MCC discuss changes

Floodlights may now play a part in day/night Test cricket worldwide © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Some areas around the world may soon be trialling day/night Test cricket after the MCC World Cricket Committee mooted the idea at their last meeting.

With Test match attendances thought to be in decline around the world – with the exception of England – the committee proposed that day/night Test cricket should be considered to encourage spectators back to the longer form of the game.

This would allow families to attend after work and school and could help to bring a new audience to the game, much as Twenty20 cricket has done around the world.

The committee recognised that there will be challenges to overcome in Test match day/night cricket – such as dew, the colour of the ball and clothing used – but that efforts will be made to research and develop this option.

The number of overs bowled per hour also came up for discussion, with the current average of 13.8 though to be too low. The optimum number is expected to be 15 and all Test-playing countries are being encouraged to increase the rate at which they currently bowl and eradicate time-wasting.

In addition, if the situation has not dramatically improved within a year, the imposition of severe run penalties for slow over-rates will be recommended.

The appointment of ‘home’ umpires in Test match cricket is also being reviewed, with the advent of new and increased technology giving a transparency to decision-making.

Some umpires have refused to stand on the elite panel as the job would take them away from home and their families for too long, but if they were able to stay in their own country to officiate many are likely to reconsider, thus allowing the best umpires to be available at all times.

An enlarged panel, working on a part-time basis, would also ease the burden and travel for all umpires.