Tait tells critics to shun 'scepticism' about T20 cricket

CANBERRA: Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has said that critics of the Twenty20 version of cricket should now embrace the game rather than viewing it with scepticism.

The injury-plagued Tait, who has retired from Test and 50-over cricket, said he could not understand why there was still negativity surrounding the Twenty20 game, Sydney Morning Herald reports.

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"It is a great form of the game, and I think it brings a bit of spice to cricket. That is what cricket needed - a competition like the Big Bash in Australia," Tait was quoted, as saying.

"People are still going to turn up and watch Test cricket in Australia. I just think the Twenty20 is adding something different," he added.

Tait said it was likely that future players could become Twenty20 specialists and ignore Test and 50-over cricket.

"Twenty20 might be something where a kid chooses cricket over AFL or over rugby. If Twenty20 is going to make them change their mind, then it is a good thing. I think people should open their mind up a bit more and look at that as well," Tait said.

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Tait has signed with the Melbourne Renegades for the Big Bash league. He was not considered for Australia's upcoming Twenty20 games against Sri Lanka because of injury.