ECB chairman Colin Graves reveals that four-day Test cricket could become a reality

[Abdullah719]

Four-day Test cricket could become a reality as administrators try to protect the game’s longest format, according to ECB chairman Colin Graves.

A two-divisional Test structure is set to be approved later this month, paving the way for further innovation in an attempt to make Test cricket commercially viable in the age of Twenty20.

Graves first aired the idea of four-day Tests last summer, but it is understood that – with the exception of India – other national boards are now open to the idea.

‘I love Test cricket, but it’s a worry when you look around the world and see diminishing numbers of spectators,’ Graves told Sportsmail.

‘It saddens me and we have to do something about it. 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.’

The first two Tests against Sri Lanka this summer ended in three and four days, while none of last season’s five Ashes games extended into the fifth.

Of the last 11 Tests in England, only one – against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015 – has gone the distance.

Graves believes players would have to learn how to bowl 15 overs an hour if Test match days, which could begin half an hour earlier at 10.30, are to include 105 each. Meanwhile, provision could be made for an extra day in case the weather intervenes.

He also said the fifth day was rarely profitable for the host club. ‘I spent 14 years at Yorkshire and it always cost money. You get small crowds, and you have to pay for things like security and ground-operating costs. Do people want the fifth day if it’s heading for a boring draw?’

The subject may be discussed at the ICC board meeting in Edinburgh, starting on June 27.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cr...es-reveals-four-day-test-cricket-reality.html

 

[Dman]

Wonder what the purists have to say about this? Would they be happy if such a move becomes reality?

 

[kingusama92]

Wonder what the purists have to say about this? Would they be happy if such a move becomes reality?

If purists had their way, we'd still be playing timeless tests.

Change is inevitable.

 

[Balthazar]

In Australia, even 6 days won't be enough to get a result. India and England won't be a problem, as most matches gets over within 4 days time.

 

[Convict]

Wonder what the purists have to say about this? Would they be happy if such a move becomes reality?

It's fine. Works well for Shield matches.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

"Lack of spectators" is due to the quality of cricket being played rather than the duration of the game.

 

[#GreenRoars]

5 days are perfect.

 

[Zak_Fan]

4 day tests, Night tests.. hate this circus. They should leave Test Cricket alone.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

‘I love Test cricket, but it’s a worry when you look around the world and see diminishing numbers of spectators,’ Graves told Sportsmail. ‘It saddens me and we have to do something about it. 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.’

So there you go.

Proposal for the change of rules starts.

Its expected.

This is a proactive approach.

Day Night Tests with changed rules is the only way to save Tests.

I expected proposals to change rules atleast 5+ years down the line but good to see people having a vision.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

If you really think quality of test cricket is the reason for test decline, nothing could be further from the truth.

Mad respect to Aussies for they truly have the balls to do something to save the most awesomest form of cricket instead of living in denial.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Good to see ECB Chairman in this too.

 

[blackanhyellow]

Theoretically 4 day matches would be more exciting.

You can't really produce flat wickets then. You would have to make bowler friendly wickets all the time.

 

[Convict]

If you really think quality of test cricket is the reason for test decline, nothing could be further from the truth.

Mad respect to Aussies for they truly have the balls to do something to save the most awesomest form of cricket instead of living in denial.

Why?

Cricket Australia and the pitches they prepared are the biggest problem facing test cricket in Australia.

 

[The Last Of The Stars]

It would be the start of the end of Test cricket. I won't be surprised if these selfish ex cricketers will even suggest 20 overs per innings in a Test match.

 

[Convict]

Theoretically 4 day matches would be more exciting.

You can't really produce flat wickets then. You would have to make bowler friendly wickets all the time.

That is the way it works in Shield cricket.

Once players get used to it most matches will last to the fourth day so you won't have to produce really flat wickets to get 5 days.

Just got to really clamp down on time wasting. Shield crickets get through 96 overs a day and rarely need the extra time yet the test players always need that extra half hour despite only bowling 90 overs

 

[Markhor]

We can do 4 days with sporting wickets and cracking down on slow over rates. I'm SICK of teams taking an eternity to get through their overs. Before WW2 teams used to bowl in excess of 100 overs a day.

Yes there's commercial breaks now to factor in but there's too much time wasting right now. Players taking an age with changing equipment (i.e. gloves, helmets, shin pads), captains taking forever to set a field etc.

There should be zero tolerance, captains guilty of slow over rates should be given automatic one match ban.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Why?

Cricket Australia and the pitches they prepared are the biggest problem facing test cricket in Australia.

That's in the context of Australia.

Australia and England have a massive test following so quality of cricket may impact viewership.

Outside that place, test cricket is not followed as much cos its considered boring. Quality of cricket there is irrelevant.

 

[Convict]

We can do 4 days with sporting wickets and cracking down on slow over rates. I'm SICK of teams taking an eternity to get through their overs. Before WW2 teams used to bowl in excess of 100 overs a day.

