Former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen once again raises his voice for Test cricket. 37-year-old has brought some suggestions to take Test cricket into the higher level.

Recently, Pietersen heavily criticized English cricket for prioritizing next year’s World Cup over the Test cricket. Now, he shows his support once again for the longer cricketing format.

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While he played every format, Pietersen mentioned the Test cricket as the superior level.

Talking at the 6th MAK Pataudi Memorial Lecture, Pietersen said, “Having played every form of cricket in every corner of the cricketing globe, I remain 100 per cent convinced that the five-day Test remains the supreme form of the game.

However, Pietersen has also impressed with the T20 cricket as he quoted, “20-20 provides the thrill, the noise, the speed and no little genius. It has taken fielding to a new level and has redefined batting.”

To take the Test cricket at the upper level, Pietersen has brought some suggestions. Apart from suggesting the evening matches and umpires microphones, the former English stylish batsman also showed his support for sledging.

KP said on that, “Let’s make Test cricket a spectacle. Garnish it with colour and fireworks. Fill the grounds. Play in the evenings. Give the umpires microphones to broadcast to the spectators. Allow sledging — as long as it remains the right side of the line. Communicate better with the fans.

Pietersen demands the equal marketing level for the Test cricket, just like the limited-overs cricket. He further shows his support for World Test Championship that will be inaugurated from 2019.

Pietersen said, “Let’s throw equal marketing clout behind the Test game before we succumb to the lazy assumption that 20-20 rules. Push the profile of the world test championship. Develop marketing opportunities. Offer cheaper seats in the ground to provide a better spectacle for TV viewers.”

The South African born also suggested well payments for the Test cricketers.

37-year-old quoted on that, “Ensure that they (cricketers) are paid as well over five days as they are over five hours of 20-20 cricket. You can’t blame a player for seeking financial security through his or her sporting talent.”

Besides that, Pietersen also praised the Afghanistan cricket, prior to their historic first ever Test match. It will be against India at Bengaluru, which will begin from this Thursday (June 14).

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Pietersen had the special words for them, as he quoted, “The squad, the management, and all those who helped you get here. You guys are sitting on the very edge of history. The doom-mongers say this is a dying form of the game, but you have it within your grasp to keep it alive. You are representing a population of 36 million people.”

“Your country has scaled the ladder across the shorter forms of the game but this is bigger and better. The headline writers around the globe are waiting! You are changing the perception of your country that has been in the news for the wrong reasons for far too long.”