ICC ponders revival of timeless Test for 2013 final

Published on Monday 18 July 2011 17:57

The introduction of a world Test championship could see the return of the timeless Test for the first time in more than 70 years, according to Haroon Lorgat.

The International Cricket Council's chief executive suggested the historical format, which places no time constraints on players and allows for an open-ended match, is under consideration to ensure a planned Test 'final' finishes with a positive result.

Lorgat was at Lord's as part of the build-up to Thursday's 2000th Test match, between England and India. The ICC has cleared a space in the Future Tours Programme, in England in 2013, for a four-team play-off between the highest-ranked sides in the world and discussions are under way about how best to structure the contest. A number of options are being considered but the notion of a timeless Test, not seen since England played South Africa in Durban in 1939, is the most eye-catching. "For some time we have been working on a world Test championship," said Lorgat. "It is common knowledge that we hope in 2013 the top four teams will be involved in two semi- finals and a final to determine a world Test champion.

"The committee is working on it but it is not a good idea to end up with a drawn Test match. Whether (drawn games) are decided on a first-innings basis or on runs scored in the game we don't know but they will come up with a viable formula to determine a winner."

The speed at which the modern game is played means a repeat of that 1939 encounter, which had to be called as a draw after nine days' play because England's boat was due to sail, is highly unlikely. And while purists may see the removal of the draw as a crass piece of commercial expediency, Lorgat believes it would be acceptable in a one-off situation.

"Statistics tell us that most Test matches now produce a result inside five days, but it may yet be a timeless Test," he added.

Lorgat also expressed disappointment at the lack of ball-tracking equipment in the coming NatWest Series between England and India.

The tourists' noted unease with the technology means that it will form no part of the decision review system - thus rendering lbw referrals virtually moot. The ICC is clear in its support of the tracking systems such as HawkEye and they are now used in virtually every series not involving India, the world's No 1 side.

"I am disappointed. I firmly believe in technology," said Lorgat. "I believe it works, a vast majority of people believe it works but there is a minority of people who have been concerned by ball tracking."

"There is, perhaps, a lack of faith in the predictive element of the technology."