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What attitude does the writer take towards the need to protect Test cricket? Cricket has repeatedly reshaped itself to suit changing viewer tastes and rapid technological change. Among its formats, Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs) represent two very different approaches—one built on endurance and long-term planning, the other on speed, excitement, and instant results. Test cricket, widely seen as the sport's highest form, stretches over five days and demands deep patience, refined technique, and strong mental stamina. It lets players show classical skill and strategic intelligence, with momentum that can shift slowly and suddenly—complex, layered, and uncertain. To traditionalists, this format feels like a craft that honours discipline and persistence rather than flashy moments. ODIs, by contrast, compress the contest into a single day. With limited overs, they favour aggressive stroke-play, inventive bowling, and sharp field settings. Their quick tempo suits modern lifestyles where time is short and attention often brief. For media and sponsors, ODIs also bring clear commercial advantage, turning matches into high-value entertainment. Still, some argue that growing commercialisation has reduced the game's subtlety, as spectacle overshadows substance. Meanwhile, supporters of Test cricket worry about shrinking crowds, linking it to a sports culture increasingly driven by entertainment. Even so, great rivalries—such as the Ashes or intense India-Australia series—can still capture worldwide attention. Ultimately, the debate is not only about which format is better, but about what cricket should represent. The key challenge is to protect the integrity of Test cricket while keeping ODIs widely engaging—an uneasy balance for cricket authorities to manage in the coming years.

1. Unconcerned
2. Supportive yet questioning
3. Sarcastic and dismissive
4. Light-hearted and casual

Correct answer: Supportive yet questioning

Solution

The writer clearly values Test cricket and stresses the need to protect its integrity. At the same time, the passage acknowledges the commercial and lifestyle advantages of ODIs, so the tone is not purely one-sided.

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