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Bracken fears for Tests

Bracken fears for Tests

09/02/2010 1:29 PM

One-day specialist Nathan Bracken has taken a veiled swipe at Test cricket, suggesting only blockbuster series such as the upcoming Ashes battle against the Old Enemy will continue to capture public interest.

Bracken, a veteran of 116 one-day appearances for Australia, is on the comeback trail after undergoing knee surgery in October.

Speaking in response to recent claims from Shane Warne and other former players that the one-day format is fast becoming redundant, the 32-year-old strongly defended the 50-over concept before turning the spotlight on the game's longest form.

"Oh definitely," he said when asked if the 50-over game still has a place in the cricketing landscape.

"And the comment I've got will probably create a lot more controversy so I'll probably keep my mouth shut about it."

Pressed for his opinion, a cryptic Bracken appeared to question the viability of Test series played against lesser nations after recent lop-sided series against Pakistan and the West Indies.

"Just having watched over the summer and everything and just from what people have said, I've done a few corporate hospitality things through the Test series and a couple of one-day series," the five-Test veteran explained.

"A lot of people are sort of looking at the Ashes (this) year and looking at the big Test series now as important, and anything else is in the same boat (as ODIs)."

"So I guess when you look at it, sport's changing, cricket's changing and it's probably the same with the one-day series."

"There is going to be big series - Australia v South Africa, Australia v India - which is always going to sell out but it's going to be the other ones where either a Test series hasn't lived up to expectations that's going to impact on a one-day series."

Meanwhile, Bracken, declared himself fully fit and ready to return to the Australian one-day line-up when required.

"That's up to the selectors, I'm happy with how I'm bowling and I'm doing everything I can do," he said of his selection prospects.

"I'm fit at the moment so as quickly as possible is what I'm looking at, and yeah, it's just going to be what the selectors decide."

"We've got our mid-season reviews coming up so I'll try and arrange to speak to them in the next couple of days and just see what's happening."

The veteran left-armer, who will play for the Blues in Wednesday's crucial Ford Ranger Cup clash against Victoria, is confident he still has plenty to offer at the top level.

"I'd like to think I've got a few years left, I spoke to the surgeon after the operation and he's pretty happy with it and he's cleaned it to better than it was after the first operation which is a good sign ... and hopefully I can now run through my career without another issue," he said.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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