ECB to propose four-day Tests; India set to oppose

With the International Cricket Council thinking about a new two-tier format in Test matches so that competition is improved in the format, the ECB is also looking to give more value to the time spent by the viewers and event organizers. ECB chairman Colin Graves, according to the Daily Mail, UK, has said that four-day Test matches could soon become a reality. This would be discussed at an ICC Board meeting in Edinburgh, though the BCCI may not agree to it. However, the Indian board could be outnumbered by other boards attending the meeting, who seem to favour the move.

A four-day match would tighten the over rates to 15 per hour and a 30 minute-early start. This would also mean 105 overs per day as opposed to the current 90.

India’s recent home Test series against South Africa might be one of the factors behind the idea with two of the matches ending within three days. England’s first two Tests against Sri Lanka in the ongoing series did not last for five days nor did any of last season’s Ashes Tests.

Shockingly, only one out of the last 11 Tests in England has gone on for five days. Talking to Daily Mail, Colin Graves said, “I love Test cricket, but it's a worry when you look around the world and see diminishing numbers of spectators. If it were a business, we'd pull it to bits and re-do it. From what they've said, Australia would look at it, but it's not just about four-day games: it's about revitalising Test cricket. There are lots of questions to consider,” reported Dailymail.

You can help Slum Soccer send 20 of our most talented footballers to represent INDIA at Homeless World Cup at Glasgow. Click here to know more.