Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle talks about the future of Test cricket in an interview with talk Sport radio program. He said the ICC should support the nations at the bottom of the rankings to play on a consistent basis for the future of the Test field.
“Test cricket is in a bit of trouble. I’m worried more about the lower-ranked teams. They are not getting full support. The game is such a business now and you have the lower-ranked teams getting one or two Test matches.”
He also noted that the big nations at the top of the rankings play a large number of matches against each other. He believes that teams at the bottom of the rankings are in a struggle because they do not have that opportunity.
“It’s always about England, India, and Australia. Those are the big teams who play four or five Test matches against each other, we don’t get that chance with the lower-ranked teams. It’s a struggle for us.”
Gayle added that the appointment of Ben Stokes as England’s new captain was the right decision for England. Gayle also hopes that the former captain root and other players on the team will support him.
“I think it’s the best choice to have a guy like Ben Stokes, he’s been around world-class players and is a proper all-rounder. I think he’s the best choice to captain the England side. It was tough for Joe Root to step down, but I’m sure he will get the full support from Root and the rest of the players.”
Stoke was offered the captain after Joe Root stepped down as England captain last April. Stoke will play his first Test as captain with current world Test champions New Zealand in June.
“He’s a guy, based on what he has said, who is more focused on England cricket right now, which is good. He’s looking to accomplish more in the sport, within the international side of things.”
hris Gayle captained Tests for several Tests from 2007 to 2010, explaining Gayle’s experience as a captain. He explain
“You already know who is on your side. It challenges you, and when the pressure is on, you know who is there for you and who will fight for you. It’s a great honor to be a captain, and it’s always a privilege to lead your country.”
Chris Gayle has scored 14562 runs in 463 Twenty20 matches with 22 centuries and 88 half centuries. He is an all-time greatest in this format and he said he never thought he would become popular soon.
“At first, I was looking at the easy way out. Shorter format, you can finish quicker. I wasn’t really looking to the future. What is happening today, I wasn’t really expecting that. Since that game, the Stanford game, the $20million game. That changed everything within the sport of T20.”
He added,
“That’s why you see so many leagues now. The IPL is the biggest one and pays out more. You can get a future out of this game. T20 cricket is a life-changing aspect, it changes a lot of lives. It has for me. I’m really happy where it’s at today.”