Former Australian captain Steve Waugh spoke up about his feelings on the domination of India, Australia, and England in world cricket. In an interview with the Times of India, Waugh said,
“There is no point having it (cricket) if you just have three strong nations. We have to develop countries like Zimbabwe, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Money needs to go to those countries too. I understand it’s a business and the ‘Big 3’ want more than everyone else, but if they want the game to thrive and survive, you definitely have to share and develop other countries.”
The cricketer also spoke about his feeling towards the World Test Championship, saying,
“It is a great start. We (have) talked about having a Test championship for over a decade now but it’s exceptionally hard to make it work because the schedules are being planned 5-10 years ahead.”
He further spoke about the 120-point system, saying,
“I think they’ve done the best job possible. There are two-Test series and then there are series like the Ashes, but the players know the schedule. They know how many points are on offer. That doesn’t change how the teams play. If you’re good enough, you will still be among the two best teams and enter the World Test Championship final. Unless a genius comes up with a solution, we’ve to stick with it (the points system).”
Waugh did not take on the concept of four-day Test matches, as evident from the following statement:
“There are too many changes going around these days. There is nothing wrong with tradition. Some of the best Test matches go till the fifth day. I think if the length of Test matches is reduced then the standard of cricket will drop. Spinners will go out of the game.”
Waugh also voiced his opinions on why he feels that Australia will fare better in the upcoming Test series against India, saying,
“India has the best fast bowling line-up in the world when cricket is played in India, but Australian fast bowlers are deadly in Australia. When India come to Australia (at the end of this year), the Aussies will have a slight edge. But both teams know that the personnel that they have at their disposal can take 20 wickets.”
