Former Australian captain Ian Chappell feels that T20 cricket is casting a dark shadow over Test cricket. He said that the shorter format becomes easier to negotiate than that of a long Test series.
“T20 tournaments involving countries require only days to complete and therefore are far easier to negotiate in the current chaotic climate than a long Test series. Because of the short time span involved, T20 is a game better suited than Test matches to countries that are not traditionally cricket-playing nations. Hence the involvement of tyros like Oman and Papua New Guinea in the upcoming T20 tournament,” wrote Ian Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
Citing that the T20 game is lucrative and provides an income stream, he said, “Even if a non-traditional country does not have their own T20 competition, their better players have an opportunity to earn a living by playing in overseas tournaments.”
He also mentioned about the poor infrastructure that latest Test playing nations have which ultimately hinders the prosperity of the longest format of the game.
“They don't have a first-class infrastructure capable of supporting a player development system of any great depth. There's also an inclination among the older Test-playing nations to avoid contests against these newer teams where possible, as they are generally a costly proposition”, wrote Chappell.
Chappell also warned about the bleak future of Test Cricket that has been exacerbated by the covid pandemic.