Two Tests are not enough

The crowds queue up to watch the last day of the Old Trafford Test © Getty Images

Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara have called on the ICC to end two-Test series, arguing that two matches are not enough to make for a real contest.

"Test cricket is the most intense cricket you play and it is the best testing ground for a player," said Sangakkara. "So these two-Test series should definitely be done away with. I know there are commercial interests to consider, but all series should be a minimum of three Tests. Then both teams have a chance to get back into the series after the first Test."

And, as shown by attendances in England for this summer's matches, Sangakkara went on to say that he believed Test cricket still had huge appeal. "It is very popular. Even in Sri Lanka, where there is no national interest in the two teams, people have been watching the Ashes on TV with great interest."

Those views were echoed by Muralitharan, who added: "Two tests are not enough for you to get the best reflection of the two teams."

Sri Lanka have just competed a two-Test series at home to West Indies, and their next outing will be another two-match series against Bangladesh.