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BBC Sport 01/01/2020
The England and Wales Cricket Board "cautiously" supports four-day Tests as a possible way of easing the strain on players and the international schedule.
The International Cricket Council will consider the Test calendar beyond 2023 in January with a one-day reduction in match length likely to be discussed.
"We're definite proponents of the four-day Test concept but cautiously so," said an ECB spokesperson.
The ECB added it may help "complex scheduling" and "player workloads".
The governing body admitted, though, that the change to four-day Tests would be controversial.
"We understand it's an emotive topic for players, fans and others who have concerns about challenging the heritage of Test cricket," it added.
It is estimated the change would free up around 40 days a year in the international schedule.
England played a four-day Test against Ireland last summer which ended on day three. Each playing day was extended by 30 minutes to allow for 98 overs to be bowled rather than the standard 90.
"I think it is a real shame Test cricket is dying, but there is no doubt that it is," former England batsman Nick Compton told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I guess in the time we live we are focused on Twenty20 cricket and the shorter formats of the game, and let's face it - the game is only getting shorter.
"Test matches are not surviving five days, so I can understand where the push for it has come from, but I think it is a shame.
"I think it is an indictment on the game and where the development and focus has been. Players' skills are perhaps not there, the big scores are not happening, the scores are not as high and the games are not lasting the distance.
"As a player I think it is a shame, but the governing bodies will have to assess it from a financial point of view."
As Rich would say it feels like the game is slowly being eroded bit by bit. The problem is if you had invented the game today and were trying to market it you would only play white ball so guess tests and 4 days and championship cricket is better than none at all.
ReplyDeleteRestricted championship cricket I mean.
ReplyDeleteYou took the words out of my mouth he he. All the best
ReplyDeleteBut not in a Meatloaf kind of way?
DeleteLove it !
DeleteCan anyone provide any stats as to how many official Test matches played in the past 5 years actually went into the 5th day ?
ReplyDeleteI would hazzard a guess at less than 25% - but thats purely a hunch .
I suppose that being realistic the plan to reduce all Tests to 4 days will free up a fair amount of valuable days during peak season .
Perhaps extend the playing day with a regular 10.30 am start ? Then massively increase fines for slow over rates and time wasting VIZ - too many lengthy drinks breaks , changing of batting gloves etc etc
Just a bit of fun info about Test matches .
Many cricket fans will not know of the Timeless tests that were played in the 1930s - 99 of them were played altogether . The longest one ever played involved South Africa and England in Durban in 1939 . The game lasted NINE days ( spread out over TWELVE DAYS) and amazingly ended in a DRAW ! The reason being that the England team had to catch the boat back home . When the match ended England were on 654-5 - their highest ever 4th innings score .
As a contrast the SHORTEST ever Test match took place at Trent Bridge in June 1926 . Scheduled to last 5 days ,only 50 minutes of play was possible owing to bad weather . Only 17 overs were bowled and 32 runs scored . !
I wonder what the advance purchase ticket refund policy was back then ? Anyone know ?
Was there in fact a refund policy in place for blank days ?
They can cautiously fo. 5 Day Tests must stay after this fantastic match at Newlands
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAshley Giles will get splinters on his aspect, trumpetting a 5th day test win but continuing to tow ECB line of reducing workload on players etc etc
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