Push for Longer Gaps in Grueling Test Cricket Series

Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill have both stressed the necessity for extended intervals between Test matches, with a mere three-day break being insufficient in a five-Test series given the considerable strain on players, particularly bowlers.

The current series witnessed a week-long break after initial Tests, followed by compressed three-day intervals, burdening players with minimal recovery time. Stokes has suffered a right shoulder injury, ruling him out of the series finale, while India contends with similar issues among their pacers.

Speaking before the fifth Test, Stokes suggested standardized five-day breaks for consistency. Gill echoed this, highlighting that games often stretch the full five days, exacerbating fatigue. Both players acknowledge management decisions regarding break durations, weighing the risk of overly prolonged tours.

(With inputs from agencies.)