The gripping five-match Test series between India and England may have reignited global interest in red-ball cricket, but former England captain Graham Gooch believes that unless more countries are meaningfully included, the format risks stagnation. Speaking in an interview with PTI during the fifth and final Test, Gooch delivered a candid assessment of the state of Test cricket—and where it’s headed.
“I think the ICC needs to look at Test cricket and need to look at how they can support the less financially well-off countries. I won’t say smaller countries, but less financially (well off),” Gooch told PTI.
His concern centers on the growing imbalance where India, England, and Australia dominate the Test calendar—often playing long five-match series—while nations like West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand are left with fewer, shorter contests.
“Because you’ve got to preserve Test cricket. You can’t just play three teams. If other teams, like New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, play less and less Test cricket, no one will have anyone to play against. So they’ve got to support the game on a whole,” he added.
“An amazing series” and a showcase for the format
Despite his concerns, Gooch was effusive in his praise for the just-concluded India-England series, calling it a powerful reminder of why Test cricket still matters in the age of global franchise leagues.
“It’s been an amazing series and really, really good for Test Cricket. Because we know that franchise cricket is all over the place in the world and Test cricket is under pressure.”
The veteran of over 8,900 Test runs pointed to the series’ drama and quality as proof that red-ball cricket still holds immense value.
“So a series like this with a lot of intrigue, a lot of quality cricket, a lot of big runs being scored, great bowling sessions, and tension, a little bit of needle in the game sometimes, which I don’t mind actually.”
“And there’s been a lot of passion on show from both teams. I think it’s been fantastic,” Gooch said.
Embracing the heat of the battle
Finally, Gooch said he had no problem with the emotional flare-ups and tension seen throughout the tightly contested series, calling it a natural part of high-stakes international cricket.
“There’s a lot of passion in international cricket when you’re playing against a country, when the series is very competitive and very tight. And sometimes, tempers flare a little bit and things are said that maybe you regret.”“But, it all happens in the spur of the moment. And I think it’s two teams going very hard at each other and trying to win the game. I don’t think it’s carried on afterwards,” he concluded.
