Week of perfect branding for Tests

HYDERABAD, January 29

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