Four-day tests will revive cricket's traditional format, says Sir Richard Hadlee

Sir Richard Hadlee made his debut in a four-day test and is now projecting that it's return will save cricket's traditional format. Fast bowler Shane Bond joined Hadlee in demanding a cutback in five-day tests in a bit to refresh the format to conform to current conditions.

"My view of four-day cricket is they've got to bowl 100 overs a day and they stay out there till they do, unless it's weather affected. They've got to quicken it up,” said Hadlee.

As per a report in the Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board will strive to reduce Tests from five to four days after hosting the 2019 Ashes series. At the next International Cricket council board meeting in Auckland, scheduled to be start on October 10, this issue will be discussed. 

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White also backed the four-day tests as it prepares to host England in the country's first day-night pink ball test at Auckland's Eden Park in March. The four-day tests would be played from Thursday to Sunday in order to get the most out of weekend crowds, and it will also allow three-test series over successive weekends.

Hadlee also commented on the T20 revolution, saying that preserving the Test cricket and attracting crowds is the biggest challenege.

 "That's what the consumer wants, spectators and television, and trying to preserve and protect test cricket is a real challenge. We need to make test cricket more relevant because people haven't got five days to watch the game on television or at the ground,” Hadlee said.

Undeniably, weather will prove to be an obstacle for four-day tests in New Zealand. Rain has earlier ruined two well-poised contests against South Africa in Dunedin and Hamilton in March and both were five-dayers.

Further, Shane Bond, who is coaching New Zealand A in India at present and has been confirmed as England's fast bowling consultant for the Ashes series in November, said that it was odd having tests not being aligned with first-class cricket which is played over four days.

"If they get the pitch preparation right and allow something for bowlers, whether it turns or whether it seams, and put some limitations of the first innings then it can only be good for the game."

Meanwhile, Hadlee is looking forward to ending his official involvement with NZC with his book tour, which is being conducted as a tribute to his father and the '49ers, the team he labelled as the trailblazers for the game in New Zealand.

"I've had four extremely enjoyable years on the board and really embraced the fact I could still be involved in the game. To commit for another three years, I wasn't quite ready to do that, particularly this project that's taken four years in itself and there's still a lot to do with the marketing and promotion of it," he said.

"I've got nothing else planned but I'll take an interest in the game for sure, and what's happening around the world. As far as being physically and emotionally involved as I have been for so long, perhaps I can sit back and enjoy it a little more without pressures."