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Former England captain and well-known broadcaster Michael Atherton has explained why Test matches are finishing much quicker in recent years. His comments came after the England-Pakistan first Test in Leeds and the Australia-Bangladesh second Test in Mackay both ended inside three days.
The Englishman has pointed out that only around 7% of tests finished within three days or less during his playing days in the 1990s, and now that number has increased to around 20%. Amid this, Imam-ul-Haq accused of faking injuries by ex-Pakistan selector.
Michael Atherton reveals why Test matches are finishing faster than ever
Michael Atherton has pointed out that there have been nine two-day Tests in the last decade, while there was not a single two-day Test between 1946 and 2000. Atherton believes that several factors are behind this major change, including the rise of T20 cricket and DRS.
Atherton was quoted as saying by Sky Sports: “Nass (Nasser Hussain) and I played in the 1990s, and the number of games that finished in three days or less was around about 7%, and that is now at 20%, so that is a big difference. Now, if you ask why, I mean, that’s the element of debate, and then we can discuss whether it’s a good or a bad thing or what might change. But if I give off the top of my head four or five things, then we can go into each one.”
Michael Atherton reveals 4 big reasons why Test matches are ending so quickly
The former England captain feels DRS has changed umpiring, with LBW decisions becoming more common. Another major reason is the change in pitches after the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Teams are now looking to make the most of home conditions, leading to more turning pitches in India and seam-friendly pitches in England.
Atherton further explained, “Batting is higher risk now because of T20, and if you take more risk, you’re going to have a chance of getting out more, so that’s speeding up. There is a good crop of fast bowlers around right now. DRS has had an impact, I think. Umpires, first of all, DRS, you know, will show when you’re out, and then umpires are more likely to give LBWs.
I think pitches have become more advantageous since the advent of the World Test Championship. Teams are generally looking to get a home advantage more, whether it’s turning pitches in India or seeing pitches in England, and generally the pitches have become more bowling-friendly since the advent of the World Test Championship. So, there are four or five reasons off the top of my head.”
England dominate Pakistan at Lord’s
Notably, England were already in a strong position against Pakistan in the ongoing second Test at Lord’s despite the rain delay. After bowling Pakistan out for 110, England reached 100/4 in the 30 overs in the second innings and held a massive lead at the Lord’s. Amid this, Geoffrey Boycott warns Harry Brook despite calling him a rare talent.
Currently, Australia is leading the ICC World Test Championship (WCT) 2025-27 points table, followed by South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and India. The top two teams will face each other in the title clash next year at The Oval.
