From 4 Balls to 6: How The Number of Balls in a Test Cricket Over Changed Over Time

The game of cricket has gone through many changes over the decades. Even in modern times, there are constant changes and updates to the rules. The COVID pandemic itself brought along changes to the rules, with the bowling team not using spit to shine the ball. The two white-ball formats have witnessed changes with respect to field restrictions, making them batter-friendly formats.

Originally, an over in test cricket would not last six balls. In earlier eras, the number of balls to make up an over would differ in different countries. For instance, England, Australia, and South Africa started playing test cricket with four-ball overs. The number of balls in an over in test cricket has varied over the years.

Historical changes in the number of balls in an over in test cricket

Five of the 12 test-playing nations have witnessed changes in the number of balls in an over. The first test match was played between Australia and England in Australia in 1876/77. The inaugural test featured four-ball overs. This remained the case in Australia till 1887/88. 

Similarly, in England, test matches played between 1880 and 1888 had four-ball overs. Test matches in South Africa, too, featured four-ball overs during the 1888/89 season.

The number of balls kept on changing in these countries before a universal rule for six-ball overs was adopted. Here is a list of countries that had changes in the number of balls in an over. 

• Australia

• In England

• In South Africa

• In New Zealand

• In Pakistan

Also Read: South Africa Confirm Action-Packed 2026–27 Home Season Featuring Australia, England And Bangladesh