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Satuday Debate Podcast: What is the future for Test cricket?

Bumble, Beefy, Holding and Jayawardena on the five-day game

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Ian Botham told The Saturday Debate he wants Test cricket to become special again by offering big incentives for success.

A Test Championship? Two divisions? A greater number of day-night games?

Sir Ian Botham, David Lloyd, Michael Holding and Mahela Jayawardena discussed all that and more on the latest Saturday Debate as Michael Atherton asked them about the future of Test cricket.

Download the podcast here or listen via the audioBoom link below.

England are reportedly set to play in their first day-night Test in New Zealand in early 2018 after the first 'twilight' Test between the Black Caps and Australia in Adelaide in late 2015 was deemed a success.

But where else should the five-day game look to adapt - if at all?

New Zealand's paceman Tim Southee (R) bowls against Australia during the first day-night cricket Test match at the Adelaide Oval
Image: New Zealand's Tim Southee bowls with a pink ball during the first ever day-night Test against Australia at Adelaide

Holding believes a two-division promotion and relegation system should be adopted to ensure matches are not only more competitive but also take on greater meaning.

Bumble, though, reckons Test cricket is in pretty strong health as players transfer their numerous T20 skills into the longer format.

Also See:

LONDON - APRIL 21:  The Dukes pink ball during the MCC XI v Scotland at Lords Cricket Ground on April 21, 2008 in London, England. The pink cricket ball is
Image: Will a pink cricket ball become commonplace in Test cricket's future?

The Saturday Debate comes your way every Saturday of the Test-match summer as our pundits discuss the burning issues within the game.

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