New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has urged all stakeholders to place greater importance on Test cricket, particularly in countries where the format faces significant challenges. He suggested that introducing a two-tier system could help by allowing second-tier teams to develop their skills and improve the overall competitiveness of the format.
Williamson acknowledged that managing international cricket’s busy calendar is a difficult task but expressed hope that all Test-playing nations would
continue to give the longest format the attention it deserves. He also noted that ongoing discussions about the tier system reflect a collective desire to ensure that Test cricket continues to thrive for many years to come.
"There's been a lot of discussion about the Test game and how to keep breathing life into it, especially in countries where it's facing greater challenges. The concern with a potential two-tier system is how teams in the second tier can continue to improve and work their way up to the top division,” Williamson said on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"There are already many conversations around this, but the reality is that the impact has been felt for some time, so finding a solution sooner would be better. The Test format needs greater importance placed on it by all playing nations, along with additional resources to support its growth. As a passionate supporter of Test cricket, I would love to see it thrive,” he added.
Williamson has previously called for measures such as designated windows for Test cricket and has voiced his support against holding two-match Test series. However, he also acknowledged the challenges that some cricket boards face in hosting longer series.
"These circumstances aren't ideal, but the Test game faces more challenges in some countries than others. Organising three- or four-match Test series is difficult commercially, making it hard for boards to support. However, the Test Championship has helped provide context, leading to more results and making the competition meaningful for teams,” said Williamson.
"While some adjustments are needed, the international schedule is very busy with both international and franchise cricket, creating clashes and challenges for players. Managing priorities on the calendar is a big task. Two-match Test series aren't ideal - I've played many for New Zealand and we always want more [games in a series] - but often this is the reality. I would love to see the Test game grow with more opportunities for teams and countries to develop, but those are complex discussions,” he added.
The 35-year-old has opted out of a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and is currently on a casual agreement, meaning his international appearances have been and will continue to be sporadic. However, he maintains that there is still plenty left in his international career and remains committed to contributing whenever possible.
"I still love playing the game, and every opportunity to represent New Zealand remains special. I recently spent some time in England, and although the team [New Zealand] hasn't played a lot of cricket lately, we have a busy schedule ahead,” Williamson said.
"Looking back on my international career, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey. There have been transitions with new players coming in, and for me, it's been about moving from captaincy to continuing as part of the group. I still feel connected to that community and want to contribute to a team that's heading in the right direction. There's always plenty to look forward to,” he added.
Last year, injuries ruled the veteran out of New Zealand’s three-Test series in India, where the visitors created history by inflicting a 3-0 whitewash on the hosts. It was the first time India had been swept in a home series of three or more Tests and also marked their first home Test series defeat since England beat them in 2012.
Williamson, who had famously captained New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India in 2021, described the series win he missed as New Zealand’s greatest achievement in Test cricket.
"I believe our achievement in a three-Test series in India stands as probably our finest accomplishment as a Test-playing nation. As we have witnessed over the years, competing - and especially winning - here is a major challenge. What the New Zealand team accomplished was remarkable and is undoubtedly a standout highlight in the history of our game,” Williamson concluded.
