ODIs vs Tests: Saigal's songs vs funky music

One-dayers or Test matches: Which do you prefer and why?
Though the purists prefer Test matches, I like one-dayers. With my busy schedules, I don''t have the luxury to sit around and watch a match for five days. Plus, in a one-dayer, the result is out by the end of the day and we can get on with our business.
Arbaaz Khan, actor
I prefer one-dayers because of the fervour and excitement associated with it.It gives a real adrenalin rush. ODIs have an all-together different feel about it and I like that.
Kapil Sibal, Congress spokesperson
One-dayers are short, sweet and thrilling. Test matches test your patience and you are bowled over by maidens. These more often than not end in draws. ODIs provide quick and sure results and unfold a fast-paced game in tune with modern times. One witnesses a hard-hitting aggressive stroke-play against bouncers and beamers. They teach us to cope with harsh ground realities. The overs are limited, play is restricted to a day and the limits are drawn for go-getter players as well as over-enthusiastic spectators.
Onkar Chopra, Janakpuri
Sensational, joyous, thrilling - that''s what one-dayers are with their ups and downs. They are like Big B''s action movies. The momentum of life is so rapid that it is difficult to wait for results after five days. The real fun of the game is watching the ball crossing the LoC (boundary) every five minutes and wickets being broken every 30 minutes.
Kunwar Nishat Khan, Zakir Nagar
The world is getting busier day-by-day. But being cricket lovers, neither can we go without it nor can we devote all our time to it. So I prefer ODIs - their shorter span makes them exciting and thrilling. Each player tries to be at his best form in the stipulated 50 overs. They are tight matches and therefore succeed in pulling in the crowd.
Sandipan Paul, Gole Market
I prefer Test matches. If one-dayers are more appetising, then Test matches are like a full meal. Test matches test the temperament, technique, discipline and determination of a player. They are a treat to behold and there''s no place for amateurship which is aplenty in today''s one-day cricket. One-dayers are more delightful no doubt, but Tests performances are not only solid but linger in the mind for a long time, such as Laxman''s 281 against Australia.
Arka Degnoria, Tilak Nagar
Five days, one test match and no guarantee of a result - that''s why I prefer ODIs to Test matches. Tests are like K L Saigal''s songs - slow, boring and sleepy. One-dayers on the other hand are like pop music and remixes - fast and funky. They keep the adrenalin flowing and the atmosphere electrifying.
Shreya Chakravorty, Mayur Vihar
I prefer Tests for their sheer brilliance. Cricket is at its very best when batsmen of the calibre of Sachin, Dravid or Laxman are on a song and bowlers like Muralitharan, Warne, Kumble, Lee or Akhtar are bowling at their maximum potential. The credit for Tests goes to the Aussies who have changed the face of cricket. ODIs on the other hand are sterotyped affairs - the excitement is restricted to the first 15 overs. However, their role in changing the nature of cricket from defensive to attacking can''t be denied.
Yogendra, Krishna Nagar
Both Tests and ODIs are exciting, but I prefer the latter as the results come out the same day. In Tests, we have to keep our fingers crossed till the fifth day. But Tests are more valuable to the player and are meant to test his patience and natural ability. If a player succeeds here, he''ll be a good one-day player as well.
Pawan Kumar Rohira, Shalimar Bagh
While Test matches are like a theory class for learning and mastering the game, ODIs are like the practicals where one puts into practise what has been learnt. Here, players have to perform under pressure and that brings out their real potential. The undulating nature of ODIs where a catch taken, missed or dropped and where even the last ball can be a decider, give a real thrill. Every one-dayer throws up a new anchor, saviour and hero and that is good for the quality of the game.
R K Malhotra, Alaknanda
The spirit, enthusiasm and thrill ODIs create is amazing. They are fast and provide results in a few hours. Tests lack speed and lead to a boring end. In today''s world, where time is at a premium, ODIs are the best form of family entertainment.
Shoma Mazumdar, Hari Nagar
The results are almost assured in an ODI if the team is good. In Tests, defensive play can save the match for a team, even though runs may not be scored. In ODIs, runs are scored fast and thick with fabulous sixers and fours. Anyway, who has the time to watch a Test match?
Chandna Pandey, Tiz Hazari
Tests are played slowly and steadily - this kills the excitement of the game. It is rare to see those attacking and thrilling shots that one sees in one-dayers - enough to set the heart beating fast and the stomach churning rapidly.
Preeti Hans, Mangolpuri
One-dayers are paisa vasool. They provide sufficient excitement in a short span of time. Who has the time to watch a five-day match? ODIs save time and money.
Y K Vir, Tilak Nagar
I prefer ODIs as even one ball can change the fate of a team. It is exciting and sensational. Tests are boring and even the players get tired. Since there is not much pressure on them, the play also becomes less exciting.
Sahil Aggarwal, Rohini
There is nothing as spicy, exciting, engrossing and adventurous as one-dayers. It keeps the spectators guessing till the end. It is more about mind than might and the opening and finishing spells leave spectators thrilled.
Tripurari Jha, Nangloi
Over the last several years, cricket matches, particularly against Pakistan, have taken the shape of a contagious disease. Normal life gets completely disrupted on these days. Therefore, I prefer ODIs to Tests.
Vidyasagar, Yojana Vihar
Both ODIs and Tests are important; it all depends on the series. For Australia, Tests are more important. India has never won a Test match in Pakistan, so that is more important than a one-dayer.
Ajit Kumar, Mukherjee Nagar