MCC say Tests should stay at five days amid debate over reducing format

MCC have taken the step of releasing a statement confirming their position on the matter, following discussions in the club's cricket and world cricket committees

Test cricket should remain five days long and not be shortened, the game's lawmakers - Marylebone Cricket Club - have said.

Amid the ongoing debate about the possible introduction of four-day matches as a mandatory part of the World Test Championship from 2023, MCC have taken the step of releasing a statement confirming their position on the matter, following discussions in the club's cricket and world cricket committees.

"Although they can see some benefits that four-day Test cricket could bring, both committees believe that Test cricket should continue to be played over five days," the statement read.

The ICC's cricket committee is due to meet in Dubai at the end of March, with four-day Tests high on the agenda.

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It is not the first time the idea has been talked about in session, but with several leading governing bodies having recently leant their support to the notion - including Cricket Australia and the ECB - a reduction in playing time has become a hot topic of global cricket conversation.

Numerous superstars of the world game, including Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Mahela Jayawardene, have voiced their opposition to the idea.

Should the ICC's cricket committee see it fit to recommend four-day Tests as mandatory in the World Test Championship, the proposal would still have to pass votes at executive committee and board level prior to introduction.

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