Test cricket should be attractive, not long-lasting: Sachin Tendulkar

After India drew heavy criticism from all corners for failing to make pitches that could sustain a Test for its stipulated period of five days, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has opened up on his thoughts regarding the fate of Test cricket. In an interview with Aaj Tak, the master blaster told that instead of focusing on the length of Test matches, one should look at their 'attractiveness'. He implicitly hinted at focusing on the quality of a Test match more than its duration.

He further went on to say that as a cricketer, one should be willing to play on all kinds of pitches and assess them well to excel even in tough conditions. Talking about the home and away differences, Tendulkar said that it is important for touring teams to understand the away conditions and plan accordingly in order to do well. 

"We need to understand one thing that Test cricket should be attractive and the emphasis should not be on how many days it lasts. We (cricketers) are made to play on different pitches. Whether the pitch is helpful to the fast bowlers or according to the spinners, we should come to face the ball in every situation," Tendulkar said.

“When you tour, the conditions are not easy. You need to understand what is happening, assess everything and then start planning things," he further added.

We need to do something for the bowlers in order to maintain Test cricket as the top format: Tendulkar

Tendulkar also spoke about the discussions with ICC and MCC in order to make Test cricket remain at the top. In saying so, Tendulkar added that if Test cricket is to be made more exciting and entertainment-based, something needs to be done for the bowler as they would put the batsmen in trouble, making them come out of their shells to play better cricket.

"We are all talking about Test cricket with ICC, MCC. How can Test cricket remain the top format? If we want that, we need to do something for the bowlers because the bowlers ask a question every ball and the batsman has to answer it," Tendulkar said.

Notably, in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar trophy, three out of the four matches got wrapped up within three days of their inception. 

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