AlanJLegend
U19 Vice-Captain
Recently I've had a couple of discussions with friends about the Pros/cons of T20 cricket and how it compares to test cricket. The most common argument I hear in favour of T20 is that "it is exciting to watch" due to the amount of boundaries hit.
So basically, I would be interested to compile a list of reasons why tests are not just better, but more 'exciting' than Twenty20 cricket.
1. Tests provide more 'memorable moments'. I will never forget Clarke's bowling in Sydney, nor Smith's heroics the year after. These are just a couple of examples from an Australian point of view in recent years. What is the most exciting thing ever to happen in a T20 international? Warner's debut? Gayle scoring a century?
2. You don't get exciting 'battles' between a batsman and a bowler in T20. The longest it can possibly last is 4 overs, and by that point the batsman will have likely gotten out slogging anyway.
3. The recent drawn test between England and South Africa was one of the most exciting endings I have seen. Do you see epic match saving innings' such as those of Collingwood and Bell in T20 cricket? No.
4. Test cricket contains a LOT of strategy. Not saying T20 does not involve strategy or it would easy to be a captain, but one does not have to consider when to declare (in regards to setting a chaseable total and taking weather and light into account), pitch conditions and other such factors.
5. Test cricket is not just a test of skill and strategy but endurance as well. You have to admire a batsman who can spend all day in the middle. Batting for 20 minutes and hitting half a dozen sixes may involve skill, but certainly not the same levels of fitness and mental temprement.
I'm sure this list could go on forever.
So basically, I would be interested to compile a list of reasons why tests are not just better, but more 'exciting' than Twenty20 cricket.
1. Tests provide more 'memorable moments'. I will never forget Clarke's bowling in Sydney, nor Smith's heroics the year after. These are just a couple of examples from an Australian point of view in recent years. What is the most exciting thing ever to happen in a T20 international? Warner's debut? Gayle scoring a century?
2. You don't get exciting 'battles' between a batsman and a bowler in T20. The longest it can possibly last is 4 overs, and by that point the batsman will have likely gotten out slogging anyway.
3. The recent drawn test between England and South Africa was one of the most exciting endings I have seen. Do you see epic match saving innings' such as those of Collingwood and Bell in T20 cricket? No.
4. Test cricket contains a LOT of strategy. Not saying T20 does not involve strategy or it would easy to be a captain, but one does not have to consider when to declare (in regards to setting a chaseable total and taking weather and light into account), pitch conditions and other such factors.
5. Test cricket is not just a test of skill and strategy but endurance as well. You have to admire a batsman who can spend all day in the middle. Batting for 20 minutes and hitting half a dozen sixes may involve skill, but certainly not the same levels of fitness and mental temprement.
I'm sure this list could go on forever.