Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Aug 3: Legendary England batsman Graham Gooch has hailed the gripping India-England Test series as the perfect shot in the arm for the traditional format but voiced concerns over the growing exclusivity of the "Big Three" nations — India, England, and Australia — in long-format cricket.

As India and England wrapped up a fiercely contested five-match series, Gooch said such battles are vital for keeping Test cricket alive in an era dominated by franchise leagues.

“It’s been an amazing series, great for Test cricket,” Gooch told PTI. “We’ve seen quality cricket, high scores, fiery bowling spells, and even some needle — which I don’t mind. It’s the kind of intensity that keeps the format relevant.”

However, the former England captain warned of long-term stagnation if Test cricket remains concentrated among the financially strong nations. “You can’t just have India, England and Australia playing each other,” Gooch stressed. “If countries like New Zealand, South Africa, and West Indies play fewer Tests, eventually no one will be left to compete.”

He urged the ICC to support financially weaker boards to preserve the global competitiveness of red-ball cricket. “It’s not about smaller teams, it’s about less financially strong ones. Test cricket needs wider participation to survive.”

The 72-year-old veteran, with 8,900 Test runs for England, also praised India’s spirited performance despite the absence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

“Great players can’t go on forever,” Gooch said. “Rohit and Kohli have been fantastic, but the youngsters have stepped up. The captain, Shubman Gill, has been outstanding — classy, composed, and productive.”

Gill, leading a young Indian side, silenced critics of his overseas record by racking up 754 runs in the series — just 20 short of Sunil Gavaskar’s all-time series record for India. “His technique and temperament have been top-notch. He’s not just a captain; he’s a premier run-scorer,” Gooch noted.

On the English side, Gooch lamented the absence of Ben Stokes in the final Test, saying it exposed the team's over-reliance on the all-rounder. “Stokes balances the side. Without him, England have to go a batsman down. And we’re not strong enough to rely on just four bowlers.”

Comparing Stokes’ relentless spirit to India’s Mohammed Siraj, Gooch said, “Both are passionate warriors. Siraj always gives his all, just like Stokes. They both empty the tank when they step on the field.”

On-field tensions flaring throughout the series didn’t bother the former skipper. “There’s passion in a tight series. Sometimes things are said in the heat of the moment, but it’s part of competitive cricket. It doesn’t go beyond the boundary.”

Gooch's reflections serve as both praise and caution — celebrating the drama of a historic series while reminding the cricketing world that Test cricket’s survival depends on inclusivity beyond the powerhouses.