Moeen fears for future of Test cricket

WELLINGTON: England all-rounder Moeen Ali said he fears for the future of Test cricket, claiming the disappointing turnout in the Ashes series in Australia had opened his eyes to the struggles of the game’s longer format.

While test matches around the world have seen falling attendances in recent years, the rivalry between England and Australia has usually managed to draw in the fans.

Cricket Australia said after the visitors’ recent 4-0 defeat that more than 865,000 people had attended the five-test series, the highest since the 1936-37 Ashes. The day-night Adelaide test saw close to 200,000 spectators while 88,172 people squeezed into the MCG on Boxing Day.