Former head coach of New Zealand and coach of Kings XI Punjab Mike Hesson believes Test cricket will survive as long as there is context to it.
“The two-year World Test Championship (WTC) from 2019 is critical to its survival. If there are no context matches and they just operate bi-lateral tours in isolation, then the relevancy will disappear over time.”
Hesson added: “People are getting scared that Test cricket is disappering, but I think that’s not the case. There is still a high level of interest in certain demographics.”
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Hesson will be part of Kings XI’s campaign in IPL-12. “I am trying to get sorted for the auction in a few weeks time. Getting to know the team around Kings XI has been an important part of the last couple of weeks. I am doing some scouting and running some trials. I have enjoyed it.”
Asked what has impressed him the most in 11 years of IPL, Hesson said, “Every year the skills the bowlers bring in are different. Last year, we saw the knuckle ball for the first time. Before that we saw the slower-bouncer. Every year we see bowlers coming up with different initiatives.” Asked to name the best batsman so far in IPL, Hesson said “probably A.B. de Villiers”.