Test Cricket Rules and Regulations: Updated Guide

Test cricket is the longest format of the game, and many fans call it the real test of skill and stamina. But if you’re not sure how it works—don’t worry. The rules may look complicated at first, but they’re easy once broken down.

This updated guide will explain the Test cricket rules and regulations in plain English. We’ll walk through every stage of the game, step by step, using real examples and the latest 2025 rule changes.

Whether you’re watching your first match or brushing up on your knowledge, this blog is made for you.

What Is Test Cricket?

Test cricket is an international match format played over five days. Each team plays two innings, and the goal is to score more runs than the other team while getting all 10 batters out twice.

It’s played with red or pink balls, and players wear white uniforms. Unlike T20 or ODI matches, there’s no limit on how many overs a team can bat.

Test Match Format and Structure

• Length: Up to 5 days

• Innings per Team: 2

• Overs per Day: Around 90 (split into 3 sessions)

• Playing Time: 6 hours a day (plus breaks)

Daily Breakdown

• Morning Session

• Lunch Break (40 minutes)

• Afternoon Session

• Tea Break (20 minutes)

• Evening Session

If the weather interrupts play, the lost time can be made up on the same day or later in the match.

How Does a Team Win in Test Cricket?

To win a Test match, a team must:

1. Score more runs across their innings.

2. Dismiss the other team twice within five days.

If both teams complete their innings and scores are equal, it's a tie (very rare). If time runs out before either side wins, it’s a draw.

Toss and Starting Play

The match begins with a toss. The two team captains flip a coin. The winning captain chooses whether to bat or bowl first. This decision depends on pitch conditions, weather, and strategy.

Understanding Innings

An innings is one turn to bat. Each team gets two innings unless they are all out or the match ends early. An innings ends when:

• 10 batters are out

• The captain declares the innings closed

• The team reaches the target score in the 4th innings

Rules for Bowling

• A bowler delivers 6 legal balls per over

• No bowler can bowl consecutive overs

• After 80 overs, the fielding side may request a new ball

• The same bowler can’t bowl more than 60 balls (10 overs) in a row without a break in long spells

Ways a Batter Can Be Out

• Bowled – Ball hits the stumps

• Caught – Ball is caught before touching the ground

• LBW – Ball hits the batter’s leg in line with the stumps

• Run Out – Batter is outside the crease when the stumps are broken

• Stumped – Keeper removes the bails while the batter is out of the crease

• Hit Wicket – Batter hits the stumps with their bat or body

What Is a Declaration?

The batting team captain can declare the innings closed at any time. This is usually done to give their team enough time to bowl out the opposition and win the game.

The Follow-On Rule

If the team batting second is behind by 200 runs or more in the first innings, the first team can ask them to bat again straight away. This is called enforcing the follow-on.

In a 4-day match, the follow-on can be enforced with a lead of 150 runs instead of 200.

Recent Rule Changes (As of 2025)

Stop Clock Rule

• Fielding teams must start a new over within 60 seconds

• Delay results in a 5-run penalty

DRS Reviews Update

• Each team gets 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings

• Can be used for LBW, caught behind, and other dismissals

Short Run Rule

• If a batter runs short, the non-striker can now be forced to face the next ball by fielding side choice

Day-Night Test Matches

These are played with a pink ball under floodlights. The main changes are:

• Start time is in the afternoon

• Ball swings more during night hours

• Used in series like the Ashes and India vs Australia matches

Test Cricket Gear and Clothing

• White clothing (no colored kits)

• Red or pink ball

• Caps or helmets for fielders and batters

• No jersey numbers or names (except in ICC’s relaxed modern events)

Key Rules About the Pitch and Conditions

• The pitch must be 22 yards long

• The match is stopped during bad light or rain

• Minimum 75 overs must be bowled in a day (weather permitting)

Comparing Test Cricket to Other Formats

Real-World Example: India vs Australia, Gabba 2021

India chased 328 in the final innings on Day 5, with young players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant shining. India won by 3 wickets and broke Australia's unbeaten streak at the Gabba. This showed how Test cricket builds tension and drama across days.

FAQs

What is the meaning of Test cricket?
A five-day format where each team bats twice and the goal is to win by dismissing the opponent twice.

How many overs in a Test match?
There's no total limit. Around 450 overs may be bowled across five days.

Can a Test match end in a draw?
Yes, if time runs out before a winner is decided.

Why do teams declare?
To save time and try to win the match by bowling out the other team.

What is follow-on in Test cricket?
If the second team scores 200+ fewer runs, they may be forced to bat again.

Do Test matches use DRS?
Yes, each team gets two unsuccessful reviews per innings.

Why is the new ball important?
It helps fast bowlers get more bounce and movement after 80 overs.

What happens during bad light?
Play is stopped if it’s unsafe for batters to see the ball clearly.

How is a tie different from a draw?
A tie happens when both teams score exactly the same after all innings. A draw means no result after 5 days.

Can a team win with just one innings?
Yes, if they score more and bowl out the opponent twice in fewer innings.