Four-day test to have minimum of 98 overs per day

A minimum of 98 overs will be played on each day of the inaugural four-day test between South Africa and Zimbabwe starting later this month in Port Elizabeth. 

The African neighbours will play the first test match shortened by one day from December 26. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted official status to the new format and also welcomed countries to experiment with it.ICC playing



conditions stipulate that play will be extended for an extra 30 minutes to accommodate the additional eight overs in the 4-day format as a minimum of 90 overs are required to be bowled per day during a five-day test match. 

A first-innings lead of 150 will be enough to enforce the follow-on in the day-night fixture in Port Elizabeth. This is 50 runs less than the runs needed in the five-day format.