French rugby and Pakistan Cricket is a reasonable comparison! The venue for the WTC final is a reasonable compromise. England is the most culturally diverse cricketing nation in the world and the WTC final is, understandably, a commercial venture. It must be financially viable (and successful) to survive. If Test cricket can, somehow, mount a revival, we might even see a three-match final. Much as I love that idea, it may be extending the boundaries of optimism to breaking point.
I desperately hope SA makes the final. It could be what’s needed to re spark interest in Tests in SA. I’m from Aus so obviously a privileged position and no Knowledge of life in SA, but extremely curious and concerned as to why stadiums appear close to empty at almost every home Test whilst T20Is are still supported. Is there still invested interest in the test team? Understand SA20 is the clear priority. Keen to hear from people in the country and have intimate knowledge like the great Neil. Have a lot of respect for SA as I grew up seeing them as the best in the world and dream of watching an Aussie test tour there
Hi Thomas, many thanks for your post. It's a complex issue, but also a practical one. My belief (and stats back it up) is that interest in Test cricket remains as high as ever. But lifestyle and infrastructure in SA makes it harder than ever to 'pop in' for a day, or half, of Test cricket. Public transport is limited, as is parking. And the stadium experience could be better... I'm still convinced that Tests in SA would be better played over 4-days from Thursday to Sunday with more 'pow' in the marketing to match the way the majority of Test matches are played (and finished) in SA!
Thanks so much for the reply Neil! Have greatly admired your work over the years. I am a purest who loves a five day thriller. But yes, the case for four day Tests would be very compelling for non big three countries and could be a key to getting crowds bigger in those nations. I guess SA stadiums have hardly been renovated since 03 World Cup as well. Keep up the good work. Hopefully it’s a Aus v SA WTC final and you are calling with Adam Collins on SEN radio😉
It would appear that Aus vs SA is the favourite for the WTC Final as things stand. And the SA stadia will no doubt be renovated before the '27 World Cup. The ICC hosting rights fee is pretty much the only cash available for every nation to refurb their venues!
It's bizarre when SA has played less than half the matches England has in the test table, 10 compared to 21. It will be a shock if SA doesn't win at least one of the two upcoming games. That said Pakistan can be mercurial, I am reminded of the old French rugby team, up and down and one could never be quite sure when they would hit some crazy purple patch. As for India it's possible they win the three remaining matches down under but surely unlikely. If we do make it which must be likely none of the possible preparation sounds adequate in facing up to Australia or India. The fact the final is always in England seems unfair on teams not so seam attack based such as India.....it was no surprise they were beaten in the first two finals by Kiwis and Aussies. Lets see, may the games begin.
If we don't see each other at least half a dozen times before the end of March there needs to be a Steward's Inquiry!! You've got my number - please call me anytime! (Although there is a slim chance I'll be in India at the end of Jan...and maybe even Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, although the farcical 'hybrid' model makes it virtually impossible for a freelance journalist to plan anything.)
French rugby and Pakistan Cricket is a reasonable comparison! The venue for the WTC final is a reasonable compromise. England is the most culturally diverse cricketing nation in the world and the WTC final is, understandably, a commercial venture. It must be financially viable (and successful) to survive. If Test cricket can, somehow, mount a revival, we might even see a three-match final. Much as I love that idea, it may be extending the boundaries of optimism to breaking point.
I desperately hope SA makes the final. It could be what’s needed to re spark interest in Tests in SA. I’m from Aus so obviously a privileged position and no Knowledge of life in SA, but extremely curious and concerned as to why stadiums appear close to empty at almost every home Test whilst T20Is are still supported. Is there still invested interest in the test team? Understand SA20 is the clear priority. Keen to hear from people in the country and have intimate knowledge like the great Neil. Have a lot of respect for SA as I grew up seeing them as the best in the world and dream of watching an Aussie test tour there
Hi Thomas, many thanks for your post. It's a complex issue, but also a practical one. My belief (and stats back it up) is that interest in Test cricket remains as high as ever. But lifestyle and infrastructure in SA makes it harder than ever to 'pop in' for a day, or half, of Test cricket. Public transport is limited, as is parking. And the stadium experience could be better... I'm still convinced that Tests in SA would be better played over 4-days from Thursday to Sunday with more 'pow' in the marketing to match the way the majority of Test matches are played (and finished) in SA!
Thanks so much for the reply Neil! Have greatly admired your work over the years. I am a purest who loves a five day thriller. But yes, the case for four day Tests would be very compelling for non big three countries and could be a key to getting crowds bigger in those nations. I guess SA stadiums have hardly been renovated since 03 World Cup as well. Keep up the good work. Hopefully it’s a Aus v SA WTC final and you are calling with Adam Collins on SEN radio😉
It would appear that Aus vs SA is the favourite for the WTC Final as things stand. And the SA stadia will no doubt be renovated before the '27 World Cup. The ICC hosting rights fee is pretty much the only cash available for every nation to refurb their venues!
I am sure Zimbabwe will be open to a Test match. As long as South Africa pays for it!
Well, that is exactly the point, my old friend! SA need the playing hours - Zim would be only too happy to provide them. But not at a loss...
Will do! Coxy out on 20th March for two weeks!
It's bizarre when SA has played less than half the matches England has in the test table, 10 compared to 21. It will be a shock if SA doesn't win at least one of the two upcoming games. That said Pakistan can be mercurial, I am reminded of the old French rugby team, up and down and one could never be quite sure when they would hit some crazy purple patch. As for India it's possible they win the three remaining matches down under but surely unlikely. If we do make it which must be likely none of the possible preparation sounds adequate in facing up to Australia or India. The fact the final is always in England seems unfair on teams not so seam attack based such as India.....it was no surprise they were beaten in the first two finals by Kiwis and Aussies. Lets see, may the games begin.
Hope to see you in CR we are here until end of March!
If we don't see each other at least half a dozen times before the end of March there needs to be a Steward's Inquiry!! You've got my number - please call me anytime! (Although there is a slim chance I'll be in India at the end of Jan...and maybe even Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, although the farcical 'hybrid' model makes it virtually impossible for a freelance journalist to plan anything.)