England are backing plans to scrap five-day Test cricket from 2023 in a bid to ease player workload. The International Cricket Council’s cricket committee is preparing to discuss making all Tests - including the Ashes - four-day contests as they seek a solution to the international game's increasingly crowded schedule.

Five-day Tests have been enshrined since 1979 and some of the format's most thrilling finishes - including the draw at the Oval which sealed England's historic 2005 Ashes win - have been played out on the final day.

Moves to reduce all Tests to four days would be met with resistance from traditionalists, but England's support for the proposal, alongside Australia's, is likely to increase the chances of a rule change from 2023.

“We believe it could provide a sustainable solution to the complex scheduling needs and player workloads we face as a global sport,” said a spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board. “We’re definite proponents of the four-day Test concept, but cautiously so, as we understand it’s an emotive topic for players, fans and others who have concerns about challenging the heritage of Test cricket.”

Last week, Cricket Australia’s chief executive Kevin Roberts said mandatory four-day Tests are “something that we have got to seriously consider.”