Nathan Lyon has branded four-day Tests “ridiculous”, with player resistance looming as a major hurdle for cricket administrators to clear if the mooted overhaul is to gain any momentum.
Australia host Afghanistan in a one-off Test next summer and there is a possibility that clash will be a four-day match.
The International Cricket Council agreed to let boards schedule four-day Tests in 2017 on a trial basis.
The governing body is expected to discuss the matter further in 2020, including the prospect of mandatory four-day Tests, as part of a broader review of a schedule squeeze.
Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts suggested last week that four-day Tests were an innovation worth considering, adding that “perhaps it is more likely than not in the mid-term future”.
Australia captain Tim Paine and vice-captain Travis Head have declared they would prefer Tests remain a five-day contest, with Lyon following suit on the eve of the SCG Test.
“Ridiculous,” Lyon told the Unplayable Podcast.
“I’m not a fan.
“I believe you’ll get so many more draws … I’m totally against it and I hope ICC aren’t even considering it.”
National coach Justin Langer has also confirmed he is a traditionalist when it comes to the concept.
“I’m boring and don’t like to change much,” Langer said.
“If four-day Test matches keep Test cricket alive and well then it’s worth looking at – but I love five days.”
Mark Taylor and Michael Vaughan are among the notable figures to suggest the proposed break with tradition, intended to free up space on the international calendar while bringing greater certainty to boards and broadcasters, has merit.
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis, whose side hosted Zimbabwe in a four-day Test in 2017, has previously advocated for Tests to remain five days.
New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner also recently made it clear he is a four-day sceptic.
There was initially much resistance from players regarding day-night Tests, the most recent major change to the longest format, but the pink ball has now been embraced by most boards.
Noah Barling
Roar Pro
And the fact that 90 overs are rarely bowled in a day currently in test cricket
Noah Barling
Roar Pro
The ECB fully support the idea, probably so they can squeeze more money from T20 and 'The Hundred' which is a disgrace
badmanners
Roar Rookie
I used to be a big fan of Taylor, he kept it simple and direct. When he was on the CA board he changed an awful lot and became corporate/establishment. :angry:
JGK
Roar Guru
Taylor is establishment now. His views shouldn't be seen as reflecting those of the players or the fans.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Mark Taylor is an advocate of 4 day Tests. In Pakistan he batted for the first 2 days of a Test. YAWN.
Tanmoy Kar
Roar Rookie
It may be possible to play 98/100 overs in a day in England or in Australia, but not possible in the Sub-continent, even completing 90 becomes difficult as days are small particularly in the winter.
JGK
Roar Guru
The GOAT just became GOATier.
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder how much Root was swayed by the BCCI throwing it's "cautious" support behind the proposal Ryan? Hard to go against the guys who pay his wages.
AREH
Roar Guru
Fortunately, player resistance may challenge all of this - at least for the time being. Although, I did notice Joe Root throw his support behind it when speaking to Sky Sports.