Mark Butcher Calls for Better Cost Sharing and More Warm-Up Matches in Test Cricket

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher emphasizes the need for improved cost-sharing among cricket nations and more warm-up matches to enhance the competitiveness of Test cricket outside top teams like India, England, and Australia. The call comes after a short three-day match between England and West Indies at Lord's.

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has stressed the need for better cost-sharing among full member nations and more warm-up matches for touring teams, to ensure more competitive Test cricket beyond top teams such as India, England, and Australia.

Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast, Butcher cited the recent three-day Test at Lord's, where England defeated West Indies by an innings and 114 runs, as evidence of this issue. He noted that West Indies had only one warm-up match before the Test, hampered further by team members being stuck due to Hurricane Beryl.

Butcher highlighted the financial strain on touring parties, recalling Jason Holder's remarks on the absence of revenue-sharing agreements that once eased such burdens. He advocated for agreements to support financially weaker teams, drawing on historical examples of how assistance helped countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka rise in the cricket world.

Butcher concluded by emphasizing that cricket's appeal depends on competitive matches, urging wealthier cricket boards to offer financial support to ensure that all test-playing nations can thrive. The second Test between England and West Indies is set to start on Thursday at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

(With inputs from agencies.)