Test Cricket Will Die If India Gives Up On It, Feels Greg Chappell

Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game. And, there is a reason why! This is because no other format of the game tests your patience, character, versatility, grit than the five-day match.

Amidst all the razmataz of the slam-bang T20 cricket, Test cricket still comes as a breath of fresh air for genuine lovers of this beautiful game. But, given the fact that there are very few countries who are actually doing well in Test match cricket, one of the concerns among the purists whether the game survives in these places.

Former Australian captain and Team India coach Greg Chappell feels that if India gives up on Test cricket, the format will eventually die as he cannot see countries other than England and Australia investing in the longest format of the game.

“Test cricket will die the day India gives it up. I cannot see countries other than India, Australia, and England investing in young cricketers to take up Test cricket.” Greg Chappell was quoted as saying during an online chat with Playwrite Foundation.

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Virat Kohli’s love for Test cricket gives hope that the format will survive: Greg Chappell

Indian Captain Virat Kohli has time and again reiterated his love for Test cricket and Chappell fees that it is a great sign.

He continued, “I have nothing against T20 cricket. It is easier to sell to the public. For Tests, the monetary issue is going to be massive. But at the same time, Indian captain Virat Kohli calls Test cricket the ultimate format, so there is hope that it will survive,”

Greg Chappell had a controversial two-year term as the Indian head coach (2005-2007). But despite all that, the former Australian captain still looks back at that period with fondness.

Chappell revealed that prior to getting the role with India, he had had coaching offers from Sri Lanka and West Indies but since the only team that he wanted barring Australia, was India, he rejected those offers.

“It’s still a period that me and my wife look back with great fondness. It was a wonderful opportunity for me as a coach. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching more than I thought I would. There’s nothing that can replace playing the game but coaching came closer. I was approached by West Indies, Sri Lanka. I thought that If I wanted to coach any other team other than Australia, it was going to be India. So I declined West Indies and Sri Lanka and fortunately, that opportunity came,”

Greg Chappell resigned from his role after India’s shocking group-stage exit from the 2007 50-over World Cup.

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