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With the declining appeal of long-format cricket worldwide, England is taking a bold step to restore its prestige. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) plans to introduce more five-match Test series, expanding beyond just Australia and India. This move aims to keep Test cricket competitive and engaging for fans. The more Test cricket there’ll be, the better it would be to save the dying grace of the prestigious format.

England to play more 5-match Test series

According to the Telegraph, the ECB is looking to schedule longer Test series against teams like Pakistan and South Africa. These nations have historic rivalries with England and strong supporter bases in the country. The new format is expected to create thrilling contests and bring back the charm of extended Test battles. The first opportunity for this expanded format is 2028. In years when England is not playing Australia or India in Tests, the ECB wants to ensure other series still generate excitement. Longer series allow for gripping narratives to unfold over multiple matches, reviving the classic essence of Test cricket.

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Breaking Away from the ‘Big Three’ Model

Currently, only Australia, England, and India play five-Test series. Since 2019/20, no other team has been part of a series longer than three matches. England’s initiative aims to challenge this imbalance and ensure teams like Pakistan and South Africa get more opportunities on the big stage. Notably, England last played a five-match Test series against Pakistan way back in 1992. As against South Africa, England played their last 5-match rubber in 2004/05. The England vs South Africa Test series is called Basil D’Oliveira Trophy.

Rather than increasing the total number of matches, England will rearrange their six-Test summer schedule. Instead of hosting two three-match series, they will organize a four or five-Test series alongside a shorter series against another team.