England back plan for 4-day tests

England are backing plans to scrap five-day test cricket from 2023 in an attempt to ease player workload.

The International Cricket Council’s cricket committee is preparing to discuss making all tests four days as it seeks a solution to the international game’s crowded schedule.

Five-day tests between major nations have been enshrined since 1979 and some of the most thrilling finishes have been played out on the final day.

Moves to reduce all tests to four days would be met with resistance from traditionalists, but England’s support for the proposal, alongside Australia’s, is likely to increase the chances of a rule change from 2023.

‘‘We believe it could provide a sustainable solution to the complex scheduling needs and player workloads we face as a global sport,’’ said a spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board.

‘‘We’re definite proponents of the four-day test concept, but cautiously so, as we understand it’s an emotive topic for players, fans and others who have concerns about challenging the heritage of test cricket.’’

Last week, Kevin Roberts, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, said mandatory four-day tests were ‘‘something that we have got to seriously consider’’.

Since 2017, the ICC has permitted certain tests over four days, but only those outside the World Test Championship, such as England’s match against Ireland in July. Four-day tests would be likely to follow the playing conditions used for the handful of recent four-day tests, with 98 overs scheduled for each day rather than 90.

To be passed, the changes would need to be approved by the ICC’s cricket committee next year and then voted through by the chief executive’s board, which comprises representatives from member nations. The chances of four-day tests being mandatory from 2023, when the new ICC broadcasting rights cycle begins, are viewed as about 50 per cent, but the need to create space in the saturated international schedule, coupled with the dwindling number of matches lasting five days, has made administrators more amenable to the concept.

‘‘One of our top priorities is to underpin a healthy future for test cricket while we continue to build accessible ways for new fans to enjoy our sport,’’ said an ECB spokesperson.

Four-day test matches would be expected to start on Thursdays and finish on Sundays, allowing fans to watch the climax. Administrators believe regularity of scheduling – back-toback tests could still use Thursday starts, allowing for three days off between matches – could simplify the schedule for fans. It would also mean a two-match test series could be played out in as little as 11 days, and a three-test series in just 18 days, freeing up time in the schedule.

‘‘We’re definite proponents of the four-day test concept, but cautiously so.’’ England and Wales Cricket Board