Is Test Cricket Changing? Yes

Is Test Cricket Changing

Wow. The Ashes have churned up lot of controversy and talk about test cricket. I was also pulled into the same for some time, having watched two games end in two days.  And mind you, this is not a "doctored" pitch in India. If that was the case then the blame would be put on Indian this, Indian that, subcontinent this and sub continent that. No, this is Ashes, in Australia. 

Everyone has expressed opinions. Greg Chappel and bunch of others have put blame on technique. ICC said wicket was unacceptable.

So what is reality? I will tell you my opinion, and I am unanimous with myself (taking cue from good old English TV series, Are You Being Served!). 

IMO, Test Cricket is changing. People will play attacking cricket. Grafting will not be gone, but restrictive. Even the players doing that will not be like Geoff Boycott, or even Dravid. They will look to attack, but a bit less frequently. Game will change, and adjust. This is a shift that has been going on for last 20+ years, and isn't going to stop. 

New generation finds own ways. And let them. No point in telling them to play in a V for first two hours. They may listen to you out of respect, but that is about it. New equipment has made things safer, you can take more risk without getting injured, new shots are being invented. In olden times, batsmen would become super watchful if beaten once. Sehwag hits six off of next ball. Modern cricketer is an epitome of playing each ball on its merit and not to let the previous ball bother you. 

Change is inevitable. Deny it if you want, but your denial is irrelevant.