Sutherland bats away four-day Test idea

1 Jul 2009, 8:00 pm   -   Source: AAP
Share This

Cricket Australia (CA) chief James Sutherland has given a luke-warm response to the latest proposal from London for Test matches to be reduced to four days.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief James Sutherland has given a luke-warm response to the latest proposal from London for Test matches to be reduced to four days.

International Cricket Council (ICC) president David Morgan has suggested the move as part of a major overhaul of the game's traditional format.

The tactic comes because of the need for the sport to remain relevant in an increasingly time-poor world and as a reaction to the increasing popularity of the Twenty20 format.

"Another thought that many people have that we are examining is whether Test match cricket can be played over four days rather than five," Morgan told the India Today magazine.

"I would be very surprised if within a year you haven't seen some significant changes in Test match cricket."

But Sutherland has poured cold water on the idea.

"James is not initially attracted to the idea of four-day Tests," CA spokesman Peter Young said on Wednesday.

"James is more in favour of night Test cricket and we are in discussions with the CSIRO on the colour of the ball and whether it would affect the dimensions of the ball."

Asked if Sutherland and CA would oppose the concept of four-day Tests, Young said that was "a bit hypothetical".

"It's not being formally considered by our board. It's an idea that is being knocked around conversationally and that's James's response," Young said.

"Test cricket is the ultimate test of a team and a player, of their skills and their mental strength."

Morgan said Test cricket needed to be tweaked and special cricket balls must be made to facilitate night Tests in white clothing.

Young said CA backed Morgan's determination to consider day-night Tests and improve over-rates.

Cricket NSW chief David Gilbert said he would also be keen to see the five-day format remain.

"If there was a determination by the ICC to change it to four days, it wouldn't have a major impact on our bottom line," Gilbert told AAP on Wednesday.

"I would imagine the broadcaster was very much to the fore with the suggestion.

"It's not surprising to see the suggestion. It would be sad to see it happen because a five-day game of Test cricket, it really sorts the men out from the boys.

"In five-day cricket there's no place to hide."

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube