The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly planning to revive the tradition of five-match Test series against teams outside the ‘Big Three’ as part of its efforts to rejuvenate interest in the game’s longest format. According to English media reports on Monday, Pakistan and South Africa are considered potential opponents for these expanded series, with the first such series possibly taking place in the summer of 2028.
The ECB’s decision to explore longer Test series stems from its belief that such series can help rekindle interest in Test cricket by showcasing the format’s unique ability to develop narratives over multiple games. A report stated, “The England & Wales Cricket Board believes that series of greater length would help to cultivate interest in the Test game, beyond series involving other members of the ‘Big Three’, and show off the format’s unique capacity to develop narratives over multiple games.”
The report further added that longer series would create a greater sense of occasion, making them more appealing to fans and players alike.
Pakistan and South Africa have been identified as the most likely candidates for these extended series, given their historic rivalries with England and the strong fan support both teams enjoy in the UK. The ECB is reportedly considering both four-match and five-match Test series.
If the plan materializes, it would mark a significant milestone in England’s cricketing calendar. England’s last five-match Test series against Pakistan was played in 1992, a memorable series that ended in a 2-1 victory for the Javed Miandad-led Pakistan team.
The proposed five-match series against Pakistan or South Africa is expected to take place in the summer of 2028, a window that falls between England’s home Ashes series against Australia and their Test series against India.
