All you need to know about the first 4-day Test
The Proteas will be the first team in cricket's history to host a four day Test match. The inaugural edition of the shortened format of Test cricket will be played between South Africa and Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth on boxing day this month. The much awaited match will be a day/night, pink ball clash. Here is all about the newest format of the game!
Rules changed to suit 4 day Test
The shortened format of Test cricket will have a minimum of 98 overs played on each day unlike the 90 over limit in the 5 day game. Play will be extended for 30 extra minutes to accommodate the additional eight overs. Beyond the overtime, remaining overs can't be carried over to the next day unless there has been a stoppage.
Day cut, but playing hours extended
A minimum of 6.5 hours of play is required per day. Additional 30 minutes overtime will be provided to complete the minimum overs. The maximum session duration will be 2.5 hours with 2 hours being the minimum, The last hour of play on the fourth day officially beings when the 83rd over commences. It is 75th over on the 5th day in 5-day cricket.
Play to start at 13:30 and end at 21:00
First session: 1.30 pm-3.45 pm Tea interval: 3.45 pm-4.05 pm Second session: 4.05 pm-6.20 pm Dinner break: 6.20 pm-7 pm Third session: 7 pm-9 pm
Follow on reduced to 150
Another major change that has been introduced is regarding the follow on. A first innings lead of 150 runs is all you will need to enforce follow as compared to the 200-run lead in the five day format.
ICC looking to revive interest in Test cricket
Test cricket has seen dwindling attendance; the ICC is looking towards new ways of drawing fans to the stands. ICC Chief Dave Richardson claims the trial of the four day format will run until the 2019 World Cup. The participation in the four day format has not been made mandatory by the ICC, but it believes the lower ranked teams will benefit from it.
