re the tiered test system
I did not mean for it to become a permanent fixture as such - more like a transitory / probationary level. Each 'new' test nation could start there for a fixed term - say 3 / 5 seasons, after which they would have had the chance to impress in 2 ODI WC. The rankings could then be reviewed after this period re a further time in this level - or promotion into the 'full' list. The time frame would also give time for domestic development etc to be taken into consideration.
The idea of the seasonal play off is to be able to judge their progress v 'the big boys' in a test series - preferably at the newbies country. If the big boys crash then they suffer the consequences.
IMO there is already a widening gulf between Aus - daylight - SA, then a gaggle including ENG, NZ, SL, then IND, PAK, WI in another grouping, then ZIM a lastly BANG. If the rest of us do not get our cricket in order the gap to AUS will continue to grow!
Because of us having to play catch up to AUS levels, IMO it is becoming increasingly tougher for new nations to join the test cricketing ranks as the gulf is getting greater - a quantum leap upwards from where say SL & ZIM started out.
If we are to encourage new entrants the last thing their local support / game needs is to see their national side subjected to 50-60 over innings & 3 day annihilations - absolutley no encouragement for youngsters to join to want to be cannon fodder, (AUS does that to everyone, but at least we have a chance to get some back v the rest). BANG may be able to weather this storm with cricket being their primary sport & strong public support, but other future contenders may not have this - eg Canada, Holland, Namibia etc.
Bottom line - IMO the current system does nothing to encourage the world growth of the game, or even an increase in support from the public of those current test nations, when new test nations are thrown in at the deep end in a sink or swim situation & run the risk of the BANG experience.
