Robinson backs first-class game

Robinson was appointed Sussex coach in 2005

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson has said the importance of first-class and Test cricket mean that they will always have a place in the game.

Earlier this week, West Indies captain Chris Gayle said he would not miss Test cricket if it dies out.

But Robinson told BBC Sussex: "Four-day cricket and Test Match cricket is massive and very important.

"Test and Championship cricket are the breeding grounds and both have a large part to play."

Gayle comments came after he was criticised by England captain Andrew Strauss for linking up with the West Indies squad just two days before the current Test series because of his IPL commitments.

"I wouldn't be so sad if Test cricket ended," Gayle told The Guardian.

"Maybe Andrew Strauss would be sad if Test cricket dies and Twenty20 comes in because there is no way he can make the change. So tough luck."

But Robinson said there is space for both Twenty20 and first-class games in the cricket calendar, so long as the demands placed on players are reasonable.

"Whether we have the right balance is another issue and something needs to give in the cricket schedule," he added.