Four-Day Test Match In Mind Of ECB Chief Tom Harrison
Mar 19, 2017 at 4:09 PM
Five-day Test match is a norm, has been one for long but England Cricket Board’s (ECB) chief Tom Harrison believes bringing in the bygone day formula of four-day Test cricket would prove vital and sustain the dying format of the game.
For many, Test cricket is the ultimate whereas for others, it’s a stagnant form of sport for five consecutive days, which in their words isn’t interesting. The essence of the game which seems to diminish with each passing day needs a revamp, agree cutting down a day the solution? Harrison has got an answer to it.
Speaking to The Times, he said the proposal will work under right circumstances, which is debatable and subjective in itself. He further added it’s tough to understand how much effort each board puts in to keep Test cricket on top and for that, something exciting should come its way.
“It’s about understanding the benefits from a consumer perspective. Can we create a better product by introducing a four-day format in certain conditions? My personal view is that I don’t think it works everywhere; like day-night Test cricket, it has to be the right time, right place, right conditions. We have to take a look at the pressure on boards to keep Test cricket at the heart of their proposition. Four-day Test cricket is a really interesting debate and will evolve and I’m sure we will get there in the end.”
By putting such thoughts forward, he makes sure the longer format will flourish and that the balance between international and domestic cricket will be changed for good. He further added Test cricket will become unique and special.
“I am absolutely convinced the game can flourish over three forms. The balance between international and domestic cricket will change. We have to be careful about that and that is my fear about private ownership. Controlling private ownership will be difficult and controlling the ambition of very successful tournaments will be difficult.”
“Test cricket will become special and unique. It’s there and healthy and there will be less volume, which should be seen through the context of it being more positive. In this country Test cricket will be special, an occasion rather than a diet to serve the appetite of the grounds.”