Test cricket’s ‘haves and have-nots’ gap widening

Australia’s commanding 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka in Galle laid bare the increasing disparity between cricket’s top teams and those struggling to compete.

Writing for ESPNCricinfo, Australia great Ian Chappell observed how Sri Lanka swiftly “retreated into their shell like a threatened tortoise” once Travis Head took the attack to their new-ball bowlers in the first Test.

Chappell warned that the sheer one-sidedness of the series was “a powerful reminder of the danger a dominant ‘Big Three’ could pose.” If India, England, and Australia remain the only nations with the financial muscle to sustain a strong first-class system, “then the gap between the haves and the have-nots in Test cricket will widen at an alarming rate.”

Another troubling shift in the game is the increasing reliance on power hitting, driven by the rise of T20 cricket. The former Australia captain cautioned that if this approach becomes the norm, “not only would the artistic side of the game be diminished but also the delicate balance between bat and ball could be severely compromised.” Yet, with administrators prioritising financial growth, he fears “there’s a serious danger that tunnel vision will prevail.”

The Galle Tests also illustrated how weaker teams falter when faced with sustained pressure. “The toughest task for a Test captain is taking 20 wickets,” yet Sri Lanka’s overly defensive approach only accelerated their downfall.

“Bowlers can’t operate efficiently when the field is widespread, and placing a defensive fielder for bad bowling only fosters inaccuracy.” By contrast, Australia’s ability to “weather an assault” and fight back for wickets demonstrated the resilience of a well-rounded side.

The growing imbalance in Test cricket raises concerns about the format’s long-term competitiveness. As Chappell argues, without meaningful intervention, financially weaker teams may continue to fall further behind, leaving the game dominated by a select few.

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