Test cricket is fast becoming a fast-paced competition, with an increasing number of matches being decided well before the scheduled fifth day. Former England cricketer and respected commentator Michael Atherton Assessing this trend, pointed to T20 cricket, high-quality fast bowling, DRS and increasingly bowler-friendly home pitches as some of the major reasons for this change.
Michael Atherton discusses the reasons for the lack of Test matches
Atherton England and Pakistan among second test Discussed the varying lengths of Test matches during his analysis on the third day. The figures paint a clear picture of how quickly the format has evolved. In the 1970s, 77.65% of Test matches lasted all five days. This number has declined to 41.43% in the 2020s. Meanwhile, the proportion of matches ending on the fourth day has increased from 19.55% to 35.46%.
The sharpest increase has been in Test matches ending within three days. Only 2.79% of matches ended so early in the 1970s, compared to 20.32% in the current decade. What's even more shocking is that 2.79% of tests in the 2020 decade have ended within two days. He also pointed to the rarity of two-day Tests in the past, which were much less frequent than in the modern era.
“Me and Nass played in the 1990s, and the number of matches finishing in three days or less was about 7%. Now it's 20%, so that's a big difference. In the last decade, Test matches have finished in two days on nine occasions, and there hasn't been a single two-day Test between 1946 and 2000. So, I think the general starting point is that Test matches are getting faster,” Atherton explained.
T20 cricket is encouraging risky batting
One of Atherton's main explanations is the impact of T20 cricket on batting techniques and mentality. The modern generation of batsmen spend a lot of time playing franchise and domestic T20 cricket, where aggressive strokes and fast scoring are central to success. Atherton believes that these habits can also affect players' approach to the longer format.
“Now batting is higher risk because of T20, and if you take more risks, you have more chances of getting out, so it is speeding things up,” He said.
Although aggressive batting can generate fast scores, it can also lead to wickets falling at regular intervals. This combination can shorten innings and ultimately reduce the duration of a Test match.
Impact of DRS in modern cricket
Atherton also believes that the quality of fast bowling in international cricket has contributed to the increasing number of matches ending early. Many teams have attacks that are capable of generating significant pace, movement and sustained pressure, making it difficult for the batting order to hold on to the crease for long periods of time. Technology has also changed the way Test cricket is conducted. Atherton believes that the Decision Review System (DRS) has had a direct impact on the number of wickets taken and, consequently, the pace of matches progressing. The availability of ball-tracking technology gives officials more confidence in making close LBW decisions, while teams can challenge controversial calls through review.
“There is a good crop of fast bowlers around now. I think DRS has had an impact. First of all, DRS will show that you are out, and then the umpires are more likely to give LBW,” Atherton added.
Another key factor highlighted by Atherton is the increased importance of home conditions, particularly following the introduction of the World Test Championship. He believes that teams are becoming more deliberate in preparing pitches that match their strongest bowling options.
“Teams are generally trying to get home advantage, so whether it is turning pitches in India or seaming pitches in England, generally, the pitches have become more bowler-friendly after the advent of the World Test Championship,” Atherton added.