ECB chief floats idea of 4-day Tests

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairperson Colin Graves has confirmed that he is considering tabling a proposal to shorten Test matches from five days to four.

"Personally, I think we should look at four-day Test cricket and play 105 overs a day starting at 10.30 a.m. in the morning of a Test match, and finish when you complete the quota as all the grounds now have lights," Graves, who takes up his role in May, told the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) website on Tuesday.

The ECB can not itself introduce four-day Test matches, but it could push for changes to the Test format in international negotiations.

Expanding on the idea, Graves added: "Every Test match would start on a Thursday, with Thursday and Friday being corporate days and then Saturday and Sunday the family days.

"From a cost point of view, you'd lose that fifth day, which would save a hell of a lot of money from the ground's point of view and the broadcasters. I would look at that."