Reimagining Test Cricket: The debate for four day matches

Cricket is an ever evolving game. It keeps on getting better and better and hence modifications are required every now and then. For instance, earlier One day cricket was played with red ball where each side used to bat for 60 overs, also, bowlers used to bowl with only one ball throughout the innings, instead of two. But now, those rules have changed over time. Thus, slight amendments are made every so often, with the sole purpose of making cricket more competitive. 

Now, for the past few years, we are seeing a transition in Test cricket as well. Earlier, it was a format where patience and perseverance of an individual were tested. But now, with the introduction of ‘Bazball’ the true nature is hampered and even this format is played quite aggressively. Teams are bowling on attacking lines, fielding on attacking spots and smashing ball all over the park. Because of this change in outlook, from orthodox to unorthodox, the games are winding up in 3-4 days, with decisions in hand. Maybe, now it’s time to shrink the length of test match as well. So the question is, should test be reduced to four days?

In this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss the pros and cons of the same.

Pros of four day Test matches 

Promotion of Bazball cricket 

Shorter test cricket means more aggressive style of playing. England Cricket Team and Brendon McCullum introduced Bazball cricket and in case of amendments every nation will switch to this same tempo. Teams will be looking to score runs quicker so that they can wind up all four innings in 4 days. Because only then the match will end up with a result. Hence, ‘patience’ will conveniently be replaced with ‘power’.

Increase in viewership  

The viewership in Test cricket is declining. People prefer to watch the shorter formats as they are more interesting and less time consuming. However, in case the length of test cricket is reduced, the viewerships will increase which will ultimately ensure greater revenue generation. Hence, one way to save red ball cricket from getting extinct could be by simply contracting the number of days. 

Test matches ending in 3 days 

For the past two three years, there is a shift in trend in red ball cricket. Many matches are ending between 3-4 days. Hence, shrinking the time of red ball cricket wouldn’t hamper the approach of teams. Take the recent example of Border Gavaskar Trophy’s first test Day 1. In total 17 wickets fell off. This alone signifies that the match will last for 3-4 days max.

Cons of four day Test matches 

Disruption of the true spirit 

Test cricket is the epitome of patience and if the matches are reduced to four days, the true nature of sport will be demeaned.  A sort of imbalance will be created and that would just take the sport away from its very basic nature. New norms will potentially change the dynamics of world cricket and that will not be a good sign if look at a bigger picture. Test cricket before meant bowler bowling challenging lines and lengths but if the game gets more aggressive, this too shall disappear in no time. 

More draw matches  

Their are chances that more number of matches will end up in draw. In case the matches are dominanted by bowlers, it’s more likely that matches will end up with a result. But in case they are dominated by batters, their is high probability of matches being drawn. 

Women Test matches are of four days only, and a lot of matches end up in draw. Despite some class performances with both bat and ball, we have seen none of side winning. Hence, women’s cricket can be a great learning, as we already know what the outcome could be.

Decision pending…

It isn’t sure if ICC will even consider reducing the length of the test cricket, but one thing is sure, the authorities will consider the interest of all the stakeholders and will come at a conclusion that prevents interests of everyone.