundits believed that Test matches would soon be extinct (that was back in the 70s).

To suggest that T20 cricket will annihilate Test match cricket is to ignore history. Yes, the world is changing but Test cricket was challenged before and survived. It is undeniable that T20 has an impact on TC, since the International Cricket Council is forced to focus on its marketability. This is a good thing because Test cricket’s problems do not arise from T20. Flat pitches and weak international teams are problems that reduce the marketability of Test cricket. T20 merely gives the cricket fan something fresh and exciting. It is becoming clearer that Test cricket’s low marketability is not the result of T20 cricket.

If Test cricket were doomed because of the more marketable T20 format, then why do England and Australian fans, players and officials anticipate the Ashes series many months in advance? It is true that some cricket fans prefer T20, but enough fans and players still love TC. It provides something different for cricket fans and players.

TC was always a niche game-like baseball. It is very popular in the Commonwealth-but only in certain nations (particularly India). Attendance at Test matches might be on the decline, but that fact does not apply to every Test series, particularly the Ashes. In addition, we can attribute falling attendance to couch potatoes carrying more weight in the cricket world. In addition, many Test series like Bangladesh versus anyone or (New Zealand versus West Indies) do not generate much interest, even in the participating countries.

Test cricket will survive the T20 onslaught simply because there is a market for it. Those who forecast its extinction fail to take into account its uniqueness and niche appeal. T20 is new and fresh but eventually the storm surround T20 cricket will settle. One-day cricket had a similar effect and now it is facing its own challenges. Test cricket might just be here to stay.

Country Ukulele Cover “Sea of Heartbreak” by Don Gibson 1960′s