Because of T20': Atherton explains quick Test match conclusions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 3:20 PM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Michael Atherton has attributed the increasing frequency of Test matches finishing in under three days to the influence of T20 cricket. Statistics reveal that over 23 percent of Test matches in the 2020s have concluded in three days or fewer, a significant rise from less than 7 percent in the 1990s. Atherton noted that the combination of aggressive batting styles influenced by T20, more favorable pitches, and advancements like DRS technology are contributing to faster match outcomes. He emphasized that current pitches under the World Test Championship have become more conducive to bowling, leading to quicker dismissals. Atherton's observations highlight a notable shift in how Test cricket is played today compared to past decades.
- •Atherton blames T20 cricket for quicker Test matches.
- •Over 23 percent of Tests in the 2020s finish in under three days.
- •Finishing rates contrast sharply with statistics from the 1990s.
- •Pitches have become more favorable for bowlers under the World Test Championship.
- •Aggressive batting and DRS technology accelerate match conclusions.
- 6:43 PMYahoo Sports — From five days to just two: Michael Atherton explains why Test cricket is getting shorter
- 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — 'Because of T20': Michael Atherton explains why Test matches are ending quickly before completion 5 days of play
"Test matches are wrapping up more swiftly than they did in earlier years. The rise of aggressive T20-style batting and enhanced performances from fast bowlers are driving this trend. Additionally, the preparation of bowler-friendly pitches for the World Test Championship and the impact of DRS technology on umpiring decisions, particularly LBWs, are significant factors. Statistics reveal a noticeable increase in matches concluding within a three-day timeframe.
"With Test matches ending in two days, former England skipper Michael Atherton explains why games are ending so quickly, blaming T20 cricket.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 6:43 PMFrom five days to just two: Michael Atherton explains why Test cricket is getting shorter
Test matches are wrapping up more swiftly than they did in earlier years. The rise of aggressive T20-style batting and enhanced performances from fast bowlers are driving this trend. Additionally, the preparation of bowler-friendly pitches for the World Test Championship and the impact of DRS technology on umpiring decisions, particularly LBWs, are significant factors. Statistics reveal a noticeable increase in matches concluding within a three-day timeframe.
- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 3:20 PM'Because of T20': Michael Atherton explains why Test matches are ending quickly before completion 5 days of play
With Test matches ending in two days, former England skipper Michael Atherton explains why games are ending so quickly, blaming T20 cricket.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ICC World Test Championship•Oct 19, 2026, 8:53 AM‘No accountability’: Ex-India cricketer seeks clarity over Mohammed Shami’s continued omission
ICC World Test Championship•Oct 16, 2026, 9:45 PMJasprit Bumrah returns, Kuldeep Yadav retains place as India make a host of changes for New Zealand Tests
ICC World Test Championship•Oct 14, 2026, 6:00 AMWTC 2025-27 points table: South Africa crash out of top two after Durban defeat; where does India stand?
ICC World Test Championship•Oct 11, 2026, 1:26 PMMatt Renshaw eclipses Phillip Hughes, rewrites record books with 190
ICC World Test Championship•Oct 10, 2026, 2:30 PMSA20: Temba Bavuma, Jason Rowles look ahead to Season 5 as 100-day countdown begins- ICC World Test Championship•Oct 9, 2026, 9:17 AMSteve Smith's batting average in Test cricket in every country: South Africa remains a major blip
