Atherton Advocates for Promotion and Relegation to Deter Formation of an 'Entitled Elite' in Two-Tier Test System
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New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) Former England captain Michael Atherton has shared his insights on the current discussions surrounding the two-tier system in Test cricket, asserting that any proposed model should enable transitions between the tiers and avert the formation of an entrenched elite.
Recent reports indicate that Richard Thompson, the chief of the England and Wales Cricket Board, alongside representatives from the BCCI, is set to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah later this month to deliberate on the potential implementation of a two-tier Test system by 2027.
If the two-tier Test framework is realized, Australia, England, and India would have the flexibility to engage in Test matches against each other twice in three years, rather than the current four-year interval, thereby altering the competitive landscape.
According to Atherton, “Tiers and divisions are two different concepts. Divisions suggest the possibility of promotion and relegation, which I support. Conversely, I oppose tiers that offer no opportunity for lower-tier teams to ascend to the upper tier, as this leads to an entrenched elite.”
Interestingly, the idea of a two-tier Test cricket system was initially introduced in an ICC Board meeting in 2016, where it was suggested that seven nations would participate in the first division, while five others would compete in a second division.
Former South African captain Graeme Smith believes that Test cricket will likely remain a format dominated by six or seven nations. He stated, “Test cricket will never expand beyond a six or seven-nation format. Unlike T20, which has the potential to grow to 8, 9, 10, 11, or even 12 teams, it’s crucial to establish a bilateral program for Test cricket.”
Smith further noted, “If we can maintain the strength of six or seven nations, there will always be interest in watching. When a strong team visits South Africa, we witness significant crowds and enthusiasm for Test cricket. The global cricket community needs South Africa, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka to be strong and competitive.”
