Test cricket could 'bankrupt' nations: CA Chief Todd Greenberg

Australia cricket chief Todd Greenberg has said that a slimmer Test calendar could benefit smaller cricketing nations, as the five-day format is more meaningful when it "actually matters". Speaking ahead of the 100-day countdown to the home Ashes series against England in Perth, Greenberg emphasised that quality, not quantity, is key to keeping red-ball cricket viable and that forcing Test cricket upon some nations could push their cricket to bankruptcy.

"We're trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play Test cricket. We need to make sure we invest in the right spaces to play Test cricket where it means something. That's why the Ashes will be as enormous and as profitable as it is -- because it means something," said Greenberg to reporters as quoted by NDTV Sports.

England recently concluded a thrilling 2-2 home series against India in front of sold-out crowds. Meanwhile, New Zealand and Australia recorded comfortable overseas Test series wins against comparatively weaker West Indies and Zimbabwe sides, raising questions about the competitiveness of Test cricket in those countries.

One proposal has been to create multiple divisions in Test cricket to maintain competitive balance. However, Greenberg admitted he did not have a strong opinion on the ideal number of Test-playing nations. He noted that interest in the Ashes has been off the charts and emphasised that the five-day game remains in robust health in Australia.

"Let's consider what the future might look like. This will be the biggest sports event in Australia this year. The interest is quite extraordinary with ticket allocations for 11 of the 20 days on sale already exhausted,” said Greenberg.

Scott Boland believes he is better prepared to face England’s batters this summer if selected for the Ashes, after being relentlessly tested in his two appearances during the 2023 series in the UK.

"I've obviously thought about it a lot since it happened in 2023. But I still think there were times in England where I bowled pretty well and just didn't get a wicket. I'm a better bowler than I was back then. I'm going to be in our conditions that I know really, really well. I'm hoping to put in some good performances,” said Boland as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.