Kirsten proposes world league for Test matches

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) India coach Gary Kirsten today said Test cricket needs a change to survive and counter the emerging Twenty20 revolution, and there should be a one-year cycle for the longer version of the game with an annual champion.

''I believe the time is right to create a world league system for Test cricket. The game needs to have a world champion every year,'' Kirsten said on garykirsten.com.

''It's what keeps people interested, involved and engaged.

''The idea of an annual Test championship comprising one-off Test matches between the nine or 10 test-playing nations, I believe would create global interest.

''Four home games one year, five the next. It would mean every test playing nation would play nine or 10 tests per year which would count towards the championship,'' he said.

Kirsten, however, asserted that the proposed championship would not mean an end to important series like India-Pakistan or the Ashes series.

''Iconic series like the Ashes or India against Pakistan could still be included in the programme, as playing up to 14 or 15 test matches in the year would still fit into the world cricket schedule,'' he added.

He was also of the view that a bonus points system should also be introduced in Test cricket like ODI's to make the longer version more meaningful.

''Crucial to the success of such a departure would be the introduction of a bonus points system so that every game has a meaning and a purpose,'' he said.

''The top Test nations may expect to beat Bangladesh and Zimbabwe every time but the onus would be even greater, and bonus points would make things even more interesting.

''In today's world of travel, it is easy to get around the world for a test match, so logistics needn't be a problem,'' he stated.

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