How will it work?
From 2019 – after the World Cup – the ICC want to introduce two divisions in Test cricket. There would be seven teams in Division One and five in Division Two. Over a two-year period, each team would play the other in their division in a series (probably of three Tests in Division One, and two in Division Two) home or away, to determine the winners of each division, and promotion and relegation. These could continue as now. The two favoured options to deal with longer series are either only three matches (the teams would agree as to which) counting towards the structure in Division One, as in the
Women’s ODI Championship now, or every match counting, but with the points being divided up over five games rather than three. So sides would gain no advantage playing longer series.
How will promotion and relegation work?
The ICC want the bottom team in Division One after two years – so in 2021 and every two years after – to be relegated, and the top team in Division Two taking their place. A play-off, between the second team in Division Two and the sixth in Division One is also being considered. There would also be relegation from Division Two – most likely with a play-off between the bottom Division Two and the winners of the Intercontinental Cup, the first-class competition for associates. For the first time ever, any team could become a Test nation on merit.
Will anyone be exempt from relegation?
No. Under the proposals for divisional Test cricket in 2014, Australia, England and India would be exempt from relegation. This would not be the case this time.
What about the Ashes if England (or Australia) are in Division Two?
This could continue as now. The structure would only take four-five months a year. That means any heavyweight side in Division Two could still play plenty of Tests against Division One sides, but they wouldn’t count towards the divisions.