Cricket Test Match: Rules, Format and How to Follow

A Test match is cricket's longest and most traditional format. It lasts up to five days, tests patience and skill, and rewards teams that can bat for long periods and bowl in tough conditions. If you want to understand scores, tactics, and what makes Tests special, this plain guide will help.

At its core a Test match is two teams, each with two innings. The aim is to score more runs than the other side across those innings. There’s no fixed limit on overs, so batters can occupy the crease for hours. That changes the pace — it’s about building innings, not quick hitting.

How a Test Match Works

Match flow: Team A bats (1st innings), Team B bats (1st innings), Team A bats again (2nd innings), Team B finishes (2nd innings). Each team can declare an innings closed to try to win. If a team is bowled out, the innings ends automatically.

Sessions: Each day usually has three sessions — morning, afternoon and evening — separated by lunch and tea breaks. Play aims for about 90 overs per day, but bad light and weather can reduce that. The new ball becomes available every 80 overs or when the bowling side chooses, which affects swing and bounce.

Results you’ll see: a win by runs, a win by wickets, an innings victory (one team’s combined score beats the other’s single innings), a tie (very rare), or a draw (common when time runs out). Draws happen when neither side can force a result in five days.

Key tactics: Batters often focus on time and partnerships, not just scoring. Bowlers use the new ball early for swing, then turn to spin as the pitch wears. Captains manage declarations and when to enforce the follow-on (asking the other team to bat again immediately if they trail by a large margin).

How to Watch and Follow Live

Want to watch? Major sports networks and streaming services broadcast Test matches worldwide. If you can’t get TV, follow ball-by-ball on sites like ESPNcricinfo or official cricket boards for live scorecards and commentary. Radio commentary and live text are great if you’re on the move.

Going to the ground? Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and patience. Expect long gaps between action; bring a book or follow the live app. If you only have time for highlights, watch post-day summaries to keep up with key moments and turning points.

Tips for new fans: learn basic terms (wicket, run rate, declaration), focus on partnerships, and watch how the pitch changes over days. Follow one bowler or batter to see small battles build into match-changing moments.

If you want match updates, team news, or live score alerts, follow the "cricket test match" tag on our site for headlines, previews, and daily reports. Test cricket grows on you once you get the rhythm of the five-day game.