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Mahela Jayawardene opposes the four-day Tests
By Shruti - Jan 9, 2020 7:56 am
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While the ICC are talking about the changes in cricket’s traditional format, many are not convinced. Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene feels Test cricket should be a five-day game even if he is a member of the ICC Cricket Committee. On Wednesday, he said the committee will discuss the idea as well.

Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene – Mumbai Indians Coach

“We will discuss it in the meeting (in March, and I don’t know what will happen after that but my personal opinion is that it should remain five days. I would not want any change,” India Today cited agencies quoting Mahela Jayawardene as saying that.

The proposal, which has been taken for the 2023-31 cycle, has not been accepted by many legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Even current India captain Virat Kohli has also expressed his disagreement against the format. Board of Control for Cricket in India chief Sourav Ganguly has also said that this is “too early” to talk about it.

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Before the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, India captain Virat Kohli said: “According to me, it should not be altered. As I said, the day-night is another step towards commercializing Test cricket and you know, creating excitement around it, but it can’t be tinkered with too much.”

“Then you are purely only talking about getting numbers, entertainment and you know. I think the intent will not be right then because then you will speak of three-day Tests. I mean where do you end. Then you will speak of Test cricket disappearing. So I don’t endorse that at all.” Australia spinner Nathan Lyon shared that.

Among other former international players who have agreed on the four-day Tests are Shane Warne, Mark Taylor and Michael Vaughan. Teams like England and Ireland and South Africa and Zimbabwe have already played four-day Tests in the past.