 "Kane Williamson reacts during a Test match against England. Image: Reuters")
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has warned that Test cricket will struggle to survive if only India, Australia and England continue to dominate the format. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards on Tuesday, Williamson said the traditional format needs more support from all cricket-playing nations to ensure its long-term future.
Williamson, who led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021 against India, stressed that every nation must contribute to keeping Test cricket alive. He admitted that the game is under strain in many smaller countries, and more series between India, Australia, and England will not help it grow.
“If only three teams are playing the format, it will struggle to survive. While we enjoy watching those series, they don’t fully support Test cricket’s growth. It’s a major challenge, with numerous conversations ongoing to find solutions if sustaining the format is the goal. Meanwhile, the game is under strain in many countries. There’s been a lot of discussion about the Test game and how to keep breathing life into it, especially in countries where it’s facing greater challenges,” Williamson said.
Williamson is not in support of two-tier system
Earlier this year, reports suggested that the ICC, along with the cricket boards of India, Australia, and England, is exploring a two-tier Test system that would allow more matches between the “Big Three.” However, Williamson expressed concern about such a system, saying it could make it harder for smaller teams to compete at the highest level.
“The concern with a potential two-tier system is how teams in the second tier can continue to improve and work their way up to the top division. The Test format needs greater importance placed on it by all playing nations, along with additional resources to support its growth. As a passionate supporter of Test cricket, I would love to see it thrive,” he added.
The gap between the top nations and other countries have widened over the past two decades. India are currently playing the West Indies at home in a two-match Test series, and the performance gap between players of the two teams are miles apart. West Indies have not won a single Test against India since 2002, and their last victory in the subcontinent nation came in 1994.