ICC World Test Championship: R Ashwin's suggestion of neutral venues is an out-of-the-box solution

The ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand is less than a week away. New Zealand are playing England in the second Test in Edgbaston after an attritional match in Lord’s. India, on the other hand, are playing an intra-squad game in Southampton. The Indian cricket team has been in two bio-bubbles but their hard quarantine is now over on June 12. However, before the ICC World Test Championship final, a suggestion by R Ashwin has gotten fans thinking.

Speaking to bcci.tv, Ashwin remarked playing series in neutral venues in order to make the dynamic interesting. His views were echoed by Mohammed Shami. “I think going forward, maybe the WTC could add context this way, [by having] two teams playing away from their home and sort of bringing the whole ebbs and flows of the game,” Ashwin said.

Neutral concept in ICC World Test Championship feasible?

This is the first time that India will ever play a neutral Test in their 89-year history. New Zealand, on the other hand, have played some neutral Tests in the UAE. New Zealand already have a grip on the conditions with batsmen managing to score runs at both Lord’s and Edgbaston. But, in an era when cricket is hostage to broadcaster and advertising demand, can they really prefer holding a neutral Test?

The first cycle of the ICC World Test Championship involved playing three series at home and three away. If Ashwin’s suggestion can be worked out, a team can play two neutral series in addition to home and away. Thus, if India play two Test series at home, two away and two in neutral venues, then there will be no home and away debate

India won five out of six series in the first cycle, with their only loss coming against New Zealand. The Kiwis, on the other hand, won three out of the five series. All three came at home, with a draw in Sri Lanka being the high point. They were whitewashed in Australia while Bangladesh series was cancelled.

A neutral series gives sides, the batsmen and bowlers to evolve and mature in conditions that are alien to both teams.

Points and number of games uniformity

If there was one problem with the ICC World Test Championship first cycle, it was the number of matches and their discrepancy. England played 21 games, India 17 and Australia 14. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa played even lesser.

For the neutral concept to work, the number of matches that a side plays must be equal. In any competition in the world of sport, the number of matches remain uniform. For instance, in the Premier League, Manchester City and Chelsea will not play 50 games and Manchester United just 35 matches. The uniformity in the number of games is vital for any championship to succeed and sustain.

The nature of cricket is such that bilateral series depend upon broadcasting vagaries. The Ashes is the five-Test series and there can be no compromise on that. However, a five-Test series between Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka or against any of the lesser teams might not invite that much excitement. In the entire World Test Championship cycle, India, Australia and England played a four-Test or five-Test series.

Uniformity is the key

If the neutral Test concept has to work, then uniformity in the number of games has to be achieved. Every nation should play a specific number of Tests. The number of Tests in the series should be uniform. But, for that to happen, member boards and broadcasters must chalk out a plan as to ensure all the series is viable from a financial and broadcasting viewpoint.

The neutral Test concept will add a different dynamic to cricket. It might encourage the growth of Test cricket in venues where the audience for Test cricket is lagging. India, Australia and England must take the lead and encourage the neutral Test concept. Two neutral Tests, two home and away series in a two-year cycle will be perfect for each team.

But, the only problem area is the number of games. An unequal number of matches will present the points distortion that Stuart Broad raised. The only way this can be addressed is through equal number of matches which will automatically necessitate equal number of points.