Week of perfect branding for Tests

HYDERABAD, January 29

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Test cricket has been under pressure amid the growing popularity of lucrative T20 leagues around the world but the longest format could not have given itself a bigger boost with two thrilling finales to box-office matches in Brisbane and Hyderabad on Sunday.

With T20 franchises potentially becoming players’ primary employers, and most boards finding Test cricket financially not viable, the format’s future remains a concern for the purists. But they will have a spring in their step after West Indies stunned Australia in Brisbane and, hours later, England staged a stunning comeback against India in Hyderabad.

With all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers opting to play franchise cricket instead, West Indies picked seven uncapped players for the two-Test series Down Under where they had last won a Test in 1997.

World Test Championship winners Australia had prevailed in a little over two days in Adelaide and a series sweep at Brisbane looked a formality with the hosts a perfect 11-0 in Day/Night matches. But, West Indies speedster Shamar Joseph burst onto the scene as the game’s new star with his 7/68 in Brisbane to clinch a cliffhanger for his team. The drama moved West Indies stalwarts Brian Lara and Carl Hooper to tears. “Seeing @BrianLara in tears in the comm box tells you everything you need to know about Test cricket,” former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote on X. — Reuters