Vaughan fears for future of Test game
Departed England captain Michael Vaughan admits he has concerns that the emerging impact of Twenty20 cricket may have a detrimental effect on the Test game.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have added two new Twenty20 events to the domestic calendar to cater to its popularity and compete with the hugely successful and marketable Indian Premier League.
But Vaughan, who stood down after England’s recent series defeat to South Africa, fears the combination of the two events could prevent youngsters from pursuing their interest in the more traditional five day affair.
“My gut feeling is that players will be gearing their game towards the Twenty20 format, more than the five-day format,” the Yorkshireman said.
“The new generation of 15-20 year olds, are they going to gear themselves towards travelling the world for nine months of the year playing five-day cricket or earn plenty by playing three-hour cricket a little bit in India and at home? I’m not too sure.”
Vaughan’s fears have not been helped by England’s commitment to play five winner-takes-all matches against Sir Allen Stanford’s All Star XI this year, worth almost £1m a head.
“Suppose you’re a young player and you suddenly come into the England team now, and within the first year you play two Stanfords and earn a million quid and get an IPL deal. Where’s it going to go to?” Vaughan added.
“That’s my fear for the longer format – that the motivation of players will be more geared towards Twenty20 cricket.”
Vaughan stepped down from the England Test line-up after a miserable third Test with South Africa but hasn’t ruled out a future return.