Timeless Test

A timeless Test is a match of Test cricket played under no limitation of time, which means the match is played until one side wins or the match is tied, with theoretically no possibility of a draw. The format means that it is not possible to play defensively for a draw when the allotted time runs out, and delays due to bad weather will not prevent the match ending with a positive results. It also means that there is far less reason for a side to declare an innings, since time pressure should not affect the chances of winning the game.

Although the format should guarantee a result, it was ultimately abandoned as it was impossible to predict with any certainty when a match would be finished, making scheduling and commercial aspects difficult. In the modern era teams often play back-to-back tests in consecutive weeks, something that would be impossible without the five day limit.

The last ever timeless Test was the [http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1930S/1938-39/ENG_IN_RSA/ENG_RSA_T5_03-14MAR1939.html 5th Test] between England and South Africa at Durban in 1939, which was abandoned as a draw after 9 days of play spread over 11 days because otherwise the England team would have missed the boat for home. This match had started on March 3. South Africa had set a target of 696 for England to win. By the time England had to leave to catch their boat home, on March 14, England had reached 654 for 5 (the highest ever fourth innings score in a test match) so would have been the more likely winners if the match had continued.

ee also

*The result in cricket