Cricket Formats Explained: Test, ODI, T20 and The Hundred
Cricket is played in several formats, from five-day Test matches to games finished in a couple of hours. Here is how they compare.
At a glance
| Format | Length | Innings per side | Ball / clothing (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Up to 5 days | 2 | Red ball, whites (pink for day-night) |
| One-Day (ODI / List A) | 50 overs per side | 1 | White ball, coloured clothing |
| T20 | 20 overs per side | 1 | White ball, coloured clothing |
| The Hundred | 100 balls per side | 1 | Domestic competition in England and Wales |
| T10 | 10 overs per side | 1 | Short-form franchise events |
Test cricket
The longest format, played over up to five days with two innings per side. A result requires bowling the opposition out twice; otherwise the match is drawn. Test cricket is the format that lasts five days.
One-day cricket
Each side bats once for up to 50 overs in international ODIs. Fielding restrictions (powerplays) limit how many fielders can be outside the inner circle at different stages.
T20
Each side faces up to 20 overs. The format is fast, high-scoring and widely played by leagues worldwide, including in the USA. A shorter T20 game typically lasts around three hours.
Rain-affected matches
Limited-overs matches shortened by weather use the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method to set revised targets.
The Hundred and T10
The Hundred is a 100-ball-per-side competition in England and Wales. T10 is a 10-over format used in some franchise events. Among widely played formats, T10 is the shortest; at international level, T20 is the shortest format.
Which format suits beginners?
T20 and tennis-ball formats are the easiest entry points, with shorter games and simpler tactics. See our cricket rules for beginners.
How tactics change by format
In Test cricket, batters can build innings over hours, and bowlers attack with close catchers for long spells. One-day cricket rewards pacing an innings: steady accumulation through the middle overs, then acceleration at the end. T20 compresses everything, with aggressive batting from the first ball, bowlers relying on variations, and fielding at a premium.
Equipment choices shift a little too. Many T20 batters prefer bats with big edges and a pick-up that suits fast hands, while longer-format players may value balance and control. Our English vs Kashmir willow guide explains timber choice.
Formats in US cricket
Most recreational and league cricket in the US is limited-overs, with T20 especially common, plus tennis-ball and tape-ball formats. Some leagues also run longer one-day or multi-day competitions. Check your local league's playing conditions for over limits, ball type and clothing rules.
Clothing
Red-ball formats often require white clothing; white-ball formats usually allow team colours. See our uniforms collection for both.
Format comparison in detail
| Feature | Test | One-Day (50 overs) | T20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overs per side | Unlimited (time-based) | 50 | 20 |
| Innings per side | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Typical duration | Up to 5 days | About a day | About 3 hours |
| Results | Win, loss, draw or tie | Win, loss, tie or no result | Win, loss, tie or no result |
| Ball | Red (pink for day-night) | White | White |
Fielding restrictions and powerplays
In limited-overs cricket, playing conditions limit how many fielders may stand outside an inner circle during specified overs, known as powerplays. These restrictions encourage attacking batting early in an innings. Details, including the number of overs and fielders allowed outside the circle, vary by competition, so check the relevant playing conditions.
Draws, ties and super overs
A draw happens in timed matches such as Tests when time runs out before a result. A tie is when scores finish level. Many limited-overs competitions settle ties with a super over, where each side faces one over; competition playing conditions set the exact process.
Gear by format
Equipment needs are similar across leather-ball formats, but clothing and ball colour differ. Red-ball cricket typically uses whites; white-ball cricket uses team colours. See our uniforms collection and cricket balls.
Tennis-ball and tape-ball formats
Outside the official formats, tennis-ball and tape-ball cricket are hugely popular in the US and elsewhere. Games are usually short, often 6 to 20 overs per side, with rules set by each league or tournament. They are ideal for beginners and for quick, competitive games. Read our tennis ball cricket bat guide.
Which format is most popular?
Popularity depends on where you are. T20 draws large audiences worldwide through franchise leagues and international tournaments, while Test cricket retains a devoted following. In the US, T20 and tennis-ball formats are the most widely played at recreational level.
Choosing a format to play
- Short on time: T20 or tennis-ball cricket.
- Want to build technique: longer formats reward patience and skill.
- Brand new: start with social or tennis-ball games.
A short history of formats
Test cricket is the oldest international format, dating to the 19th century. One-day international cricket followed in the 1970s, bringing coloured clothing and white balls. T20 arrived in the 2000s and quickly became the most widely played professional format through franchise leagues. Newer variations such as The Hundred and T10 continue to experiment with shorter games.
Each format rewards different skills, which is part of what keeps cricket varied and interesting for players and spectators.
Quick answers on formats
Which format lasts the longest?
Test cricket, up to five days.
How long is a T20 match?
Usually around three hours.
Is The Hundred an international format?
No, it is a domestic competition in England and Wales.
Which format is in the Olympics?
Cricket at LA 2028 is scheduled in the T20 format.
How formats affect equipment choice
Most players use the same bat across leather-ball formats, but preferences shift. Short-format batters often like a bat with a high pick-up for fast hands, while longer-format players may favour balance and control. Fielding-heavy short formats reward lightweight shoes with good grip. Clothing changes most of all: check whether your competition requires whites or team colours before you buy.
Formats for juniors
Junior cricket often uses shortened formats, fewer overs, smaller pitches and lighter balls, set by the governing body or league. These adaptations keep children involved, give everyone a chance to bat and bowl, and build skills before players move to full-length formats. Check your local junior program for its specific rules.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different cricket formats?
Test, one-day (50 overs), T20, The Hundred and T10, plus informal versions like tennis-ball cricket.
Which cricket format lasts five days?
Test cricket.
Which is the shortest international format?
T20 internationals.
What are the rules of T20 cricket?
Each side bats for up to 20 overs, with fielding restrictions during the powerplay.
What are the rules of The Hundred?
Each side bats for 100 balls; it is a domestic competition in England and Wales.
Whatever the format, start with the right bat.
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