Test cricket faces concerns over rising frequency of short matches

A rising trend of short-duration Test matches is causing concern within the sport. Australia’s recent victory over Bangladesh in Mackay marked the 28th men’s Test to conclude within two days. While such matches account for only about one per cent of the 2,632 Tests played historically, the frequency has increased recently, with seven such matches occurring since 2021.

While pitch quality has been cited as a factor in some short matches, such as at the Gabba and the MCG, other instances have been attributed to poor shot selection and the influence of Twenty20 cricket. In the Mackay match, Bangladesh was dismissed for 64 and 95, leading to an innings defeat for Australia despite their own score of 210.