Atherton highlighted that over 23 percent of Test matches in the 2020s have ended within three days.
Former England captain Michael Atherton stated that the rise of T20 cricket, aggressive batting risks, bowling-friendly pitches tailored for World Test Championship (WTC) points, the Decision Review System (DRS), and an elite pool of fast bowlers are the primary reasons Test matches are finishing faster today.
Speaking on Sky Sports during the rain-interrupted second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, Atherton highlighted that over 23 percent of Test matches in the 2020s have ended within three days.
This phenomenon is no longer restricted to a single country or pitch condition. The recent Australia versus Test match in Mackay concluded in less than two full days. Similarly, a chaotic Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a staggering 32 wickets tumble on a treacherous surface within two days.
In India, Test matches regularly finish under five days. During a 2024 home series, India suffered a historic whitewash against New Zealand, with two separate matches wrapping up inside three days as home batters uncharacteristically struggled against spin.
England’s traditional seam-friendly venues have seen similar results, such as a three-day finish at Leeds where Pakistan fell by an innings and 103 runs.
"Nass (Nasser Hussain) and I played in the 1990s, and the number of games that finished in three days or less was around 7 per cent, and that is now at 20 per cent, so that is a big difference. In the last decade, there have been nine occasions where test matches have finished in two days, and there wasn't a single occasion of a two-day test between 1946 and 2000. So I think the general starting point is that test matches are going quicker," Atherton said.
"Now if you ask why, I mean that is the element of debate and then we can discuss whether it is a good or a bad thing or what might change, but if I, if I give off the top of my head four or five things and then we can go into each one: batting is higher risk now because of T20, and if you take more risk you are gonna have a chance of getting out more, so that is speeding up. There is a good crop of fast bowlers around right now," he added.
"DRS has had an impact I think--umpires, first of all DRS, you know, will show when you are out and then umpires are more likely to give LBWs. I think pitches have become more advantageous since the advent of the World Test Championship. Teams are generally looking to get home advantage more, so whether it's turning pitches in India or seaming pitches in England, generally the pitches have become more bowling-friendly since the advent of the World Test Championship. So there are four or five reasons off the top of my head," he further remarked.
In the Lord’s Test, England lead Pakistan by 357 runs at stumps on Day 3, sitting at 177-7 in their second innings. A win here would give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
(With ANI Inputs)