I wrote an article about this very subject to be published in the upcoming issue of Inside Sport, and the first Test between Pakistan and Australia was a great illustration of what I meant. It was a powerful case for the longer forms of the game, but that collection of minds we call a market needs to be convinced. The denouement was played out in front of empty seats, despite the fact that the gates were thrown open.

Pakistan almost won the unwinnable Test, and the fingers of blame were about to be pointed at Steve Smith for dropping critical catches. But those drops came about because Pakistan had found enough self-belief to keep Australia in the field longer than they thought they’d be there, and the game changes the longer it goes.

If the public has any appetite for the gripping story, the skilful practitioner, the compelling character, then Test cricket can serve them up. These appetites must be used, with imaginative brilliance, in marketing the game. Test cricket is the great tradition, but it must also become the next big thing. Otherwise it will be reduced to an antiquarian hobby.

Day-Night Tests are only the beginning. A lot more needs to be done, but it takes imagination and it takes someone to care enough.

Smith’s misses were the making of a great Test match. When the game’s administrators drop the ball, it’s very bad news for Test cricket.