The England captain, Ben Stokes, has urged administrators to make Test cricket more attractive and exciting to ensure that the sport’s brightest talents aren’t lured away by more lucrative alternatives.
A decline in the popularity of Test cricket, combined with the rising influence and financial power of overseas franchise leagues such as the IPL, has triggered anxiety about the future of the format. Last month, the English and Wales Cricket Board admitted that franchise leagues posed a threat to its future.
But Stokes – who, along with England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, has been responsible for implementing a bolder, more aggressive approach – insisted in an article for the Players’ Tribune that Test cricket could still be “the pinnacle of the sport” if those who run the game embrace change rather than “fight against it”.
“As a leader, I’m not much of a writer and, to be honest, I don’t speak for long periods in the dressing room,” he wrote. “I’m more a ‘let’s crack on, lads’, lead-by-example guy. But I am clear on what we’re trying to do here, what’s at stake, and it’s bigger than just myself and my own ambitions on the field.
“It’s about inspiring the next generation of players. And that doesn’t just mean kids like I was, but also the up-and-coming crop of players who are already here and making the big decisions about their careers.”
Referring to the competition from other formats and franchise leagues, Stokes added: “The landscape is changing. Cricket as a sport is evolving in a huge way. Faster than it ever has before. Formats like T20, The Hundred and ODIs are bringing money and opportunities for players that didn’t exist even 15 years ago.”
“When I was growing up there was no greater privilege than to represent your country in a Test match – and I still believe that, by the way – but I’m not naive. Cricketers have short careers and I know players are going to make decisions about which route they go down based on financial security for them and their families. It’s natural.
“I really want boards across the world to get their heads around this, which they seem to be having a hard time doing. Rather than fight against it, we need to embrace it. Yes, we may lose a few talented players along the way, but the best way to keep Test cricket alive and at the pinnacle of the sport is to work harder to show players something that excites them and inspires them.”
Although Stokes did not bowl during England’s recent commanding Test victory against Ireland, he is adamant he will be ready for the first Ashes showdown against Australia on 16 June.
“I’m building myself up and bowling in the warm-up before the start of play was a first step,” he said. “I’m happy with it, so I’ll just keep building it up now before Edgbaston. I am definitely on course to bowl in the first Test.”