Yes there's commercial breaks now to factor in but there's too much time wasting right now. Players taking an age with changing equipment (i.e. gloves, helmets, shin pads), captains taking forever to set a field etc.

There should be zero tolerance, captains guilty of slow over rates should be given automatic one match ban.

It's quite interesting. As I said in the post before yours Sheffield Shield players have no problem getting through 96 overs a day.

It's because they're not coddled and when they're too slow they're actually punished rather than the slap on the wrist internationals get.

 

[USofA]

Reducing the number of days is not going to bring the fans in. Tests will still remain the most expensive to stage with the least revenues.

They have to do something else in addition. Day/Night tests is an excellent start to that effect. But I do not see any changes happening to the current setup of test cricket for at least 3-4 years (outside of day/night test). Which is only going to further the deterioration of interest in tests.

 

[SL_Fan]

I was initially against it but I don't think it's such a bad idea. Makes sense in a lot of ways.

 

[Hasan123]

I don't mind day/night tests but just keep it 5 days. Too much change isn't always good

 

[Bewal Express]

To make 4 day tests work, there needs to be a Maximum of 120-130 overs in the first innings and new ball after 60 overs.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

It would be a problem in the sub-continent. 90% of the tests will be a draw, unless you make some other changes as well.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

I think the only way to make teams up their over-rate is penalise them for overs not bowled.

Eg. if a team is short 5 overs in the day. 5 runs per over, add 25 runs to the opposition. Its not drastic yet something they would do everything to avoid.

4 day tests is a good idea. A lot of places actually produce good pitches these days to amp up home advantage so we get 3-4 day results already but making it the norm would only force it more in places like Australia, UAE to produce more sportive pitches for bowlers.

 

[Abdullah719]

It's an idea worth considering, IMO. Anything that will re-generate interest in Test cricket is worth looking at.

 

[OS_89]

How will making tests 4 days help in any way? If the reasoning is that too many tests end within 3-4 days, then removing the fifth day improves nothing. All it does is save them some administrative expenses for the extra day.

Removing the fifth day also makes draws more likely and changes the entire flow of a test match. On the third day itself, any team which is on the back foot will start playing for a draw,which wouldn't have been feasible in a 5 day match.

Plus, fast bowlers are already struggling these days with injuries like stress fractures due to overbowling. And now they want to force them to bowl even more?

This is a terrible idea. Day night tests are a great innovation. Removing an entire day's play is not. It's stupid.

 

[The_Odd_One]

4 day test is a good idea. Also, limit the number of overs in an inning to 90. Eliminate draws. If you fail to chase down the target in the last inning, you lose.

 

[Convict]

How will making tests 4 days help in any way? If the reasoning is that too many tests end within 3-4 days, then removing the fifth day improves nothing. All it does is save them some administrative expenses for the extra day.

Removing the fifth day also makes draws more likely and changes the entire flow of a test match. On the third day itself, any team which is on the back foot will start playing for a draw,which wouldn't have been feasible in a 5 day match.

Plus, fast bowlers are already struggling these days with injuries like stress fractures due to overbowling. And now they want to force them to bowl even more?

This is a terrible idea. Day night tests are a great innovation. Removing an entire day's play is not. It's stupid.

Removing the fifth day is to discourage all the flat roads designed to ensure 5 days of cricket are played.

 

[ExplicitAI]

From this new 4 day rule, it would suggest that batting teams would block their way to draws more easily.

 

[HitWicket]

How will making tests 4 days help in any way? If the reasoning is that too many tests end within 3-4 days, then removing the fifth day improves nothing. All it does is save them some administrative expenses for the extra day.

Removing the fifth day also makes draws more likely and changes the entire flow of a test match. On the third day itself, any team which is on the back foot will start playing for a draw,which wouldn't have been feasible in a 5 day match.

Plus, fast bowlers are already struggling these days with injuries like stress fractures due to overbowling. And now they want to force them to bowl even more?

This is a terrible idea. Day night tests are a great innovation. Removing an entire day's play is not. It's stupid.

In reality by the suggestion you'd not be removing an entires day worth of play, just 1 sessions worth.

 

[OS_89]

Removing the fifth day is to discourage all the flat roads designed to ensure 5 days of cricket are played.

Not sure it'll achieve that at all though.

 

[The_Odd_One]

From this new 4 day rule, it would suggest that batting teams would block their way to draws more easily.

Yes, it will become easier to draw games because teams will have to survive for lesser period and there will be no 5th day wicket to worry about.

That is why, 4 day test match will only work if innings are restricted to 90 overs each. You block and do not score enough runs quickly, the opposition will have a smaller target to chase. You do not chase down the target in 4th inning, you lose. Fair and simple!

 

[HitWicket]

Yes, it will become easier to draw games because teams will have to survive for lesser period and there will be no 5th day wicket to worry about.

That is why, 4 day test match will only work if innings are restricted to 90 overs each. You block and do not score enough runs quickly, the opposition will have a smaller target to chase. You do not chase down the target in 4th inning, you lose. Fair and simple!

