Tag Test matches

Four-day Test matches winning the argument

By the time you read this, India should have wrapped up the second Test against West Indies in Kingston with more than a day to spare. The first Test in North Sound, Antigua ended on the fourth day. India is more or less used to early finish now. Out of their 16 Tests from January 1, 2018, till Antigua, nine produced a result within four days. Jamaica will be the 10th, meaning almost 60% of the Tests India have played in the last 22 months didn’t need a fifth day. The results though have gone both ways. Afghanistan was out of depth as their debut Test against India in Bengaluru last year lasted just 171.2 overs, and ended in two days. When India hosted West Indies last October, they won both Tests within three days. Away, India’s comeback win in Johannesburg was within four days. They also lost in Cape Town, Birmingham and Southampton with a day to spare while their Lord’s defeat came in less than three days of play. England has had a similar run in the same period, with 12 of their 20 Tests since Jan 1, 2018 finishing in four days.…

Read MoreFour-day Test matches winning the argument