What is Test Match Cricket? Test Match Cricket Explained in 2 minutes
Jesse M. Cox Last Verified
26/06/2026
What is Test Match (Cricket)?
Although some newer and shorter formats of the game – such as one-day internationals and Twenty20 - have become popular over the past few years, test match cricket is still seen as the most important variant of the sport and definitely the most traditional in a sport where tradition plays a huge role.
How is Test Match (Cricket) used in Sports Betting?
All formats of the game lend themselves to a seemingly never-ending amount of sports markets but, due to the fact that test matches are scheduled to take place over five whole days, this one is particularly attractive for bettors.
Most bettors will look for the test match – or even test series – outright result market for their bet but there are so many details and intricacies that affect a cricket match that there are always plenty of other options. Most wickets, most runs and methods of dismissal are all popular and with in-play betting the options are endless throughout the entire five days of a match.
Experienced punters will take a lot of different things into consideration before making their selections. The state of the pitch, the weather and even who wins the toss all can have a role in the ability to find betting value when it comes to test match cricket.
Did You Know...
In the third Ashes test in 1981 England were 6 for 1 after following on and were looking like they would lose the test. Australia was quoted at 1/4 for the win compared to 500/1 for an England victory. But Ian Botham inspired his side to an improbable win by scoring 149 runs off only 219 balls. England then went on to win the series 3-1.
