Test cricket is the pinnacle: Gavaskar | Inaugural MAK Pataudi memorial lecture

With the slam-bang T20 version slowly gaining prominence over the other formats, batting great Sunil Gavaskar has appealed to the administrators to preserve the Test cricket.

Delivering the inaugural MAK Pataudi memorial lecture here, instituted in the memory of former Indian captain who passed away in 2011, Gavaskar said the five-day game was the pinnacle.

"Test cricket is the pinnacle. That's the format through which you will be recognised. It's how you do at Test level.

Out of 10 Test playing nations, four or five are major Test countries, who should ensure that Test cricket remains pinnacle," said Gavaskar with ICC CEO Dave Richardson in attendance.

"It is Test cricket which separates men from boys, I would request all administrators to look into it," the batting great said.

Gavaskar recalled his first meeting with Pataudi and the days of playing under him for Wazir Sultan Colts XI.

“Pataudi liberated Indian cricket,” said Gavaskar. “I salute him for enriching this game,” he said adding that Pataudi was one of the best fielders in Indian cricket along with Eknath Solkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. Gavaskar narrated some interesting incidents of Pataudi the prankster and how he used his servants as dacoits to pull the legs of Gundappa Viswanath.

India and Australia teams, former India players were present on the occasion.

Pataudi’s wife Sharmila Tagore was “unwell” and did not make it.