The International Cricket Council are set to meet later in the year to discuss possible changes to one-day cricket in response to thoughts that it has become boring and predictable. And the Australian Cricket Board plan to use the talks to table proposals to begin surgery on Test cricket which is struggling to compete on a global stage for television audiences and commercial backing. The shortening of Tests, which have been played over five days since 1946, has been promoted at the top levels of the game's administration by former Australian captain Mark Taylor. Every game has to look at making itself better, keeping up with the times.
Tradition holds true but up to a point.
AC Board chairman Denis Rogers, who has spoken to Taylor about the concept, said officials would consult Test players before deciding whether to back the proposal. The proposal for four-day Tests would rely on lengthening play by an hour a day, reducing total potential playing time by two hours. But the plan is sure to divide the cricket community. The game's elder statesman, Richie Benaud, is already totally opposed. He said the ACB would 'at some stage' take it to the ICC for examination.