MCC wants Test matches to stay at five days
![Joe Root and Virat Kohli do not support a change to four-day Test matches](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"></svg>)
The MCC has backed the continuation of five-day Test matches rather than the potential reduction to four.
With the ICC exploring possible changes to the international calendar from 2023, national cricket governing bodies and players have become involved in the debate about the future of the longest format.
The MCC Cricket committee and MCC World Cricket committee have examined the issue and on Tuesday announced they were in favour of the status quo.
They recognised there were some benefits to four-day Test matches, which are already permitted in certain instances, but believe five should remain the standard.
"MCC has noted the recent discussion regarding the future of Test cricket and the ICC's desire to debate the introduction of four-day Test cricket to replace the current five-day format in the World Test Championship from 2023," read the statement.
"The MCC Cricket committee and MCC World Cricket committee have recently discussed the issue.
"Although they can see some benefits that four-day Test cricket could bring, both committees believe that Test cricket should continue to be played over five days."
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The MCC World Cricket committee, which includes key figures from elite international cricket, meets twice a year and makes recommendations to the MCC, which remains the guardian of the laws and spirit of cricket.
India captain Virat Kohli and England skipper Joe Root have been among the high-profile players to state their preference for a continuation of five-day matches.
The ECB, though, have cautiously supported the concept of matches over four days to ease issues around fixture scheduling and player workloads.
