Legendary Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has expressed concern about the way forward for Test cricket. The off-spinner, who holds the document for essentially the most wickets taken by any bowler in Test historical past with 800, admitted that he doesn’t suppose his document can be damaged by any bowler anytime quickly. Muralitharan said that cricketers these days concentrate on shorter codecs, and due to this fact lack the consistency to close his document. He additionally expressed fear at reducing viewership in lots of international locations in relation to Test cricket.
“I am definitely worried about Test cricket,” mentioned Muralitharan, talking to English newspaper Daily Mail.
“Every country will play maybe only six or seven Test matches. England and Australia might play the Ashes. But, in some other countries, not many people are watching. There will be very little Test cricket,” he added.
Muralitharan said a basic cause behind why his document will not be surpassed for a very long time.
“It’s very hard (for someone to surpass 800 Test wickets), because emphasis has shifted to short-form cricket. Also, we played for 20 years. Careers are shorter now,” he mentioned.
The closest bowlers to Muralitharan’s document are Australian spinner Nathan Lyon (530 wickets) and Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (516). However, Lyon is 36 and Ashwin is 37, and are unlikely to achieve Muralitharan’s complete earlier than they retire. English quick bowler James Anderson lately retired on 704 wickets, the third-highest of all time.
Among bowlers beneath the age of 30, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada has the very best Test wickets, with 299.
“Consistency is the problem. It’s not about how good they are, because they all are talented. The only thing is how can they become experienced? Nowadays, it’s difficult. There are too many tournaments and things in their heads,” Muralitharan added.
Muralitharan’s personal nation, Sri Lanka, are one of many Test-playing nations who’ve seen a downfall in viewership and efficiency, notably after the retirement of stalwarts like himself, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.
In the just-concluded Test collection between England and Sri Lanka, hosts England gained 2-1. However, Sri Lanka ended the collection on a excessive with an eight-wicket win.
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