Incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves goes to bat for four-day Tests

TomandJerry · Mar 31, 2015

The incoming England & Wales Cricket Board chairman, Colin Graves, has confirmed he will push for the introduction of four-day Test matches in a bid to reverse dwindling global interest in the format.

While attendances in England will inevitably be strong during this Ashes summer, there are growing fears that less attractive opposition might fail to pull in the crowds. It follows a worldwide trend that has seen audiences for Test cricket lag behind the 20- and 50-over forms of the game.

I think we should look at four-day Test cricket and play 105 overs a day starting at 10.30am in the morning, with the ground drainage you’ve got now, and finish when you finish, as all the grounds now have lights.

“Every Test match would start on a Thursday, so you have two days for corporates, and two days for families. From a cost point of view you’d save that fifth day, which would save a hell of a lot of money from the ground’s point of view and the broadcasters.

“In reality, there’s not many people who turn up and watch it on the fifth day.”

A good idea for the game?

thedonkeycentrehalf · Mar 31, 2015

TomandJerry said:
The incoming England & Wales Cricket Board chairman, Colin Graves, has confirmed he will push for the introduction of four-day Test matches in a bid to reverse dwindling global interest in the format.

While attendances in England will inevitably be strong during this Ashes summer, there are growing fears that less attractive opposition might fail to pull in the crowds. It follows a worldwide trend that has seen audiences for Test cricket lag behind the 20- and 50-over forms of the game.

I think we should look at four-day Test cricket and play 105 overs a day starting at 10.30am in the morning, with the ground drainage you’ve got now, and finish when you finish, as all the grounds now have lights.

“Every Test match would start on a Thursday, so you have two days for corporates, and two days for families. From a cost point of view you’d save that fifth day, which would save a hell of a lot of money from the ground’s point of view and the broadcasters.

“In reality, there’s not many people who turn up and watch it on the fifth day.”

A good idea for the game?

As ideas go, this isn't a bad one. However, some of his logic is a little flawed as he says it would save the grounds money but it is also potentially one day less of beer and food sales.

Trevor · Mar 31, 2015

Batting through the dusk period under lights is quite difficult though especially in England when it lasts a long time. There is dwindling interest in other countries - but not here yet. We would be damaging the product where it's popular. Don't know what the answers are to rekindle interest elsewhere though

Mellor 3 Ward 4 · Mar 31, 2015

BensGrandad · Mar 31, 2015

Could they not have a 4 day test and if time is lost, above a certain level say 4 hours through weather etc, play it on the 5th day. Obviously not if it is 1 hour but it would make it more difficult to hang on for a draw waiting for the rain.

PILTDOWN MAN · Mar 31, 2015

We'll be lucky to have 4 day matches this year.

El Sid · Mar 31, 2015

Next stop - 2 x 90 overs a side. Last man bats on.
Umpires get 1 ask the crowd and 1 phone a friend per innings.

Pavilionaire · Mar 31, 2015

In theory the loss of the 5th day would mean an extra 5 days per summer for one day internationals. I'd buy that because we'd get more match practice, the counties would make more money.

vegster · Mar 31, 2015

I thought we were meant to bowl 100 overs a day already, a target that is usually missed as the team that is losing inevitably drags it's feet over every ball and field placement. No chance of 105 overs a day, fining of match fees over the years has made little difference.

Titanic · Mar 31, 2015

vegster said:
I thought we were meant to bowl 100 overs a day already, a target that is usually missed as the team that is losing inevitably drags it's feet over every ball and field placement. No chance of 105 overs a day, fining of match fees over the years has made little difference.

Test match is only 90 in 6 hours.

Bladders · Mar 31, 2015

More draws then. That'll bring the crowds in.......

Barrel of Fun · Mar 31, 2015

We've definitely reached a point whereby five day cricket is a financial burden. If we want counties to survive, something needs to change.

The demographics of cricket have changed. I'd like to see a Saturday league Pro40 and bin off international 50 over. Reduce to forty, worldwide, and encourage countries to play them when most popular.

Bladders · Mar 31, 2015

Barrel of Fun said:
We've definitely reached a point whereby five day cricket is a financial burden. If we want counties to survive, something needs to change.

The demographics of cricket have changed. I'd like to see a Saturday league Pro40 and bin off international 50 over. Reduce to forty, worldwide, and encourage countries to play them when most popular.

Counties play 4 day cricket though.

Personally I love Test match cricket, one day and 20/20 are a bit meh for me.

vegster · Mar 31, 2015

Titanic said:
Test match is only 90 in 6 hours.

Thanks, I'm sure it was higher than that, however, when do we have 90 in a day?

Barrel of Fun · Mar 31, 2015

Bladders said:
Counties play 4 day cricket though.

Personally I love Test match cricket, one day and 20/20 are a bit meh for me.

Sorry, I meant four day. More focus on a new and improved short game needed. I don't want that, personally, but if the game is to survive...

I like my idea of Saturday League.

Bladders · Mar 31, 2015

Barrel of Fun said:
Sorry, I meant four day. More focus on a new and improved short game needed. I don't want that, personally, but if the game is to survive...

I like my idea of Saturday League.

Each format should have its own block on the calendar as well, so for instance the 20/20 competition should be played from start to finish before the the 40/50 over format starts, as well as the 4 day game etc.

Summer Saturdays is a good idea for the shorter format. I'd go.

maltaseagull · Mar 31, 2015

The way England players bat perhaps 7 day tests might be a better option?

vegster · Mar 31, 2015

Barrel of Fun said:
We've definitely reached a point whereby five day cricket is a financial burden. If we want counties to survive, something needs to change.

The demographics of cricket have changed. I'd like to see a Saturday league Pro40 and bin off international 50 over. Reduce to forty, worldwide, and encourage countries to play them when most popular.

Yes, 50 overs is too long quite often, makes for a long day unless England bat second.

Barrel of Fun · Mar 31, 2015

Bladders said:
Each format should have its own block on the calendar as well, so for instance the 20/20 competition should be played from start to finish before the the 40/50 over format starts, as well as the 4 day game etc.

Summer Saturdays is a good idea for the shorter format. I'd go.

I agree. It's too bitty and can't be good for the players. One day they slogging, the next day they are surrendering their wickets meekly. Whilst I love free after tea, perhaps clubs could charge a few pounds? Start later or have longer days, so people get two hours of cricket (weather permitting). Hove is heavy with 1700 finishers.

thedonkeycentrehalf · Mar 31, 2015

vegster said:
I thought we were meant to bowl 100 overs a day already, a target that is usually missed as the team that is losing inevitably drags it's feet over every ball and field placement. No chance of 105 overs a day, fining of match fees over the years has made little difference.

I assume that is why he suggests using the lights and playing on until the overs are complete. Would stop some of those timewasting tactics if the players were going to miss out on their evening drinking.

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