India captain Rohit Sharma has called for the World Test Championship final to be extended to a series.
Following Australia’s day five demolition at The Oval, which sank the Indians to their second successive WTC final loss, Sharma said a one-off Test doesn’t give “fair opportunities” to both teams.
But Sharma conceded that could be difficult in a packed men’s international cricket schedule that sees either a one-day World Cup, T20 World Cup or a Champions Trophy tournament in each of the next eight years, on top of the usual cycle of international tours.
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“In the next cycle, if it is possible, a three-match series would be ideal,” Sharma said.
“I would love that. But is there a time? That’s the big question. It’s about finding that window where it can be fit in.”
“In an event like this, you work hard for two years and then you have only one shot at it,” he said.
“You cannot get into that momentum that you need in Test cricket.
“Test cricket is all about finding that rhythm, finding that momentum.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins disagreed, pointing out most other sports have a one-off grand final to decide champions.
“It’s fine – no qualms,” he said.
“Ideally you’d have 50-match series but Olympics have come down to one race to win a gold medal. AFL, NRL seasons have finals. That’s sport.”
Sharma said the entire India dressing room was “dejected”.
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“There is no doubt about it. It does disappoint not just me, but I’m sure everyone in the changing room is disappointed,” he said.
“You work really hard for it, and then finally to not see the result that you want to, it can be very disheartening. And that is what everyone’s feeling right now.
“Sport is all about picking yourself up and getting ready for the next big event you have.”
The Aussie bowlers had a superb day five, with Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon doing the bulk of the damage in securing the 209-run win in London.
Travis Head was man of the match following his 163 in the first innings.
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