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Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson feels that Test cricket will need to go beyond Team India, Australia and England in order to survive in the future. He claimed that while matches between these three teams are thoroughly entertaining, they do not help in the format's growth.
“If only three teams are playing the format, it will struggle to survive. While we enjoy watching those series, they don’t fully support Test cricket’s growth. It’s a major challenge, with numerous conversations ongoing to find solutions if sustaining the format is the goal. Meanwhile, the game is under strain in many countries. 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,” Williamson said at the CEAT Cricket Awards.
Earlier, it was reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) are in talks with the cricket boards of India, Australia and England about introducing a two-tier system i n order to arrange more series between the three teams. However, Williamsaon feels that regardless of the system's introduction, all the Test playing nations must come together in order to support the format's growth so that it can thrive in the future.
“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. 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,” Williamson stated.
When did Williamson last play an international match?
Meanwhile, Williamson himself has been absent from the longest format for almost a year now with his last appearance in the format coming against England in December, 2024. He has also not played a single international match since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against India in March. However, it is likely that Williamson will make his comeback in New Zealand's upcoming homse summer.
What are New Zealand's upcoming fixtures?
New Zealand's next assignment will be a three-match T20I and ODI seris against England at home that will begin from October 18. They will then be hosting West Indies for what will be a multi-format tour, including five T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests.
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