Big Statement By Dav Whatmore, Said- Associate Countries Can Stop Playing Expensive Test Cricket – TEKCIRC – Dav Whatmore: Big statement by Dav Whatmore, said

dave watmore
– Photo: PTI

Expansion

World Cup-winning coach Dave Whatmore has expressed concern over the feasibility of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) multimillion-dollar initiative to support Test cricket, saying many countries, particularly Associate nations, are considering abandoning the expensive red-ball format of cricket altogether. Can. The ICC is considering a dedicated fund of at least US$15 million for Test cricket, which will increase the minimum match pay for Test players and offset the expenses of sending teams on foreign tours.

Whatmore said during the Cricket Predicta Conclave, 'Saving Test cricket is a challenge. The ICC is extremely keen to maintain some kind of standard in Test match cricket. He has created a fund to help struggling countries. This is a step in the right direction but I'm not sure how practical it will be.

He said, 'There are many countries, especially the Associate countries, who can leave the red ball (Test cricket) and concentrate on the white ball (limited overs cricket).' It's a “very expensive” format of the game, Whatmore said. Many countries are very successful in this while there are also many struggling countries. India, Australia and England are the three countries that give priority to Test cricket. India has reached the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) both times.

'These three countries seem to be very strong in their domestic red-ball tournaments and that reflects at the international level as well,' Whatmore said. He said, 'New Zealand also played the first WTC final. He too is keen to be active in this format but has struggled when he tours the subcontinent. When the team comes to India, it will be tested again on the pitches here.

Whatmore, 70, who has coached both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, praised India's strong domestic calendar and said the IPL and Under-19 tournaments significantly contribute to the rapid development of players. Despite Bangladesh winning a historic Test series against Pakistan while hosts Sri Lanka lost to New Zealand, both the teams have struggled against India and England respectively.

Whatmore believes he needs to perform more consistently. “Overall their performance is very encouraging but you need consistency and that is what separates teams,” he said.