Don146;t split Test cricket

Last October, the ICC cleared the Zimbabwe Cricket Union of reverse racism, charges that came during a period when the landlocked southern A...

Last October, the ICC cleared the Zimbabwe Cricket Union of reverse racism, charges that came during a period when the landlocked southern African nation had lost its Test status. Questions of whether they should have had it reinstated so soon by the ICC should perhaps be revived after losing their first series to a country even lower in the Test rankings.

Bangladesh acquired Test status, the pinnacle of the international game, through a form of political gerrymandering and fancy choreography but it was straight, honest talking and hardnosed realism that led the ICC to shelving Zimbabwe8217;s status last year. Geoff Marsh, who was coach barely in name, privately admitted at the time that Zimbabwe would take several years to recover from the political schism that tore the game apart. The former Australia opener used the succinct metaphor, 8216;You cannot hope to win the Melbourne Cup with a donkey8217; by way of explaining how much damage has been done.

Just how much damage became clear over the past fortnight: Zimbabwe have clearly slipped in standards. Their new coach, former West Indian all-rounder Phil Simmons, has more to chew over than matters of technique, style and trying to guide a side bereft of ideas. Why, there were times when Bangladesh looked even a quality side.

But the Zimboes managed to climb back and win the first limited-overs game of this tadpole series; more through luck than ability. It happens at this level.

What the ICC are going to make of it all is going to be interesting. Already suggestions emerging in Sri Lanka and India are that the ICC should put a two-tier system in place as a way to separate the tadpoles from the piranhas. If the ICC accede to that idea, who will end up where? There are 10 Test nations and to dilute the system by introducing a two-tiered system has its dangers. Where would West Indies and South Africa, teams low in rankings, fit in? And would there be a promotion/relegation plan? Just where do we go with this: a top six and a bottom four?

It comes across as a form of simple altruism, an answer to the conundrum by the big boys who feel they are above playing such teams as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. It has been suggested that as part of ICC8217;s globalisation plan, official limited-overs status be granted to the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Scotland and Holland with Test status to follow. This raises one question: how did the USA qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy event last year but fail to make an impact in the ICC Associate Members series?

What should be addressed is how teams will improve their skills and playing levels without tougher competition and learn how to manufacture A Grade scenarios if they are restricted to a lower tier of competition. It took New Zealand almost 27 summers after their one-off rain-wrecked Test in 1946 before they were able to get Australia to agree to a full Test series.

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And did Sir Donald Bradman scorn India8217;s puny efforts during the 4-0 whipping Australia handed out in 1947/48? Did he suggest Lala Amarnath8217;s worthy bunch of troops should lose their Test status? Not at all: he praised them as they had come to learn and welcomed the tour for what it achieved. History is a great teacher and a wise pupil would do well to learn from past lessons.