Track Talk: Find time to re-introduce a test series

Great Britain face Australia, including Wolverhampton man Sam Masters, at Glasgow and I’m sure the place will be packed.

Test matches were always a highlight of any season when I was a teenager watching the sport at Cradley and Wolverhampton.

Both venues held international matches, I recall the Monmore terraces being packed in 1984 for England v Denmark and similarly at Cradley for England v USA.

They say fans only want to see league meetings these days – but that’s mainly due to a lack of interesting alternatives.

Imagine, then, if today’s meeting was the first in a three match series. Imagine a Monday night match at Monmore and then, perhaps, another at Belle Vue. The crowds would pack the places.

I think Australia just hold the upper hand in terms of all-round strength but it should be a great battle ahead.

I’ve had loads of tweets asking why it’s not on TV. All I can say is that it’s never been mentioned that we may be showing it on BT, but I’m sure it would attract a big TV audience.

I hope this is the start of something special. Yes, dates in the UK calendar are at a premium because of international riders on their travels, but with only seven clubs in the top flight now surely some availability can be created for a best of three next year?

Wolverhampton are back at Monmore on Monday – and they face a team who have had everything go wrong this season.

Leicester arrive with only Hans Andersen surviving a cull through a combination of poor form and injuries.

Josh Bates broke his back on a sledge on the eve of the season – and Martin Vacvulik broke his ankle in the first league meeting.

But they have riders in the Lions side who like the Monmore track – Andersen being one of them.

They’ve also snapped up Scott Nicholls, a rider I’m sure many Parrys International Wolves fans would have loved to have seen in the side at some stage during his long and glittering career.

But I still expect a Wolverhampton win by 12-16 points.

Cradley are counting down to the F.A.S.T Golden Hammer, their big individual meeting which always pulls in the crowds.

The event takes place at Monmore on Monday August 13 and the Heathens are once again delighted to be promoting Dudley Stroke Association through meeting partnership.

Gary Patchett and Will Pottinger have put together a great field for the event – and all kids 15 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Former Heathens favourites Max Clegg, Danny Ayres and Dan Greenwood are included plus the current favourites Alfie Bowtell, Drew Kemp and Jason Edwards.

It’s sure to be a great night with that prestigious Hammer up for grabs.