In an exclusive chat with MyNation, former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has given suggestions to ICC on ways to keep Test cricket interesting instead of reducing the number of playing days from five to four
Bengaluru: Several cricketers have opposed the idea of four-day Tests and former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden too has joined the chorus against the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) proposal.
Cricket’s world governing body could introduce mandatory four-day Tests but that idea may have to be shelved as the opposing voices are growing.
Also read: Matthew Hayden speaks on Kagiso Rabada ban
When Hayden was asked whether he supported four-day Tests, the former opening batsman firmly stated that he is against them and said the players will never back changing the traditional format.
“No, I don't. I am absolutely opposite of that,” the 48-year-old Hayden told MyNation in an exclusive chat in Bengaluru during the third ODI between India and Australia on Sunday (January 19).
Also read: Sachin Tendulkar to be part of Australia Bushfire Cricket Bash
Hayden, who was in India to commentate on the series for Star Sports, questioned the ICC why it would want to change the legacy of 150 years of Test cricket. He instead suggested division of teams and playing less of five-day matches.
“I would like to go more traditional, play less of it, and maybe create divisions, structures within the game. I don't think you need to alter the playing conditions to a point where it becomes half-cocked,” Hayden opined.
“It is called Test cricket because it goes for five days. You can say, you are going to reduce it to four days, more overs, but it can't be interesting. No player will support it. The beauty of Test match cricket is it has got timeless, ageless database of records. If you start altering the playing conditions, you are giving away 150 years of legacy. And, for what? Play less of it. Have something riding on it rather than trying to change the playing conditions,” he added.
Hayden played 103 Tests for Australia and scored 8,625 runs with 30 centuries. He had held the highest Test individual score record, going past West Indies legend Brian Lara’s 375. Hayden had scored 380 but Lara reclaimed the world record by scoring 400 not out. The left-hander also featured in 161 ODIs and nine T20Is.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.