Ian Botham expresses disappointment with Indian cricket

Former England all-rounder, Sir Ian Botham has come out strongly against the state of Indian cricket. Despite India doing well in the limited-overs format recently as well as being No. 2 in the Test Rankings, Botham was very critical of India not paying enough attention to the longest format of the game.

India had their lost last two away Test series against England by margins of 0-4 and 1-3. India had also lost a home Test series against England in 2012.

“I am disappointed with Indian cricket right now. Cricket is more than just a 20-over game, they need to understand that. England's contests with India always used to excite me but right now, I don't know what to say.

“Where is India going in Test cricket? Why is it happening to the team? Is it saturation of Twenty20? India needs to figure out,” Botham told the media during the Laureus Sports Awards.

Botham did not believe the Test Rankings reflected the true quality of the Test sides. The former all-rounder felt that India are lagging behind in the longest format of the game. The 60-year-old was particularly appreciative of the fact that England and Australia maintain their tradition of playing sufficient cricket.

“Look I don't understand rankings. England, South Africa, and Australia are playing the best Test cricket to my mind. Australia has an established Big Bash, it's pretty well-fitted in the calendar. England is also alright with a proper setup. Look you can have Twenty20 matches but it cannot be week in and week out. People get bored of it,” Botham said.

Botham was one of the best all-rounders England ever had as he did well for his national side in both Tests and ODI cricket. In 102 Test matches, Botham scored 5200 runs at an average of 33.54 and picked up 383 wickets at an average of 28.40. In ODIs, Botham played 116 matches, scoring 2113 runs at an average of 23.21 and picking up 145 wickets at an average of 28.54.

India will play England in a five-Test match series at home later this year during the months of November and December. Botham believes a good contest is at hands when the two sides will face.

“That should be a good series, I am looking forward to it because England have been doing really well. They have revamped the system, gone to factory settings and are looking good,” Botham said.