According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the ICC’s cricket committee will soon propose reducing the number of days for a Test from five to four, from 2023. The day saved is expected to help reduce costs and free up time for more limited-overs cricket, either through a proposed extra ICC event, bilateral cricket or domestic T20 leagues. It also makes scheduling easier, with Tests being played in a Thursday-Sunday window, and a day’s cricket to have 98 overs, as against 90 now.

In recent years, England and Ireland played a four-day Test at Lord’s, which England won after a first-innings scare, while South Africa brushed aside Zimbabwe.

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Supporters of the proposal have pointed out that more and more Tests are finishing inside four days anyway, especially since 2018 – around 60 per cent of them. Even among Tests that have gone to the fifth day, several have been affected by weather and have seen fewer than 360 overs (four full days of cricket) bowled.

However, some of the most memorable matches recently, such as Sri Lanka’s one-wicket heist against South Africa in Durban and England’s Ben Stokes-led Ashes thriller at Headingley, have offered fireworks on the fifth day.

Here’s what the verdict on the idea has been from players and officials so far.

Jos Buttler, England wicketkeeper-batsman

‘Times change, things change’

“I think the administrators and broadcasters have got to look at the best way to preserve Test cricket. It’s the best form of the game, so how can we maintain that and keep moving the game on? If that’s the option, moving it to four days, that has to be looked at. I like that it’s five days, when you get a fantastic Test that finishes on day five with all three results possible there’s nothing else really like that in cricket. As with everything, times change, things change, and the game has to evolve with that. Everyone has to be open to change if that’s what is needed.”

(As told to BBC Test Match Special)

England and Wales Cricket Board

‘It could be a sustainable solution’

“We believe it could provide a sustainable solution to the complex scheduling needs and player workloads we face as a global sport. We’re definite proponents of the four-day Tests concept, but cautiously so, as we understand it’s an emotive topic for players, fans and others who have concerns about challenging the heritage of Test cricket.”

(As told to Daily Telegraph)

Sourav Ganguly, BCCI president

‘Can’t comment’

“First we will have to see the proposal, let it come … It’s too early to say. Can’t comment just like this.”