Test Cricket Shake-Up? ICC’s Bold Test Match Proposal Sparks Debate – What Are The New Code Of Conducts For Small Nations?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to introduce four-day Test matches for smaller cricketing nations during the 2027–2029 cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC), while maintaining the traditional five-day format for major series involving India, England, and Australia.

According to a report published by The Guardian, ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed support for the idea during discussions held at Lord’s during the WTC final. The proposal aims to reduce the logistical and financial burdens smaller boards face in hosting long-format matches.

While iconic rivalries like the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the newly introduced Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will continue as five-match, five-day Test series, the move could reshape the broader Test landscape. The first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is set to begin this Friday at Headingley, where England will host India.

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The ICC initially approved four-day Tests back in 2017 for bilateral series. Since then, England has played such shortened Tests, including a recent match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, as well as previous four-day encounters with Ireland in 2019 and 2023.

The report points out that many smaller cricketing nations have been hesitant to schedule Test matches due to the time commitment and financial strain. A shift to four-day Tests would allow a full three-match series to wrap up in under three weeks, making the format more feasible. To make up for the shorter duration, four-day Tests require a minimum of 98 overs per day instead of the usual 90.

The issue was further highlighted by South Africa’s sparse Test schedule, despite their recent WTC triumph against Australia at Lord’s – a situation that has prompted a reevaluation of how the format is structured and delivered globally.

For now, the upcoming 2025–2027 WTC cycle will retain the traditional five-day format. This cycle kicks off with a two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starting Tuesday.

Among the 27 Test series scheduled for the next WTC cycle, 17 will consist of just two matches. Only six series will feature three matches, while England, India, and Australia will each participate in a full five-Test series against one another.

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