This one would have taken many fans by surprise. In a bid to ensure that the World Test Championships final, to be played in 2013, has a definitive result, the ICC may contemplate deeming it the status of a timeless Test match.
Timeless Tests To Decide Test Championship Final In 2013?
A timeless Test match is a two-innings game, on the lines of a Test match, but is played to finish. So, irrespective of the number of days it takes to finish it, the game goes on and the result is obtained.
Timeless Tests were used in the early portion of the 20th century to decide on a winner. The first of these timeless Tests was played in 1928 in a match between Australia and England at Brisbane. The experiment continued till 1939, when England and South Africa played out a draw at Durban in what turned out to be the longest Test match ever.
With the pitches becoming easier to bat on with better equipment, the concept of timeless Tests was given up after 33 such Tests. Interestingly, the concept had been brought on as a means to ensure that the games do not end in draws and one or the other team ends up winner.
However, there were two games of the 33, which did end in draws and both, for the same reason – the English team was unable to force a win after a prolonged game of cricket and had to catch a boat back home! The two games lasted nine days and saw England end with a much better chance of winning but having to contend with a draw thanks to their departure.
While the concept of timeless Tests could bring out the groans and yawns amongst the more modern fans, the one way to avoid the game culminating into a bore would be to ensure that the pitch has been prepared well. Reasonable help for both, the batsmen and the bowlers would ensure an exciting contest, irrespective of the number of days that the game has been stipulated for.
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