by daysofourlives » Sun Jan 08, 2023 11:49 am
heres my take
All tests day night, with pink ball, reduced to four days, always starting on a Thursday. This allows for a Test every week, maybe we could fit in more test matches and have the WTC even more relative if we are able to get through a few more test matches each year. Not too many pink ball tests have gone five days anyway, with 4 day tests they could still have a reserve day if a whole day gets washed out. The bowling load is lighter so playing a Test each week with 3 days break is possible.
Fine both teams players for slow over rates, not just the fielding team. They have an extra half hour every day anyway, this is the allowance for reviews. No lenience because there was a high amount of reviews. Have more retired hurts, put rules in place that they must go off if they cant physically face up in the normal time frame, Warner last test was a prime example, how much time was wasted while he got cramp treatment, just get off the ground and get all the treatment you need. Same for concussion checks. Perhaps a retired hurt batsman can go back in at any time, he doesnt have to wait for a wicket to fall. If you find yourself behind adjust tactics, move faster etc etc.
No gear adjustments outside of drinks and longer breaks. No drinks outside of drinks breaks unless its hot or humid.
The touring team can bat first if they wish, if not then a toss is performed.
1st test is Boxing day, 26th to 29th, need to have later in season as its too cold in Oct/Nov for D/N. 2nd test Sydney Jan2nd to 5th. 3rd test Gabba needs to fall back to thurs to sunday. Maybe an extended time here of up to a 14 day break between 2nd and 3rd test to complete BBL. This year 3rd test would start on 19th Jan to 22nd, 4th test Adelaide ensuring that one of the days is on Australia day, this year starts on Thursd 26th jan to 29th. 5th test perth 2nd feb to 5th.
BBL starts in mid December, finishes Sunday 15th Jan. either reduce the number of games or play some triple headers, ie 3 teams play each other all on the same day. No BBL on test match days unless TV is happy for 11am games a s a lead in to the Days play of the Test.
This leaves all of October, November and half of December to complete the shield season, 10 weeks, 10 matches all D/N. Test players availble, if not on tour.
ODD after the BBL final during the Tests as a lead in to the ODI's in Feb after the tests. No T20 internationals apart from a world cup every 2 years.
sorry io got a bit off topic but every format needs to fit into the caledar to allow Test cricket to thrive and no point putting forward changes without a practical solution.
Drastic changes are required to keep it alive. Do you want to keep the traditions and not have it in 10 years time or do you want to keep it in a form that is pretty close to it?
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