Pink plan to save 'dying' Test game

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The MCC Cricket Committee, who make recommendations to the ICC, also believe a World Test Championship is needed to help boost flagging attendances in the long form of the game.

Although there is huge interest in the Ashes, the appetite for other Test series has dwindled, with the committee in part blaming the impact of Twenty20 cricket.

Former captains Mike Atherton, Steve Waugh and current England coach Andy Flower are on the committee, who have been meeting at Lord's this week.

In a statement, the committee said: "Except for certain icon series, such as the Ashes, Test cricket is in very real danger of dying.

"A World Test Championship would reinvigorate players, spectators and broadcasters for what is the pinnacle of the game. There is a growing ambivalence towards the longer format of the game.

"After hearing endorsements, the committee were unanimous in their support of the pink ball, which would enable Test cricket to continue to be played in white clothing."

The ICC has already suggested a day-night Test could be played next year.

The committee also hit out over the amount of Twenty20 cricket being played. "In 2010, international cricketers will compete in the Indian Premier League, the ICC World Twenty20 West Indies and the inaugural English P20 within months," the statement read.

"There will be no sustained chance for these cricketers to play first-class or Test cricket in this period. This is too much Twenty20 cricket."