England are backing plans to scrap five-day test cricket from 2023 in an attempt to ease player workload. Four-day tests would be likely to follow the playing conditions used for the handful of recent four-day tests, with 98 overs scheduled for each day rather than 90. Four-day test matches would be expected to start on Thursdays and finish on Sundays, allowing fans to watch the climax. South Africa's four-day test with Zimbabwe in 2017 was the first test not scheduled for five days since 1979. Other changes to test cricket expected in the 2020s include a growth in day-night matches and reforms to the World Test Championship.

Source: Stuff December 31, 2019 00:00 UTC