The Timeless Test That Ended In A Draw

When Bangladesh escaped with a draw in Chittagong on February 4, 2018, against Sri Lanka many were relieved that Test matches were only five days long.

- Afsan Chowdhury

After all, when the Test was declared drawn, it was because there was no time left to play on for a decision. Bangladesh was saved by the 5 day Test match limit.

But suppose Test matches would go on and on till a decision was reached? Some may find it hard to believe but there was a time when exactly such a system was in place.

The timeless Test

The “Timeless Test” match was designed to ensure that decisions were always reached. It was like a solution to prevent draws. The match was to be played until one side won or the match was tied, with theoretically no possibility of a draw.

The main points of the Test match were A. It is not possible to play defensively for a draw because there was no allotted time -5 days for e.g.- which would run out. B. Delays or time loss due to bad weather was also not possible as the match would continue after the bad weather was over. C. Motivation for declaration would also be non-existent since play would go on and on and the concept of time advantage would not be there.

“Time pressure should not affect the chances of winning the game.” That was the motto of the concept of the Timeless Test. But time won in the end.

The last Timeless Test