WCC research: Declining Test attendances

In October 2009, MCC commissioned research into the reasons attendances at Test cricket were declining in parts of the world.

A survey of 1,500 cricket in India, New Zealand and South Africa shows:

World Test Championship

Amongst regular followers of Test match cricket in particular, a World Test Championship would provide a notable boost to levels of interest in Test cricket, with the most positive impact seen in India and South Africa.

New Zealand's Daniel Vettori in Test match action Even amongst those who hardly ever follow Test match cricket, there is a strong level of agreement that a World Test Championship would increase their interest in Test match cricket.

Indian cricket followers demonstrate a greater interest in the World Test Championship overall, and the interest is particularly strong amongst the youngest respondents, suggesting it may be an effective method of further engaging the future generations of fans in that market.

New Zealand and South Africa see a more consistent level of agreement across the age groups.

The idea of all Test matches contributing towards a World Test Championship is likely to increase interest in Test match cricket:

In India: amongst those who hardly ever follow the Test match game - 63%. For regular followers, the figure is 83%.

In New Zealand: amongst those who hardly ever follow the Test match game - 42%. For regular followers, the figure is 57%.

In South Africa: amongst those who hardly ever follow the Test match game - 54%. For regular followers, the figure is 77%.