World cricket needs a strong Pakistan team to compete with big three: Chappell

Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has spoken at length about Test cricket and how Australia can lead from the front and bring more excitement to the format.

While penning his thoughts for Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Chappell in his article "Test cricket is not dead, but Australia can improve its health by again touring Pakistan," wrote that Australia has to help Pakistan through this tough phase.

"I do hope that Australia will not cry off from the nation’s first cricketing tour of Pakistan in over two decades. Pakistan, in particular, deserves to host a full-strength Australian team, having had to play almost all of their cricket in the UAE for the past decade," wrote Greg.

Greg praised Imran Khan as one of the world's best all-rounders and claimed that having him lead the charge is a huge positive for Pakistan cricket.

"Imran Khan was one of the world’s greatest all-rounders. A charismatic and natural leader immensely proud of his nation, it should give the cricketing world confidence that he is helming his country now as Pakistan’s Prime Minister and determined to oversee the return of international cricket. I am confident that no stone will be left unturned in that quest," Greg further elaborated.

The former Australian captain complimented Pakistani people and labelled them as "friendly and respectful" and praised the likes of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen as one of the best in world cricket right now.

"The stadiums are excellent, as are the five-star hotels and other facilities for tourists. Language is not an issue. The people are extremely friendly and respectful. They are very passionate and knowledgeable about their cricket and of course their national side always has some amazing talent, which has not always been harnessed. Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi are world-class cricketers who would easily walk into other top international teams," he wrote in his article.

Greg further explained that everyone must understand how important this tour is for the future of the game, especially Australia and Pakistan.

"It is critical that CA and the ACA make it clear to the players how important this tour is to the long-term future of the game. Each generation has a responsibility to ensure that the game that they pass on to future generations is in robust health," he wrote.

He concluded by adding that world cricket needs a strong Pakistan Test side to compete against the top three.

"World cricket, and Test cricket, in particular, needs a strong Pakistan team to compete with the big three. Their brand of cricket is always a drawcard – skillful fast bowlers, exciting spinners, and dashing batsmen," concluded Greg.