Gary Neville, the Manchester United legend, has recently expressed his views on the modern state of cricket, admitting that he finds the current landscape "a little bit confused". While he grew up immersed in the world of Test cricket, today's myriad formats and schedules leave him somewhat perplexed.
Neville's connection to cricket runs deep. His father was a league cricketer, and his brother, Phil, was considered a "cricketing genius" by some, with the potential to become an equivalent to Ricky Ponting or Sachin Tendulkar had he chosen cricket over football. Gary himself was a talented cricketer in his youth, playing alongside future England captain Michael Vaughan and scoring a century in a Hamer Cup match with Australian international Matthew Hayden. He played for Greenmount Cricket Club and represented the club in various age groups. Neville credits cricket with toughening him up in his early years, even more so than football. He recalls playing against men at a young age and the lessons he learned in competitive spirit and resilience.
Despite his early passion for the sport, Neville admits he doesn't watch as much cricket as he used to. He fondly remembers school holidays spent watching Test cricket all day at his grandmother's house. However, the evolution of the game with the introduction of One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) cricket has left him feeling somewhat disconnected.
"I am not a fan of One Day cricket or 20-20," Neville stated, acknowledging that while these formats are popular and bring in revenue, his heart lies with Test cricket. He feels that Test cricket seems to be slotted into the One Day calendar rather than having its own distinct space. Neville appreciates the endurance, struggle, and mental fortitude required to play Test cricket, highlighting the challenge of fielding for two days and then having to bat. He contrasts this with the shorter, more "exciting" formats that cater to a demand for instant gratification.
Neville has never attended a One Day match, further emphasizing his preference for the traditional format. He said that he loves Test cricket and always has.
Interestingly, Neville sees similarities between the "Bazball" approach of the current England cricket team and the management style of Sir Alex Ferguson, his former manager at Manchester United. "Bazball," known for its aggressive and fearless approach, reminds Neville of Ferguson's emphasis on attacking play, freedom of expression, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
Despite his confusion with the modern formats, Neville's love for Test cricket remains unwavering. He fondly recalls his experiences playing cricket in his youth and acknowledges the significant role it played in shaping his competitive spirit and resilience. While the game has evolved, Neville's appreciation for the purest form of cricket endures.
