A new formula for Test cricket

From Alex Dackard, India
There are 450 overs in a test match (90 x 5), wherein the one who bats on the first morning on the fresh pitch, and one who bats last on a weary pitch needs special consideration. What if overs can be allocated to each side for their respective batting stints - say 130 overs to whosoever bats first, while 115 overs to one who bats second; then 90 overs to who bats third (to set up the game), and 105 overs to one who bats last (to save, loose or win the game). This way each side gets to bat/bowl 220 overs.

However, if either fails to use up its allocated overs these overs are added to the over allocation of team batting next. If the team bowling cannot maintain the required bowling rate, the number of overs they are behind gets added to the team batting next, and deducted from their next innings. In case the innings is last, the runs equivalent to (number of overs x run rate) are deducted or added to their scores as the case may be to prod the fielding captain to maintain requisite over rate.

Further, if there are rain interruptions the overs are reallocated on a pro-rata basis to both sides, and the side that cannot be so compensated is done so in kind through addition/deletion of necessary runs as per their respective run rates. Also, the rules for wides and no balls need to be aligned with the one day format. Though rules for wides may be allowed to be relaxed for upto 20 - 25% instead of present 100% or more. And substitutions numbering 3 must also be allowed to each team. These are non-reversible substitutions, which are allowed at any state of the game. And for God's sake allow the captains to declare their 14 members after the toss, instead of a captain looking like a fool with his team selection after loosing the toss.

I believe the following advantages would result from these changes: 1. Urgency on part of each team; 2. Each team shall be forced to go for the win rather than opting for draw at slightest chance of defeat; 3. Negative tactics shall be toned down; 4. On a good pitch the one who wins the toss cannot ground the opposition under a mountain of runs, the team batting second also gets to taste the paradise; 5. Substitutions allows flexibility to captains (include fast bowlers first up, then change them for spinners and batsmen or vice versa). Also if a member is injured he can be substituted rather than the team playing handicap for the whole test match; 6. Revolutionize the game and the thinking going behind it. 7. And, of course more shots and more wickets. No place for slow pokes anymore.