New Zealand's star batter Kane Williamson has once again voiced his strong support for Test cricket, calling on all stakeholders in the game to give the format serious importance, especially in nations where it faces the most significant challenges. Williamson, who has been a long-time advocate for preserving the traditional format, feels that two-match Test series are not ideal.
"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.
"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."
Williamson, who has amassed 9,276 runs in 105 Tests with 33 centuries and 37 half-centuries to his name, has often emphasised the unique value of Test cricket, believing that the format remains the pinnacle of the sport. He has in the past proposed the idea of creating designated windows in the international calendar for Test cricket. Notably, Williamson is currently operating under a casual playing contract with NZC, having opted out of the central contract.