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[Manormanic]

Picked this up on the Cricinfo text feed of todays game...

Talking of Ireland playing tests, it would be good to have some sort of divisions in tests (with promotion/relegation every 3-4 years)," starts James. "5 teams per division (say, SA, England, Aus, India and Pakistan in current Div 1, NZ, SL, WI, Bang and Zim in Div 2). You'd then have a 3rd division with the top associates sides, with a div 2 and 3 play off for promotion/relegation. Any takers?

Thoughts?

[joeylough]

Its a good idea, but how are tests planned now?

As in your case what if the Aussies are relegated (no one would want that would they  ) , which means that the Ashes tests have to wait at least another 3 years.

I think maybe the associate sides should have a test playing league, with the winner over the course of a year, maybe 2, taking the place of the bottom ranked test playing nation. This is then rotated over the 3 year period.

Then only one test nation is affect. As some of the current weaker test nations cant compete in every test, but can have some great games.

[Manormanic]

not my suggestion, merely a cut and paste as I said.

personally, I think there is some merit in Ireland and perhaps Afghanistan playing some test cricket - maybe against Zimbabwe the Baglas and NZ?  Kenya were quite strong circa ten years ago but have dropped back into the pack of associate nations because their players were not challenegd enough to step up to the plate, and I fear the same will just keep happening if there is no progression available...

Of course if Ireland do step up like that, I wonder how many Aussies and Saffers they may acquire to assist them...

[tushar sehgal]

I think there is merit to the idea, as for the ashes comment not to offend anyone but would you rather have a 1 sided ashes affair or hard fought battle against SA more regularly?

I think Aus would have had no issues with Eng being relegated in the days when they were dominant so same should apply where Eng are not the dominant nation and should not worry abt lower ranked teams like Aus, to some extent India...

It will make Test cricket important again, especially in countries like India where the board is concerned only abt money...as well as improve cricket in associates and give them something to work towards on a regular basis. For e.g. Canada gets really pumped up for WC qualifications but its hard to keep players going for all the years in between, assume same happened to Kenya...

even if it was bottom 2-3 teams get relegated from top 10 and top 2-3 move up it would make it more interesting,,, currently smaller teams work their way to Div 1 / Associates and then stagnate as they have no where else to go unless its qualifying for WC

[pablomarmite]

Sure the Saffers have already got a test b team, apparently they are called England!

Perhaps if Ireland do step up like that England won't poach their best players...