Veteran Australia opener David Warner has expressed concern about the future of Test cricket, and he wants emerging players to focus on the longer format rather than lucrative franchise T20 leagues.
"I'm a little worried about what's going to happen in the next 5-10 years in terms of where cricket is heading. I'd like to see more young players play red-ball cricket because that is the legacy you should want to leave behind "Warner made the remarks at the Australian Cricket Awards.
Warner rose to prominence through his T20 performances before making his Test debut and now has 101 caps in the format. However, many Australian cricketers, including Tim David, Chris Lynn, and Marcus Stoinis, have signed lucrative T20 contracts around the world rather than pursuing a career in Test cricket.
"Playing in a Test match is an incredible experience that truly tests your ability to compete with the game's greats. At the end of the day, everything has a monetary value. You will be rewarded if you strive for a central Australian contract."
"With all of the leagues around right now, I believe guys are looking at the short term, but the best way to get value for your currency is to actually make a name for yourself. Only a small percentage of people have been able to do that and have a long career."
"You want to play cricket for Australia, and the only way to get there is to put numbers on the board. If you think Big Bash will be your way and you don't want to play red-ball cricket, you probably won't get that value of currency in the other franchise leagues "He went on to explain.
Warner's next Test assignment is a trip to India for next month's four-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Pat Cummins-led side will train for four days at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Cricket Ground in Alur before the first Test begins on February 9 in Nagpur.
The second, third, and fourth Tests will be held in New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5), and Ahmedabad, respectively (March 9-13). Following the conclusion of the Tests, a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series between India and Australia will begin on March 17 in Mumbai, followed by matches in Visakhapatnam and Chennai.