Former Oz stars turn 'Crusaders' to save Test format in cricket

Sydney, May 5(ANI): Swan Richards, founder of the Crusaders, which is an ambassadorial troupe of former stars that promotes cricket in schools and via scholarships and tours, is now set to promote the longest version of cricket with the help of former cricket stars.

He is also the brain behind the formation of Outright Foundation, which "concentrates on the longer form of the game and its many intricacies', according to its prospectus.

"We consider it (Test cricket) to be the spirit, heart and soul of the game," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Swan, as saying.

Its first project enlists 45 teenagers who will attend camps and classrooms over the winter and at the beginning of next summer, culminating in a Test-style match over four or five days.

The intake is from all over Melbourne, and includes two from families of Sudanese immigrants. The program will fit together with school and football commitments.

Former Test stars like Greg Chappell, Dean Jones, Merv Hughes, Damien Fleming, Matthew Elliott and Bryce McGain have all agreed to instruct in the technique and tradition of Test cricket, and as a testament to Swan's powers of persuasion, the project also has the implied support of Cricket Australia. (ANI)