In the modern age of cricket, where T20 cricket and leagues like the IPL have shortened the duration of the game, it seems the longer format is making a strong comeback. India is set to start their Test series against Bangladesh soon, but surprisingly, the news currently making headlines comes from neighboring Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is all set to host New Zealand for a two-Test series, and while this might seem like just another Test series, there’s something particularly interesting about it.
The eye-popping detail is that this Test match will include a rest day. That’s right, after a long time, we’re going to witness a six-day Test match with a rest day included. The match is scheduled to start on September 18 at Galle.
Why there is rest day in SL vs NZ Test match?
The main reason for adding a rest day on September 21 is due to the presidential election of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It is noteworthy that after a long decade, we are going to witness this unusual six-day Test match format, which was very popular in the 80s and 90s. Back then, it was a tradition not to have a Test match on Sundays, a practice that eventually changed. Today, we see more aggressive cricket being played every single day.
When was the last six-day Test match played?
It was in 2008 when Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh, and the first Test match was played over six days, including a rest day. This happened due to the parliamentary election scheduled for December 29. As a result, the game was played from December 26 to 31.
The first Test match was played over six days, including a rest day. This unusual format was due to the parliamentary election scheduled for December 29, which led to the match being played from December 26 to 31. It was a high-scoring game where Sri Lanka posted 293 in the first innings. Bangladesh tumbled, making just 178 in response. However, the fightback came in the second innings when the hosts scored 413 runs while chasing the giant target of 521 runs set by Sri Lanka, thanks to a century by Mahela Jayawardene.
