Women’s Test matches should be played over five days to produce more results, current and former players said after England and Australia battled out a thrilling draw in Canberra on Sunday.
Australia’s brave declaration set up an intriguing fourth and final day at Canberra’s Manuka Oval where England fell agonisingly short of a record run chase and the rain-hit Ashes contest ended in a draw.
“The greatest Test match that I have been luckily enough to be involved in... Now for 5 day Test please,” tweeted Australia player-turned-commentator Lisa Sthalekar.
The issue has been discussed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) but women’s Test matches are still played over four days.
England captain Heather Knight backed the idea before the start of the one-off Test, especially considering how rarely women’s Tests are played. Teammate Kate Cross said women cricketers were fit enough to cope with the physical demands of longer matches.
“I think we’re ready for five days of cricket now,” the seamer said in Canberra.