Test cricket is increasingly becoming a faster-paced contest, with a growing number of matches being decided well before the scheduled fifth day. Former England cricketer and respected commentator Michael Atherton has offered his assessment of the trend, pointing to the influence of T20 cricket, high-quality fast bowling, DRS and increasingly bowler-friendly home pitches as some of the major reasons behind the change.
Michael Atherton on reasons behind Tests decline
Atherton discussed the changing length of Test matches during his analysis on day three of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s. The statistics presented a clear picture of how dramatically the format has evolved. In the 1970s, 77.65% of Test matches lasted all five days. That number has fallen 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 rise has come in Tests finishing within three days. Only 2.79% of matches in the 1970s ended that quickly, compared with 20.32% in the current decade. Even more strikingly, 2.79% of Tests in the 2020s have finished inside two days. He also pointed to the rarity of two-day Tests in the past compared with the modern era.
“Myself and Nass played in the 1990s, and the number of games that finished in three days or less was around 7%. That is now at 20%, so that is a big difference. In the last decade, there have been nine occasions where Test matches have finished in two days, and there wasn’t a single occasion of a two-day Test between 1946 and 2000. So, I think the general starting point is that Test matches are going quicker,” Atherton explained.
T20 cricket encouraging riskier batting
One of Atherton’s main explanations for the shift is the influence of T20 cricket on batting techniques and mentality. The modern generation of batters spends considerable time playing franchise and domestic T20 cricket, where attacking strokes and aggressive scoring are central to success. Atherton believes those habits can also influence how players approach the longer format.
“Batting is higher risk now because of T20, and if you take more risks, you’re going to have a greater chance of getting out, so that’s speeding things up,” he said.
While aggressive batting can produce rapid scoring, it can also result in wickets falling at regular intervals. That combination can shorten innings and, ultimately, the duration of a Test match.
The impact of DRS in modern-day cricket
Atherton also believes the quality of fast bowling in international cricket has contributed to the increasing number of early finishes. With several teams possessing attacks capable of generating significant pace, movement and sustained pressure, batting line-ups are often finding it difficult to occupy the crease for extended periods. Technology has also altered the way Test cricket is officiated. Atherton believes the Decision Review System has had a direct impact on the number of dismissals and, consequently, the speed at which matches progress. The availability of ball-tracking technology gives officials greater confidence when making close LBW decisions, while teams can challenge contentious calls through reviews.
“There is also a good crop of fast bowlers around right now. DRS has had an impact, I think. First of all, DRS will show when you’re out, and then umpires are more likely to give LBWs,” added Atherton.
Another major factor highlighted by Atherton is the increasing importance of home conditions, particularly since the introduction of the World Test Championship. He believes teams are becoming more deliberate about preparing pitches that complement their strongest bowling options.
“Teams are generally looking to get home advantage more, so whether it’s turning pitches in India or seaming pitches in England, generally, the pitches have become more bowling-friendly since the advent of the World Test Championship,” Atherton added further.
