The game of cricket, though limited to a handful of countries, is referred to as the “gentleman’s game of glorious uncertainties!”

With time, the game has evolved, and shorter duration formats became more popular, but do you agree that the “Test cricket” Still has importance!!

Let us read the following article on quora to find some different perspectives on the matter!!!

Why is test cricket still played?

Shubham Paliwal
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For a cricket fan, test cricket answers your questions way more than any other format. Here are a few examples:
Can someone make Virat Kohli’s life difficult at crease ?
Yes , because no one is perfect. There may be a weakness. In 2014, the England tour Virat Kohli scored 134 runs in 10 innings, averaging 13.4, which was the worst he ever played. James Anderson was the bowler who made it difficult for him. If not for test cricket, we would have never known that even the best batsman of the generation can also fail like this.

Can a batsman completely overcome a technical deficiency ?
The answer is again, yes. The same person answered it 4 years later when he faced the same conditions and the same bowlers again. Virat Kohli worked hard on his issue to counter swing bowling, and just like any other country,he conquered England as well. He was the top scorer, getting 593 averaging 59.3. Moreover, Anderson couldn’t get him out even a single time. People who watch and understand test cricket would know the reason between these two performances, but for others , they would just label 2014 as a result of bad form.

What role does mental strength play in cricket ?

This is Jonathan Trott. England 's No3 batsman who averaged 44+ in tests and a whooping 51+ in ODIs. He was found wanting against short pitched bowlers and bowlers started targeting his rib area where he was found struggling. He faced the same when he toured Australia, and eventually, he left the series midway to recover from his stress related illness. He was just 31 at that time. He didn’t last much even after his return a couple of years later. Test cricket hence tell you about mental strength of players also.
Cricket has batting and bowling. What is the peak of both of them? Who is the best in the business?
Through test cricket, you get to know that playing Ashwin on a turning track or James Anderson on green wicket will test you truly as a batsman. Fans of spin bowling and swing bowling can enjoy that the most only through test cricket. It will even tell players like Kohli and Williamson that there are bowlers who may make you look ordinary.

What is home advantage? What is the role of pitch and conditions in cricket?
In England, there is swing , In Australia and South Africa, there is pace and bounce, and in the sub-continent, there is a turn. There is a massive difference when the game of cricket is played in these countries, and each of them offers its own excitement, which can never be felt in flat pitches of limited overs cricket. Players tend to perform better at their home where they have grown up. This makes it exciting to see how players of other countries adapt there in a few weeks. Home teams win more, but when the visitors win, it becomes iconic. Such performances and players are praised more than any 30-ball 60, a knock in a T-20 game.
Can a draw be exciting to watch ?

This recent game truly defines the beauty of test cricket. The scorecard would tell you that it was just a draw, but who watched it, it was a thrilling experience. Australia batted 140 overs in the 4th innings, scoring 362–8 and escaped a defeat. The way such a match goes particularly towards the end is an experience that one can never have in a limited overs game.
Test cricket has class that’s why it has survived for centuries. It is the most beautiful format of the game.
No wonder why playing test cricket for the country is the biggest honor for any cricketer.
They love it because they know its value. Every true fan knows its value. It may be a matter of concern, which is why it doesn’t excite a lot of people but for those who know its value, it’s going alright and its quality will ensure that it will continue to be played.

• Please wait for my memoir on Sunil Gavaskar, part -II titled “Phenomenon of Excellence” which is being self-published in a few days.