Tests need radical overhaul, says Kirsten

Cape Town; Test cricket needs a radical overhaul to ensure its continued existence in the face of the Twenty20 revolution, India coach Gary Kirsten said.

Kirsten suggested in an article on his personal website that there should be a one-year cycle of Test matches with an annual champion.

"I believe the time is right to create a world league system for test cricket. The game needs to have a world champion every year," the former South African opening batsman said on garykirsten.com.

"It's what keeps people interested, involved and engaged.

"The idea of an annual Test championship comprising one-off Test matches between the nine or 10 Test-playing nations, I believe would create global interest.

"Four home games one year, five the next. It would mean every Test playing nation would play nine or 10 Tests per year, which would count towards the championship," he said.

Such a championship would not, however, mean an end to all series, particularly those with long histories and strong followings.

"Iconic series like the Ashes or India against Pakistan could still be included in the programme, as playing up to 14 or 15 Test matches in the year would still fit into the world cricket schedule," Kirsten said.