Over the past week or so, I have been studying the World Twenty20 games trying to figure out exactly what it is I like and dislike about T20, thus making comparisons with one-day internationals and Test matches.

I have always been a big fan of Test-match cricket, simply because it is the true measure of a good cricketer. As a batsman, you are trying to bat long, which entails concentrating for hours and hours against a variety of bowling and a captain who is trying to outthink you.

Bowlers, on the other hand have to think batsmen out, which in some cases could take several overs or several hours. It is very taxing on the body and mind, and challenges you like no other format of the game.

Fifty-over cricket is my second favourite format of the game because it is very tactical. Bowlers have restrictions, which mean they have to be very smart in how they utilise their overs. Captains have to do a lot of thinking on their feet and are made to constantly think strategy. Circumstances of the game often changes quickly, which could mean a change in tactics at any given time. Therefore, players have to be flexible and willing to adapt to the game situation.

My least favourite of the formats is T20, simply because it is what I call swashbuckling cricket. Don’t get me wrong, yes it is entertaining, which even I have to admit. However, it just isn’t cricket in my eyes.

T20 is simply played as a crowd pleaser and to make money. On any given day, any of the top teams can beat each other because of the luck factor that is involved.

The only thing I like about T20 is that the captain and the bowlers are constantly put under immense pressure, but that is it. For a young player, T20 is the one format that you want to keep him far away from so that he can properly develop his skills. I decided to get a few cricketers’ views on their preference between T20, 50 overs and Tests:

Jacobi Robinson (Somerset and Bermuda): I prefer the short version of the game because it’s nonstop excitement from Ball 1. The reason why I like it is because that’s what type of player I feel I am, suited to the shorter version of the game. However, as a cricket fan, I love to sit and watch a Test. I enjoy watching different captains think out batsmen and batsmen scoring big runs, like 200 to 300.

I also enjoy watching a bowler set up batsman over a period of five to seven overs. So, as a player, one-day cricket is me. But, as a fan, I enjoy Test cricket.

Saleem Mukuddem (2007 Bermuda World Cup all-rounder): I love all forms of cricket for various reasons. T20 has revolutionised batting and fielding.

The skill levels have increased drastically. Even bowlers are bowling slow back-of-the-hand bouncers. Who would have thought? Test-match cricket is still my favourite. The recent Test series between South Africa and Australia was an epic battle and I loved sitting at the stadium watching it unfold. T20 is for making money men happy. Test cricket is for the purist. Separates the men from the boys.

Stephen Outerbridge (Bermuda 50-overs captain): I prefer to play the longer versions of the game. T20 is exciting and it brings out many innovative techniques, however I love the mental test the longer versions bring to the sport. I really would have loved to have played Test cricket.

Cricket is a game that can be appreciated no matter how it is played. To be fair to all, each version has it pros and cons; it’s just a matter of preference. If you like pure excitement, T20 is the game. If you prefer a tactical battle, 50-overs cricket is your option. However, if you want the physical and mental challenge, the ultimate challenge for a cricketer than Test-match cricket is the game. I always said to play cricket is one thing, but to watch it is another.

Playing the longer version of the game is what you long for as a cricketer, but to watch cricket, the shorter version is obviously more eye-catching.

Quote of the week: It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs – Jillian Michaels