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February 20 2001
TEST CRICKET RECEIVES A NEW SENSE OF PURPOSE
Every series and every Test for May 2001, will now
have more worth, even a last Test of the series, where the weaker side
seem beaten, a drawn series will now be given a point.
The underground campaign for such a Test table has
received increased support and much discussion over the past couple of
years , and now cricket has been given a bunk up into the 21st century.
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THE ICC TEST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
*Every Test playing country will play the others
at least once every five years.
*A series must include at least two Tests.
*A series win is worth two points (home or away).
*A drawn series gains one point each.
*The most recent series result will be represented on the table,
with a maximum of 18 series valid at any one time.
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In a time of black marks and scandal, the World Championship
is a beacon of hope for the game across the world. Hopefully more nations
will make the grade and increase the number of Test playing countries
still further, making it truly a global game.
The whole idea brings some clarity and consensus to the international
game, a focal point for teams to aspire to. The idea of summer and winter
seasons of the game is now rather defunct, as the game goes 365 days,
with Zimbabwe and West Indies staging series during the English summer.
For those at the less desirable end of the table, which will come into
use when England entertain Pakistan in June, this is a fresh opportunity
to turn things around. A new dawn possibly for West Indies and Pakistan
, who have underachieved recently, to varying degrees.
As for England, they still have it all to prove, with Australia following
Pakistan on tour, and then a double-header trip to India and New Zealand.
This time next year, we will know if Hussain and Fletcher really have
turned England into a force to be reckoned with.
Speculation and prediction takes on a more meaningful edge now the rounds
of tours and Tests actually represent something. Cricket is no longer
a stagnant sport...let the games begin!
Richard Kendall
See also:
>First Test under the new Test World championship
1st Test, England v Pakistan,
Lord's 2001
Web links:
Wisden World
Championship> on which the ICC version is based
CRICKET MEETS THE 21st CENTURY>
CRICKET'S NEW GLOBAL
PRESSURES>
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