From Ashok Sridharan, India
With the second Test between India and Australia running to half empty stands, I find that the talk of loss of the primacy of Test cricket and the dominance of T20 cricket is once again all over the press. While limited overs cricket has long been a lot more popular than Test cricket in the Subcontinent, that does not mean Test cricket is losing its popularity or charm. Those who cry from the rooftops about the declining appeal of Test cricket ignore the simple fact that limited overs cricket draws in several 'casual' viewers with little knowledge or understanding of the game. Take them out and you still have millions who watch Test matches transfixed to their television screens.
As for dwindling number of spectators, let those in the media crying out loud about it experience a single day of Test cricket in an Indian ground with poor sanitary arrangements, dismal seating and lack of proper drinking water (and you're seldom allowed to take in water with you by the way). Add to that cricket being played in the smaller centres with even fewer facilities and you have the perfect recipe for keeping people away from the ground - a fact I.S. Bindra has thankfully acknowledged. Spending three hours in such dismal conditions to watch a T20 game is a lot less demanding, isn't it?
I would not like to say that ODI's draw "casual" or "less knowledgeable" spectators, ODI's have a result in a day which tests dont. And given a choice I would always watch a match in the stadium rather than TV for sure. The bigger issue is stadium facilities , which are horrendous ! Its almost like you pay to be a prisoner in a cricket stadium. I have always watched tests at the stadium, ODI's are just too crowded for me, by which I mean you cant even go and get something to drink because you know when you come back you will find your seat occupied !!
The state of Indian stadia is indeed deplorable, let alone the high-handedness of security staff and queue-jumping self-styled VIPs. I have seen matches at two venues in Colombo and they were both excellent.
i have spent a lot on binoculars and flags before entering the ferozshah kotla in delhi, only for them to be unceremoniously thrown away by the entry guards.. i suppose its a good way to keep discipline in the stands in check.. but damn those few who spoil the repute of all indian fans by throwing bottles on the ground.