Started yesterday, apparently.
All the details - Rules, format and points system - here: https://crickettimes.com/2019/07/icc-wo ... ts-system/
ICC World Test Championship.
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id ... ampionship
"For every series under the WTC, there are 120 points available, distributed evenly over the number of Tests in the series. So, for example, in the Ashes, which is a five-match series, there will be 24 points for each win. In a two-Test series (such as Sri Lanka v New Zealand and West Indies v India which also start in August) there will be 60 points for a win. A draw is worth one-third of the points for a win: so eight in the Ashes scenario above and 20 in a two-Test series. A tie, just in case we need to know, is worth half the points for a win."
"For every series under the WTC, there are 120 points available, distributed evenly over the number of Tests in the series. So, for example, in the Ashes, which is a five-match series, there will be 24 points for each win. In a two-Test series (such as Sri Lanka v New Zealand and West Indies v India which also start in August) there will be 60 points for a win. A draw is worth one-third of the points for a win: so eight in the Ashes scenario above and 20 in a two-Test series. A tie, just in case we need to know, is worth half the points for a win."
From the cricinfo link above:
"Anything else about the points we need to know?
Recently the ICC had announced that teams will be docked points in the WTC for slow over-rates. Two points will be deducted for every over a team is behind at the end of a match."
[On cricinfo, there were questions on why points weren't deducted for slow rates in the first Test. We'll have to wait and see whether match refs etc. ever are brave enough to apply this rule.]
"Anything else about the points we need to know?
Recently the ICC had announced that teams will be docked points in the WTC for slow over-rates. Two points will be deducted for every over a team is behind at the end of a match."
[On cricinfo, there were questions on why points weren't deducted for slow rates in the first Test. We'll have to wait and see whether match refs etc. ever are brave enough to apply this rule.]
ICC to consider mandatory four-day Tests
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id ... -day-tests
'Four-day Test matches could become mandatory as part of the World Test Championship from 2023, with the ICC's cricket committee likely to formally consider the change in 2020 amid widespread discussions among member boards about how to reduce numerous pressure points in the global cricket calendar for the future.
However, the world's cricketers stand as the most likely source of opposition to the change...
The ICC's increasing demand for event windows, the proliferation of domestic T20 leagues, the BCCI's demands for its own sizeable share of bilateral calendar space, and the costs of staging Test series are all factors contributing to the move, which would shave off a significant amount of time from the calendar for the 2023 to 2031 cycle."
...
"It is something that we have got to seriously consider," Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts told SEN Radio this week. "It is something that can't be driven by emotion, but it needs to be driven by fact. ..."'
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id ... -day-tests
'Four-day Test matches could become mandatory as part of the World Test Championship from 2023, with the ICC's cricket committee likely to formally consider the change in 2020 amid widespread discussions among member boards about how to reduce numerous pressure points in the global cricket calendar for the future.
However, the world's cricketers stand as the most likely source of opposition to the change...
The ICC's increasing demand for event windows, the proliferation of domestic T20 leagues, the BCCI's demands for its own sizeable share of bilateral calendar space, and the costs of staging Test series are all factors contributing to the move, which would shave off a significant amount of time from the calendar for the 2023 to 2031 cycle."
...
"It is something that we have got to seriously consider," Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts told SEN Radio this week. "It is something that can't be driven by emotion, but it needs to be driven by fact. ..."'
England get behind plans to scrap five-day Test cricket
"Five-day Tests between major nations have been enshrined since 1979 and some of the most thrilling finishes ... have been played out on the final day.
Moves to reduce all Tests to four days would be met with resistance from traditionalists, but England's support for the proposal, alongside Australia's, is likely to increase the chances of a rule change from 2023.
"We believe it could provide a sustainable solution to the complex scheduling needs and player workloads we face as a global sport," said a spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board.
"We're definite proponents of the four-day Test concept, but cautiously so, as we understand it's an emotive topic for players, fans and others who have concerns about challenging the heritage of Test cricket."
...
The chances of four-day Tests being mandatory from 2023, when the new ICC broadcasting rights cycle begins, are viewed as about 50 per cent...
...
The changes would also improve the commercial viability of Test matches. Around the world, most Tests lose about 500,000 pounds ($A 937,000), even after income generated from broadcasters and spectators. The fifth day - when grounds have to pay for staffing and security costs even if the match does not make it that far - is particularly costly.
...
A significant majority of all Test series not involving Australia, England and India are now two matches."
(Telegraph, London)
"Five-day Tests between major nations have been enshrined since 1979 and some of the most thrilling finishes ... have been played out on the final day.
Moves to reduce all Tests to four days would be met with resistance from traditionalists, but England's support for the proposal, alongside Australia's, is likely to increase the chances of a rule change from 2023.
"We believe it could provide a sustainable solution to the complex scheduling needs and player workloads we face as a global sport," said a spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board.
"We're definite proponents of the four-day Test concept, but cautiously so, as we understand it's an emotive topic for players, fans and others who have concerns about challenging the heritage of Test cricket."
...
The chances of four-day Tests being mandatory from 2023, when the new ICC broadcasting rights cycle begins, are viewed as about 50 per cent...
...
The changes would also improve the commercial viability of Test matches. Around the world, most Tests lose about 500,000 pounds ($A 937,000), even after income generated from broadcasters and spectators. The fifth day - when grounds have to pay for staffing and security costs even if the match does not make it that far - is particularly costly.
...
A significant majority of all Test series not involving Australia, England and India are now two matches."
(Telegraph, London)
-
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Scyld Berry, The Telegraph, London, is not happy:
Four-day Test cricket would be the most damaging decision in game's history
"I would not pay to watch a four-day Test match. If others want to, so be it, but count me out.
I can see there are sound financial arguments for all Tests in future to consist of four days, but when they are between two countries of similar standard - not India v Afghanistan or South Africa v Zimbabwe (England v Ireland was hardly a mismatch) - the essential nature of Test cricket will be destroyed, by turning it, in effect, into yet another limited-overs format.
A five-day Test is a fight to the finish. It is dog-eats-dog, primeval and thrilling. You win or lose. Time is not a consideration. A draw is highly unlikely (none even in rainy England from 2016 until last summer).
It is the law of the jungle transferred to a playing field. When all the frills and niceties are stripped away, it is a fight for survival.
But if you make every Test a four-day game, time comes into it and offers the lesser team a place to hide. Not dog-eats-dog, but containment, and negativity, in pursuit of a draw.
...
Four-day Tests were kicked into touch in the 1950s, not without a reason.
When India toured Pakistan in 1954-5 every one of the five Tests - of four days - was drawn. "
Four-day Test cricket would be the most damaging decision in game's history
"I would not pay to watch a four-day Test match. If others want to, so be it, but count me out.
I can see there are sound financial arguments for all Tests in future to consist of four days, but when they are between two countries of similar standard - not India v Afghanistan or South Africa v Zimbabwe (England v Ireland was hardly a mismatch) - the essential nature of Test cricket will be destroyed, by turning it, in effect, into yet another limited-overs format.
A five-day Test is a fight to the finish. It is dog-eats-dog, primeval and thrilling. You win or lose. Time is not a consideration. A draw is highly unlikely (none even in rainy England from 2016 until last summer).
It is the law of the jungle transferred to a playing field. When all the frills and niceties are stripped away, it is a fight for survival.
But if you make every Test a four-day game, time comes into it and offers the lesser team a place to hide. Not dog-eats-dog, but containment, and negativity, in pursuit of a draw.
...
Four-day Tests were kicked into touch in the 1950s, not without a reason.
When India toured Pakistan in 1954-5 every one of the five Tests - of four days - was drawn. "