GUWAHATI, Aug 14: Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has backed Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision to offer free entry to spectators at selected stands during the two-match Test series against India, saying packed stands would add to the atmosphere and importance of the longest format.
“Yes, I do think it’s a good idea. It’s better to have people in the stands than no one, so I think it’s a great idea,” Kirsten said, replying to a question from The Assam Tribune during a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced free entry to the grass embankments at the Galle International Cricket Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club for the series, which begins on August 15.
Asked if the move could be adopted at other Test venues around the world, Kirsten said having full stadiums was important for players.
“I don’t understand the cost implications or the business model around it, but it’s nice to have full stadiums for the players to play in,” he said.
Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, said Test cricket remained a special part of the game and called for more matches in the annual calendar.
“I think Test cricket is still the most important thing for most players. To play in a Test match for your country is still a highlight of every player’s career. I grew up playing Test cricket, so it’s certainly important to me,” he said.
Kirsten spent three years as India’s head coach and remains fond of his time with the team. But with India now his team’s opponents, the former South African opener said his focus was firmly on Sri Lankan cricket.
“My time with the Indian team ended 15 years ago, so it was a while ago. I cherish those three years that I had with the team, but life moves on and I’m fully committed to Sri Lankan cricket. I want to see them do well,” he said.
Kirsten said his aim was to help Sri Lanka become one of the leading teams in international cricket.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with Sri Lankan cricket. It’s an exciting time and there is lots that needs to be done. In the end, I would like to help this team become a top-four nation and compete with the best cricket teams in the world,” he said.
Reflecting on his time with India, Kirsten said he was privileged to have worked with a talented group of players who welcomed him into their environment.
“There was a lot of skill in that team, and what I appreciated was that they accepted me into their space and felt that I could add value to their cricket. That was a real privilege,” he said.
“I thoroughly enjoyed that time, enjoyed working with the players and built good relationships. I’m attempting to do the same at the moment with the Sri Lankan players.”
A self-described Test cricket purist, Kirsten also argued that every Test-playing nation should feature in at least 10 Tests a year.
“My personal belief is that every country should get to play at least 10 Test matches a year,” he said.
Kirsten played 101 Tests for South Africa over 11 years and said the modern international schedule presented challenges, but stressed the importance of ensuring that leading nations continued to play enough Test cricket.
“There are challenges in the modern schedule, but it’s always great when the main Test-playing nations get to play a lot of Test cricket,” he said.