Four day tests

[Steven]

ICC ponders four-day Test switch. Why is it these governing bodies feel the need to frig around with games. Like FIFA, like the IRB.

 

[Brauny Blue]

Would it be such a bad idea. Apart from the sub-continent many tests end in 4 days. It might help as well if they forced them to speed up the over rate, which quite often drags along at an unacceptable pace.

 

[glyn]

It's inevitable. The numbers of tests that go to 5 days is fewer, especially with tests in May in England. It would be part of the long-term solution to keeping the quantity of test cricket right.

They just need to make 50 over ODIs the 3rd format, with only a few scattered around, and then it will be Tests and Twenty20that are the main formats - the ideal mix.

 

[Redditch Fox]

In the main, even test cricket is played in a different way now - especially by batters. Therefore 4 days is a logical development.

It is rare now to see an individual slowly building an innings that lasts all day let alone beyond.

As for T20, I am in the minority that will usually go and watch it - but get limited enjoyment from it. Obviously, it provides a format for the modern approach to batting - but it is an uneven contest with bowlers having to contend with the boundaries brought right in to satiate the crowds desire fo 4s and 6s.

On the one hand I hope that it's popularity fades asap - on the other I appreciate that it brings in the money and attracts a wider audience to cricket.

 

[CM]

If we tried to implement it now, it would be a complete non starter. The pitches in test cricket are just too flat and there are too many draws nowadays. I'd also say that over rates are too slow and the weather is too poor in a lot of places to guarentee four complete days of cricket.

It could and probably will happen in the future though. The first step should be to introduce floodlights as a neccesity in all grounds wishing to host test cricket. Its completely ridiculous that we still let bad light stop play in test cricket! Its a problem that we have solved, why are we still losing play because of it?

 

[Redditch Fox]

If we tried to implement it now, it would be a complete non starter. The pitches in test cricket are just too flat and there are too many draws nowadays. I'd also say that over rates are too slow and the weather is too poor in a lot of places to guarentee four complete days of cricket.

It could and probably will happen in the future though. The first step should be to introduce floodlights as a neccesity in all grounds wishing to host test cricket. Its completely ridiculous that we still let bad light stop play in test cricket! Its a problem that we have solved, why are we still losing play because of it?

I don't have a problem with some teat matches being drawn - sometimes a draw can result from an excellent game.

On floodlights - we have the situation now that because of ICC regulations that that even on grounds that have floodlights that they can't be switched on in test matches when there is poor natural light.

I'm not keen on day/ night test matches in England because we rarely have warm enough weather, but I do agree that all test match grounds should have floodlighting and use it as necessary to ensure play.

In test and county cricket generally, I still sometimes feel that the umpires and to an extent the players are looking for reasons not to play. As an example Dickie Bird was a top umpire and an amiable bloke, but he seemed to be perpetually seeking reasons to suspend play and to delay a re-start as long as possible.

At Grace Road , I have to say that clearing up processes after rain often appear to be conducted at snail pace. In my opinion play should take place if at all possible taking into account reasonable safety issues of the players.

 

[Jeff]

I don't have a problem with some teat

I think Alex agrees with you on that.

 

[Redditch Fox]

I think Alex agrees with you on that.

At this particular time, you will appreciate that I am very much hoping that he doesn't visit the cricket section.