Wisden

The independent voice of cricket

LIVE SCORES
News

MCC committees come out against ICC’s four-day Test proposal

by Shruti Khairnar 3 minute read

The MCC Cricket committee and MCC World Cricket committee have both come out against the shortening of Test matches from five days to four days.

It had been suggested that all World Test Championship matches from 2023 onwards could be four-day affairs, but opposition to the idea has been vocal, with the MCC the latest to voice their concerns.

“The MCC Cricket committee and MCC World Cricket committee have recently discussed the issue and although they can see some benefits that four-day Test cricket could bring, both committees believe that Test cricket should continue to be played over five days,” a statement said.

The proposal has created a divide between cricket enthusiasts all over the world. While some are open to the trimming of the format, many others are strongly against it.

Virat Kohli, the world’s No.1 ranked Test batsman, perhaps the most influential voice in world cricket, declared himself “not a fan” of the proposal. “I think the intent will not be right then because then you will speak of three-day Tests, where do you end? Then you speak of Test cricket disappearing,” he said. “I don’t endorse that at all.”

The proposal is going to be up for debate when the ICC cricket committee in March.

Topics

Like & Share

If you enjoyed this story, please share with your fellow cricket fans and team-mates

Have Your Say

Become a Wisden member

  • Exclusive offers and competitions
  • Money-can’t-buy experiences
  • Join the Wisden community
  • Sign up for free
LEARN MORE
Latest magazine

Get the magazine

12 Issues for just £39.99

SUBSCRIBE