Slow over rates have become a problem in Test cricket (Picture: Getty)

The MCC World Cricket Council has suggested the introduction of a shot clock in a bid to speed up Test cricket.

ICC statistics from May 2018 showed that over rates in the past 12 months were the lowest in the 11 years they had been measured.

Slow over rates are said to be a problem for fans and the introduction of DRS is partly to blame.

The MCC believe this can be rectified, with a shot clock one of the suggestions from Tuesday’s MCC World Cricket Council meeting.


Jason Holder missed a Test last month because of West Indies’ slow over rate (Picture: Getty)

The proposal said: ‘A timer, to be shown on the scoreboard, to count down from 45 seconds from the call of ‘Over’.



‘(This would be increased to 60 seconds for a new batsman on strike and 80 seconds for a change of bowler).

‘If either side is not ready to play when the clock reaches zero, they would receive a warning, with further infringements in that innings resulting in five penalty runs being awarded to the opposition.

‘During DRS reviews, the standard protocol should be cut short as soon as the TV production team is aware that it will be not out.’

Introducing free hits in Test matches in the event of no-balls was also discussed.