Former England captain Nasser Hussain has urged the cricketing powerhouses—Australia, India, and England—to safeguard the future of Test cricket, following an electrifying conclusion to the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with India clinching the final Test by a mere six runs.
Despite the allure of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hussain emphasised the importance of maintaining a commitment to the longer format of the game. He pointed out the sentiments of Indian star Virat Kohli, who claimed that winning the IPL ranks far below his most cherished moments in Test cricket. Hussain affirmed the genuine investment that top players, including Kohli, have in red-ball cricket, underscoring that their dedication goes beyond mere words, proven through years of commitment on the field.
“Why do we worry about Test cricket?” asked Hussain, reflecting on his admiration for the format throughout the series. He acknowledged, however, that financial challenges hinder many nations from thriving in Test cricket, leading to concerns about the format’s sustainability.
He lamented the decline of teams like the West Indies and the shift in focus by South Africa towards T20 formats. Hussain highlighted the privilege that England, India, and Australia enjoy in terms of attendance and resources, noting that the atmosphere at the recent series was filled with enthusiastic crowds, a luxury not shared by all cricketing nations.
According to Hussain, it falls upon these dominant countries to foster the future of Test match cricket. He remarked, “If we let this go, we are not serving the game.” Hussain called for a collective effort to nurture Test cricket and support the nations lacking the same advantages.
Looking ahead, the cricket world is gearing up for what is anticipated to be one of the most significant Test series—the Ashes. The first Test between Australia and England is set to commence on November 21 in Perth. After India’s nail-biting victory, Ben Stokes described the upcoming Ashes as “the big one,” expressing his determination to recover and perform. In response to inquiries about England’s confidence in Australia, Stokes assured his teammates and fans with an emphatic “absolutely.”
As the cricketing community converges on the future of Test cricket, Hussain’s message rings clear: the onus is on the leading nations to champion the format and ensure its longevity for future generations.