Do we really see a huge difference in the pitch at tea day 5 and the end of play on day 5?

 

[The_Odd_One]

Do we really see a huge difference in the pitch at tea day 5 and the end of play on day 5?

There will be no day 5 in a 4 day test.

 

[HitWicket]

There will be no day 5 in a 4 day test.

No, but only a sessions worth of cricket would be lost therefore by the end of a 4 day test the pitch would be more or less the equivalent of a pitch at tea on day 5.

 

[The_Odd_One]

No, but only a sessions worth of cricket would be lost therefore by the end of a 4 day test the pitch would be more or less the equivalent of a pitch at tea on day 5.

Teams will not have to start fresh on the 5th day. That will make a huge difference. How many times have we seen a well set batsman like Younis or Misbah getting out early in the next day's first session.

 

[HitWicket]

Teams will not have to start fresh on the 5th day. That will make a huge difference. How many times have we seen a well set batsman like Younis or Misbah getting out early in the next day's first session.

Alternatively however we'll also see batsmen batting for longer periods without a break than we would have previously opening up a larger chance for a lapse in concentration.

 

[Convict]

Yes, it will become easier to draw games because teams will have to survive for lesser period and there will be no 5th day wicket to worry about.

That is why, 4 day test match will only work if innings are restricted to 90 overs each. You block and do not score enough runs quickly, the opposition will have a smaller target to chase. You do not chase down the target in 4th inning, you lose. Fair and simple!

Odd. Teams manage to play Sheffield Shield/County Cricket/Currie Cup etc with 4 day First Class matches

 

[CliftonBeach]

4 day tests, Night tests.. hate this circus. They should leave Test Cricket alone.

I know right? They should replace Lunch with Snack time, Tea with Happy Hour, and

 

[Pace90]

It's about time, I'm OK with that, they have to restrict first inning to 100 overs then.

 

[emranabbas]

In 2020 test match will only be a 2 day game

 

[Gabbar Singh]

People are acting as if test cricket has never changed - from timeless tests to having a rest day in the middle of a test match to trialing 6 day tests to using DRS to introducing day-night tests with a pink ball etc, we've had loads of change and rightly so. We live in an 'adapt or die' world and sport is no different.

 

[Abdullah719]

Colin Graves confirms his term as Chair will end on 31 August

The ECB Board confirms that ECB Chair Colin Graves has made the decision to end his term on 31 August.

The Board looks forward to celebrating the significant achievements of Colin Graves’s term in the coming months.

Commenting on his decision, Colin Graves said: “With the launch of The Hundred unavoidably moved to 2021, I have reviewed last year’s extension of my term as Chair, and put a request to the Board to now finish early, on 31 August.

“It feels important to both the game and the ECB Board, to allow Ian Watmore to commence his role earlier than originally agreed. I have no doubt that his wealth of experience in sport, business and government will be invaluable as we navigate through this crisis

“I have been extremely heartened by how cricket has come together in these recent, unimaginable times. There remains a long road ahead, but I have immense confidence in the excellent leadership of Tom Harrison, our Executive Management Team and the ECB Board as they shape the direction of our response to COVID-19.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate people across the game who are driven by their belief in cricket’s power to improve lives and connect communities.

“There is still much to be done in the coming months as I continue to lead the ECB during this challenging time. As we get closer to August I will look forward to saying my farewells and sharing good wishes to all those I have worked alongside.”


The Board confirms Ian Watmore as Chair Elect


Following the publication in a national newspaper of allegations against Ian Watmore around his 2018 tenure as a non-executive director of the English Football League (EFL), the Board established a sub-committee of directors comprising Barry O’Brien, Katie Bickerstaffe and Martin Darlow to review the allegations, which Ian denied.

During an extensive process, that included a confidential review of the report referenced in media, the sub-committee has universally agreed that there was no evidence to support any allegation of wrongdoing on Ian Watmore’s part. In addition, it was concluded that the appointment process had been undertaken in a thorough and professional manner and the Board now regards the matter closed.

Accordingly, the ECB Board on Wednesday unanimously endorsed Ian Watmore’s appointment as Chair Elect, which will now be put to the membership for ratification at the AGM.

The appointment of Mr Watmore was made in February, following a rigorous search and selection process run by a dedicated Nominations Committee. The committee was chaired by ECB Non-Executive Director and ex-England cricketer, Lucy Pearson, and former England Captain and current Chair of the ECB Cricket Committee, Sir Andrew Strauss. The late David Hodgkiss, Chairman of Lancashire Cricket at the time, represented the game as an observer to the process.

AGM to take place at the end of May

The ECB today confirmed that its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at the end of May, with an exact date to be shared imminently.

Lucy Pearson and Martin Darlow’s terms extended

Following the end of Lucy Pearson and Martin Darlow’s initial four-year terms, the Board has decided on an extension of terms by six months so they can initiate a full process when the restrictions of COVID-19 have lifted.

Ms Pearson and Mr Darlow will both continue in their roles as Cricket Non-Executive Directors on the ECB Board until November.