'Test cricket needs more narrative' - Michael Vaughan bats for two-tier Test system
"I just think Test cricket needs more of a narrative. At the minute, it's very confusing, and it's very hard for the public to understand," said Vaughan.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan confessed that two-tier Test cricket structure could give better clarity in the red-ball format. He reckoned that the present World Test Championship (WTC) does not provide spectators a clear idea about which teams are in contention and the flow of the format.
Vaughan mentioned that the absence of a clear structure makes it tough for the fans to follow and stay engaged with the game. He stated that a two-league system would help the best sides compete against each other, which also will give a proper road to the WTC Final.
"I think it's very confusing if you look at the number of games South Africa have played compared to what Australia, India, or England have played. It's very hard for the average cricket fan to understand who's the best team in the world and how exactly the top two teams make it to the final. I'd just like it to be a lot clearer. I'd have two leagues,"Vaughan told BBC Sport during England's one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
"I just think Test cricket needs more of a narrative. At the minute, it's very confusing, and it's very hard for the public to understand," he added.
As per The Age, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is under discussion for the two-division system that would split Test playing nations. The proposed tier would feature India, England, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand. The second tier could include teams like the West Indies, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
The idea is reportedly under consideration and is expected to be implemented after the current WTC cycle completes in 2027. The ICC chairman Jay Shah is said to have discussed the proposed idea with Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year.
There are several countries struggling to retain their star players for the red-ball format, and Vaughan felt that the tiered system could help Test cricket to stay relevant in the current time period.
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