99pulse Test Cricket Fan Survey – What Fans Really Think About the Longest Format

Cricket lovers have spoken, and the latest 99pulse Test Cricket Fan Survey reveals just how passionate fans remain about the traditional format. Over 2,000 respondents from across the globe took part, sharing their views on everything from the future of the World Test Championship (WTC) to the controversial idea of four-day Tests.

Test Cricket Remains King

A massive 87.9% of participants said Test cricket is still their favourite format. This overwhelming support shows that, despite the rise of T20 leagues, the five-day game remains the purest form of cricket for most fans.

Two-tier Test System – Divided Opinions

The concept of a two-tier Test structure sparked debate:

• 55.1% support it only if promotion and relegation are part of the system.
• 10.9% would back it even without promotion/relegation.
• 34% are completely against it.

Cricket boards like the ECB and Cricket Australia remain cautious, worried that relegation could mean fewer marquee series between big teams.

Four-day Tests – Fans Say No

The survey found 72.6% of fans oppose replacing the traditional five-day format with four-day matches. Only 10.8% want all Tests to be four days, while 16.6% believe matches involving the “big three” (India, Australia, England) should remain five days.

World Test Championship – Calls for Fairness

Fans want improvements to the WTC structure, with 81.4% calling for an equal share of matches for all teams. Other popular suggestions include:

• Bonus points for away wins (54.9%)
• Extending the cycle to 4 years (25.2%)
• Easing slow over rate penalties (24.1%)

Some fans also want Ireland and Afghanistan included, along with a three-Test WTC final.

Protecting the Future of Test Cricket

To ensure the format’s survival, 71.7% of fans suggest a fixed calendar window for Test matches. Another 64% believe the ICC should direct more revenue to smaller cricketing nations, and 39.1% support creating a central player payment fund.

99pulse Fans Still Back the Long Game

The 99pulse survey makes one thing clear — Test cricket still has a loyal global fan base. While formats like T20 dominate headlines, the five-day battle of skill, endurance, and strategy remains unmatched for cricket purists.