Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Gqeberha reached the fifth and final day, a rare occurence in Test cricket these days. The two concurrent Tests in Adelaide (Australia vs. India) and Wellington (New Zealand vs. England) were complete well before the end of the third day.
Sri Lanka, on November 28, were bowled out for 42 in the first Test against the Proteas in Durban. The match ended in four days only because rain washed out most of the first day’s play.
The results in Adelaide and Wellington are reflective of a growing trend. As ABC Grandstand cricket analyst Ric Finlay highlights, there has been a significant increase in the number of three-day Tests as a proportion of games played since 2020.
Between 2010 and 2019, there were just two 2-day Tests, compared to four already between 2020 and 2024. 3-day Tests (34) are also on track to beat the 59 in the previous decade. In fact, Tests that last three days or less have risen to 21.1% of the total played since 2020.
Fans share thoughts on shifting trend towards shorter Tests
Fans and experts have taken to social media to share their thoughts as to why there is a growing trend towards shorter Tests. Many believe the exponential growth in T20 cricket has affected batting techniques, but the rise in bowling-friendly surfaces has also played a part.
England great Kevin Pietersen, a very attacking player himself, believes there is a lack of application and skill in Tests.
“No one should be surprised by the lack of batting application and technique in Test Match cricket,” he wrote on X in November. “Cricket is a ‘smackers’ game now and there is a disintegration of Test Match batting skill in the game. When it comes to playing spin, the only way, spend time playing against it for hours and hours and hours. There’s no quick remedy!”
However, there are fans who prefer the quick nature of Test cricket today compared to the years of batting dominance, especially in the mid-to-late 2000s.
Should Tests be made four days?
Cricbuzz’s Bharat Sundarasen put the idea forward of four-day Tests. Speaking on SEN cricket, Sundarasen said “I can’t see the big rivalries, Aus/Eng/India series being 4-day Test matches, but there could be a case made for other countries to play 4-day test matches. It may help a few cricket boards and might enhance some series.”
The Willow Talk Podcast put the question forward. Cricket journalist Ben Horne believes four-day Tests are becoming “logical” given that boards and broadcasters can get more value. However, fans still value five-day Tests, with many of the comments asking for the five days to be kept as its a unique feature of the sport.
Do you believe the shift towards shorter Tests is a worry especially given broadcasters would want to spend less in the future? Or does it make for a more entertaining product? Share your thoughts @cric_blog or in the comments!
