Test cricket is under threat from 20/20. To the purist, it is like comparing chess with Uno. To a new market, which demands instant entertainment, it is an introduction to a wonderful game with wide media appeal.

It is sad to see empty stands at the recent Test series in the West Indies. With the possible exception of Australia and perhaps England, the rest of the world has lost interest in the five day form of the game.

It is time that Test cricket had its own world competition.

Enter the Bradman Cup.

Currently Australia is on top of the world Test cricket rankings. Cricket Australia could announce the Bradman Cup, which could be played for in the next three match Test series in Australia.

The winner of the series would hold the Cup and be recognised as the World Champion Test cricket nation.

The holder would only defend the trophy in a minimum three test series on home soil (I believe that Australia only became true World Champions when Steve Waugh’s magnificent side ended the West Indies’ dominant era by defeating them in the West Indies.

The Cup would give the upcoming Ashes Test series added focus and each visiting Test playing nation added incentive.

Whilst it would be lamentable for Australia to lose the Bradman Cup, imagine the euphoria in a place like India if they won the cup and the impact on Test crowd figures, the media, and the game, when it came time to defend the Cup.

Former Test cricketers, Geoff Lawson and Stuart MacGill, write exclusively for The Roar Mondays and Wednesdays respectively.

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