ICC 'must bring in Test revolution'

For those worried about the declining attendances for Test matches, it is an enticing prospect. Yet according to John Stephenson, MCC's head of cricket, such a revolution is the only way to revive the sport's oldest form.

For some time, the MCC have been urging the International Cricket Council, the game's governing body, to refresh Test matches.

Low crowds for this summer's action against Bangladesh and Pakistan, coupled with apathy towards Tests in other countries, indicate that Stephenson is absolutely right.

The MCC have already produced a model for a World Test Championship, which they say is compatible with the ICC's Future Tours Programme.

They have also conducted successful experiments in playing day-night cricket under floodlights and using a pink ball.

"In England, we're lucky as Tests are still reasonably well attended but there is a worry that this summer's low attendances could indicate a wider decline," said Stephenson.

"We have to monitor Tests in England and keep them special. A lot of the marketing money seems to go towards Twenty20 cricket, so can some of the new Twenty20 audience be encouraged to come to Test cricket? This summer has been a worry, with Test attendances down.

"I don't see the point of delaying the changes. We want a Championship over a two-year cycle, with points allocated for wins and draws. The top four teams over that cycle would then contest semi-finals and a final.

"There has to be some context to Test cricket. Tickets are unsold for the first two days of the Test at The Brit Insurance Oval and crowds have been down at the first two matches.

"If England were playing for a place in the final, it would bring some context to the match.

"I know the ICC are debating it, and we will know more in December when the MCC world cricket committee meets in Perth, but it seems to take an inordinate amount of time.

"We need to do something to market Test cricket around the world. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels."

The Brit Insurance Oval has fared better than Trent Bridge and Edgbaston for ticket sales but about 5,000 tickets remained unsold for the clash with Pakistan today and a further 3,000 are available for tomorrow.

Stephenson is confident Lord's will be full for the first three days of next week's Fourth Test but this morning tickets were still available for the first four days on the MCC's website.

"There are a lot of politics involved but these need to be put to one side for the good of Test cricket," Stephenson added.

"The Future Tours Programme seems to be an impediment to progress in the game but all we can do is keep campaigning and keep talking to the ICC about our ideas."