Michael Clarke unveils his radical plan to save Test cricket after country’s ‘disrespectful’ move left Aussie legends furious
- Michael Clarke wants all Test cricketers to be paid the same
- Many global stars are chasing more money in T20 cricket
- Real fears Test cricket is dying a slow sporting death
Australian cricket great Michael Clarke has outlined how he believes Test cricket can stay alive despite a huge threat from stars who prefer to play in silver-plated T20 competitions.
It follows former captain Steve Waugh calling on New Zealand to boycott their upcoming Test series against South Africa after Proteas officials confirmed they will send a third-string team across the Tasman as they choose to prioritize their domestic T20 competition instead of the traditional format of the game.
Clarke said on ESPN that it was “sad to see” South Africa's weakened squad head to New Zealand in a move that has him fearing Test cricket is on its knees.
The Proteas
After saying: “Test cricket is the pinnacle in my eyes,” Clarke added: “No domestic competition in the world should touch it.”
Australian cricket great Michael Clarke has a plan to save Test cricket from the massive threat posed by cashed-up T20 competitions
It follows former captain Steve Waugh calling on New Zealand to boycott their upcoming Test series against a C-grade South African Test side
Neil Brand will captain the Proteas on their New Zealand debut next month after the bulk of Test players were ordered to stay home and play T20 cricket instead
Clarke then suggested that 'every Test cricketer should be paid the same amount in terms of match fees', and that it is 'not just important to prioritize Australia, England and India'.
“South African cricket has clearly invested a lot of money in this T20 [domestic] tournament and they cannot afford for their big players to miss it,” he said.
'It seems like a lot of things in life, but money seems to be the answer.
'Make that a priority [money] about Test cricket is a big change. It's not something I'm comfortable with, but if that's where we're going, we have to accept it and move with the times.
'I [really] I hope that's not where we're going.”
On Wednesday, Cricket South Africa has released a statement about this and declare that they still regard Test matches as the 'pinnacle of the game'.
South Africa played just four Tests in 2023, with limited-overs cricket clearly taking precedence.
In New Zealand, the Proteas Test squad will be led by captain Neil Brand.
Retired Australian batsman David Warner fears for the long-term future of Test cricket
Sydney Sixers captain and former Aussie Test cricketer Moises Henriques (left) is concerned that the Indian Premier League has too much influence on the international fixture list
Meanwhile, Australian star David Warner cast doubt on the future of Test cricket on the eve of his last ever match for his country in the long format of the sport.
While he would not comment directly on the South African selection, Warner said: “That just shows where it is [Test cricket] could possibly set a course.
“There will certainly be a lot of conversations about it in the coming year, and I think we need to keep Test cricket alive.
'It's the highlight of the game. We absolutely love it and if you get a taste of it after you've been toiling for five days. Hopefully that can continue.'
And Sydney Sixers Big Bash captain Moises Henriques, who has played four Tests for Australia, said he feared all power and influence would swing towards the Indian Premier League.
“I'm concerned about the power and money coming out of Asia at the moment, which can take players away from other countries,” he told Fox Cricket.
“Other countries could become feeder clubs for the IPL, like the three biggest football clubs in the world.
“I'm afraid it will go that way unless the boards come together and ensure it remains an international and fair game.”