Steve Waugh fears for future of Test cricket amid T20 dominance

The crisis in Test cricket is no longer limited to the field, it is also affecting the career choices of cricketers. Due to the rapid popularity and financial appeal of T20, many talented cricketers are preferring the shorter version over the tough five-day test of cricket. This change is worrying former Australian captain Steve Waugh.

In an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph, Waugh expressed his concerns about the future of Test cricket. At the same time, he also praised Bangladesh's historic victory over Australia recently in Darwin.

Bangladesh defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the Darwin Test. Waugh sees that victory, which was achieved by showing dominance in 11 consecutive sessions, as a big warning for Australia. In his words, 'It's amazing. That was probably the biggest warning we had. It's great to see Bangladesh doing well.'

However, Waugh is more worried about the future of Test cricket than praising Bangladesh's victory. According to him, the money and opportunities for a quick career in T20 have made it difficult for cricketers to make decisions.

Waugh said, "The money is in T20, and the players make their living from there. The decision for them is not difficult - to earn a lot of money in a short time or to open themselves up to Test cricket and earn relatively less money."

However, the former Australian captain is not willing to blame the cricketers for whatever decision they make. Instead, he called on the administrators to play a more effective role in preserving Test cricket.

According to Waugh, there is a need to set aside a separate time for Test cricket. He said, "There should be a separate time for Test cricket. Although it is not easy. It takes some skillful management to do it."

Waugh also did not budge from his long-standing position on the pay disparity of Test cricketers. Almost 27 years ago, he said that all Test cricketers should be paid equally. He is disappointed that that demand has not been implemented yet.

Waugh said, "If you want the boys to play Test cricket, then arrange the same pay for everyone. A player playing Tests for Sri Lanka or Bangladesh should get the same amount as an Indian or Australian player playing Test matches.

Waugh, who led Australia to 41 wins in 57 Tests, has expressed concern not only about the economy but also about the batting style of Test cricket. According to him, the mentality of surviving in difficult situations and the culture of patiently running when necessary is gradually disappearing.

He said, "The art of coming out of difficult situations and working hard to score ugly runs - I think you don't see much of it anymore."

According to Waugh, sometimes surviving on wickets is more important than scoring runs in Test cricket. Even if you play a few maiden overs, you have to manage the situation. But the impact of fast-paced batting in T20 is narrowing that patience space.

Therefore, Waugh sees the need to restore not only the economic structure but also the traditional mentality of the game to save Test cricket. In his words, "You have to relearn how to do it."