The International Cricket Council (ICC) has just started the names and numbers on the back of Test shirts. However, the former cricketers are not enjoying this change. Recently, the former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his disappointment on this new initiative.
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The ICC is trying to make the Test cricket more exciting. Recently, they have taken some crucial initiatives for this longer format. Through the Ashes 2019, the Test cricket has entered into the new era, the ICC World Test Championship. Apart from that, the ICC has also introduced the names and numbers on the back of white shirts from the Ashes 2019.
The names and numbers on the back of the shirts are very common in limited-overs cricket. However, we are now experiencing it for the first time in Test cricket. In the very early days, some former cricketers have reacted on this initiative, and most have come with negative views.
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Recently, the former Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee expressed their disappointment on this initiative.
Through his official twitter account, Gilchrist called it a rubbish idea.
Outstanding. We are underway. Sorry to sound old fashioned but not liking the names and numbers. #Ashes #cmonaussies
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) August 1, 2019
In fact, I’ll take my apology back. The names and numbers are rubbish. Enjoy the series everyone. ?? #Ashes
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) August 1, 2019
On the other hand, former Aussie pacer Brett Lee feels that it looks ridiculous. He is strongly against this idea.
https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1157221666629357569
Shoaib Akhtar has an awful feeling
Now, the former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has come with a similar view. The 43-year-old feels that the names and numbers on the white Test kit look awful. He believes that this initiative is taking away the traditional spirit of Test cricket. Akhtar also added that the ICC should reverse this decision.
He wrote on his official Twitter account, “Player’s name & number on the white Test Match kit looks awful. Should not be there. Takes away from the traditional spirit in which the game is played. This decision should be reversed. #TestCricket #Tradition.”
Player's name & number on the white Test Match kit looks awful. Should not be there. Takes away from the traditional spirit in which the game is played. This decision should be reversed. #TestCricket #Tradition
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 4, 2019
The first Test of the Ashes 2019 is still running at Edgbaston (Birmingham).