Only big four viable for tests says Nathan Bracken
Feb 09 2010 - 10:39:12
Only series between four countries, Australia, South Africa, India and England have any future in test cricket says Nathan Bracken. Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Bangladesh are no draw for the public he reckons.
Such views were recently shot down during the Windies-Australia test series by Windies tour manager and legend Joel Garner who recalled when Australia was on her knees in the mid 80s and West Indians were the big ticket draw that filled Cricket Australia's coffers.
One-day specialist Nathan Bracken has taken a veiled swipe at Test cricket, suggesting only blockbuster series such as the upcoming Ashes battle against England will continue to capture public interest.
Bracken, a veteran of 116 one-day appearances for Australia, is on the comeback trail after undergoing knee surgery in October.
Bracken, who has made five Test appearances, added: "A lot of people are sort of looking at the Ashes and looking at the big Test series now as important, and anything else is in the same boat (as ODIs)."
And speaking in response to recent claims from Shane Warne and other former players that the one-day format is fast becoming redundant, the 32-year-old strongly defended the 50-over concept before turning the spotlight on the game's longest form.
"Oh definitely," he said when asked if the 50-over game still has a place in the cricketing landscape. "And the comment I've got will probably create a lot more controversy so I'll probably keep my mouth shut about it."
Pressed for his opinion, a cryptic Bracken appeared to question the viability of Test series played against lesser nations after recent lop-sided contests against Pakistan and the West Indies.
He added: "I guess when you look at it, sport's changing, cricket's changing and it's probably the same with the one-day series.
"There is going to be big series - Australia v South Africa, Australia v India - which is always going to sell out but it's going to be the other ones where either a Test series hasn't lived up to expectations that's going to impact on a one-day series."
Meanwhile, Bracken, declared himself fully fit and ready to return to the Australia one-day line-up when required.
"That's up to the selectors, I'm happy with how I'm bowling and I'm doing everything I can do," he said. "I'm fit at the moment so as quickly as possible is what I'm looking at, and yes, it's just going to be what the selectors decide."