Ravi Shastri Advocates Two-Tier Test Cricket System After MCG Thriller
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has called for a two-tier structure in Test cricket to ensure the long-term survival and competitiveness of the red-ball format. His remarks came after the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) drew a record-breaking 373,691 spectators over five captivating days. This surpassed the previous record of 350,534 set during the 1936-37 Ashes series, showcasing Test cricket's enduring appeal.
Shastri, now a commentator, hailed the match as a powerful testament to the continued relevance of five-day Tests, even amid the growing dominance of T20 franchise cricket. "I cannot remember a bigger advertisement for Test cricket," Shastri wrote in *The Australian*. "When the best teams play, the toughest format of the game is alive and thriving."
The 62-year-old emphasized the need for frequent matchups between top-tier teams like India, Australia, and England to sustain fan interest and crowd engagement. Advocating for a two-tier system with promotion and relegation, Shastri argued, "You won't get these kinds of crowds if you don't have two proper teams playing."
A two-tier system has been debated within the International Cricket Council (ICC) for years, with a 2016 proposal for a premier league among the top seven teams ultimately scrapped due to resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). At the time, the BCCI opposed the move, citing concerns about smaller nations' participation and development.
Shastri also reiterated his support for maintaining five-day Tests, dismissing calls for a four-day format. "The drama on day five at the MCG proved why we need five days for a classic Test," he said. However, he cautioned that without a two-tier structure, mismatched contests could prevent games from reaching decisive fifth days, fueling arguments for shorter matches.
Australia clinched the MCG Test by 184 runs deep into the fifth day, taking a 2-1 lead in the series ahead of the final clash in Sydney. The thrilling contest has reignited discussions about Test cricket's future and the need for reforms to maintain its prestige.
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