‘Time for cricket to explore a 2-tier Test match structure,’ reckons Deep Dasgupta

Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta has come up with a new structure in Test cricket to revive the longest format of the game. The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested that all the 12 teams must be divided into two tiers with six sides in each group to add some context.

He cited the example of the recently-concluded bilateral series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe where the Babar Azam-led side beat the hosts convincingly in both matches. Dasgupta mentioned that everyone knew the outcome of this series even before it started and this resulted in a loss of interest for all.

Recently, former Pakistan cricketer and ace commentator Ramiz Raja even went on to say that people will start switching to other sports if the Test series produce such predictable results. Deep commented on similar lines with an intention of keeping Test cricket alive in this era of competitive T20 leagues.

“It’s time for cricket to explore a 2-tier Test match structure. Well, we are aware that we need to, kind of, revive Test match cricket and one of the things that are ailing the format is the fact that there are too many inconsequential bilateral series and too many one-sided series. I mean, Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, as well as Pakistan, we knew what the result was going to be right from the start,” Deep Dasgupta told ESPNcricinfo.

Deep Dasgupta on his rejigged format for Test cricket

The former wicketkeeper-batsman said that once the 12 Test playing countries are divided into two halves, you play five other teams home and away over 2.5-3 years. He asserted that it can turn out to be a great way for getting the five-day cricket format back on track.

“So I think if you divide the 12 Test playing nations into two groups of six teams each, obviously there will be relegation and promotion involved in the 2 tiers, and you play 5 other teams home and away over 2.5-3 years. The idea is to make sure that every series is consequential, has some context to it and it’s competitive. I am not saying this is the only way of getting Test match cricket back on track but this could be one of the ways,” Deep Dasgupta added.

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