Test Cricket Discussions: 'Primacy' My Ass - The ICC's Semantic Coup

(Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The old adage states "If it ain't broken, don't fix it". David Morgan, the ICC president, recently said that Test cricket could or would undergo serious changes by the time the clock strikes 12 and 2010 becomes 2011.

This statement emerged from the background of what has now become a cliche in cricket circles: "Preserving the primacy of Test cricket". When these words were first uttered, it was in the context of keeping Test cricket as is, especially since memories of South Africa's wonderful contest with Australia over six Tests at the end of last summer were fresh and vibrant.

It seems however that the games administrators have short memories, or perhaps an alternative agenda. Doesn't it sound contradictory to first say that Test cricket should be preserved, then to change one's tune and suggest that 4-day, day night Tests are the way to go?

The ICC appear to be spinning a web of deceit, because no one really knows what their intentions are. The ICC are starting to mimic the FIA and all their contorted statements meant to generate press (OK, it isn't as bad, but as they say, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions").

Since many supporters (especially on this forum) question the ICC's motives, perhaps we should investigate whether these suggested changes are actually what the game needs. Perhaps it is the fans who can't see the real picture?

Test cricket has been played over five days for over 100 years. Some of the game's greatest moment have happened in the dusk of the fifth day, the tail end of a gruelling contest when the body is weak even though the mind is willing.

First class cricket is played over four days, but it is the step up to five day competition that truly separates the lamb from the bone. Test cricket is the ultimate test (hence its name) of a player's skill and mental fortitude. If you can hack it in Test cricket, you have proven your worth as a cricketer.

Now, Test cricket in recent years has been dogged by boring draws, especially in Pakistan and the West Indies. Why those two places have proven to be the deathbed of a result wicket is understandable: both Test nations have suffered under administrative sloth and a changing view of where Test cricket is in relation to it's place in society.

In the West Indies, it has been reported the cricket is losing popularity to dare it be said American sports, such as basketball. Usain Bolt's success at Beijing has also further entrenched the durability of Jamaican athletics, which filters down to the rest of the Caribbean, as an example. The fact that the WICB are shizophrenic doesn't help matters, with different factions within the board hitting eachother in the 'box' on a regular basis.

Pakistan on the other hand has gross political problems, such as the insurgencies (or whatever they should be called) in the Swat valley. The attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team proved to be a seminal turning point between Pakistan and cricket: no longer did cricket mean a free pass from the political.

Thereby, as a result (or lack there of), pitches have been disrespected or mismanaged or, and this is a whisper, fixed in a manner dictated by TV networks screaming for the full five days. Both the WICB and maybe the PCB (it stands to reason) are strapped for cash, so when the suits say jump for a nominal fee, they respond with "How high?"

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