Clarke, Smith await 2000th Test tie

Cricketers the world over are waiting with bated breath to see India and England play the 2000th Test match at the Lord's in London.

The first of the four-match series, starting on Thursday, will also be Test number 100 between India and England.

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Plenty of celebrations and felicitation programmes have been lined up to mark the historic occasion.

Australian captain Michael Clarke said it is fitting for the longer version that the two powerhouses of the sport are playing the 2000th Test.

"It requires all the skills of the other two forms of the game, but over five days. The physical and mental intensity of a five-day Test makes Test cricket far and away the pinnacle of the game. It is fitting that two powerhouses of cricket are playing at Lord's for the 2000th Test," Clarke said.

South Africa's Test skipper Graeme Smith voiced a view pretty similar to Clarke's, on Twitter.

"2000 Test match coming up! the true form of the game! And there is a great summer of Test cricket to come #lovetestcricket," Smith tweeted.

With Twenty20 cricket fast gaining popularity, Clarke said the game's administrators have to ensure the future of Test cricket.

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"Governing bodies must prioritise player performance and payment in Test cricket,' he said.

"The future of Test cricket relies on the investment in continuing to make it the pinnacle of the sport. I think there needs to be more innovation and entertainment at breaks in the game at Test venues. It is the toughest form of the game," Clarke was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun.