Which game are you watching?
Cricket's greatest strengthāand its biggest source of confusionāis its variety. We break down the four primary ways the professional game is played today, from five-day tests of character to 100-ball sprints.
Explore the Formats
Choose a format to find dedicated TV listings, rules, and major series context.
Test Cricket
The traditional five-day match. Unlimited overs, red ball, and white clothing. Test cricket rewards patience, technique, and psychological resilience. It is the format of The Ashes and the World Test Championship.
ODI Cricket
50 overs per side. The format of the Cricket World Cup. A balance of strategic mid-overs and explosive finishes.
T20 & Franchise
20 overs per side. Fast, aggressive, and highly televised. Home to the IPL and the T20 World Cup.
The Hundred
100 balls per side. Fresh identities, city-based teams, and a simplified countdown format.
International Hub
Tours, England fixtures, and global ICC events across all format types.
Domestic Hub
The English county game: Championship, Blast, and One-Day Cup.
Format Comparison
Quick reference guide to the key differences.
| Feature | Test | ODI | T20 | Hundred |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balls per side | Unlimited | 300 | 120 | 100 |
| Duration | 5 Days | 1 Day (~8h) | ~3 Hours | ~2.5 Hours |
| Ball Color | Red / Pink | White | White | White |
| Clothing | Whites | Coloured | Coloured | Coloured |
| UK Prime Time | Daytime | Day/Night | Evening | Evening |