Four-day Tests on the table for ECB

Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves has confirmed he is considering tabling proposals to shorten Test matches from five days to four.

"Personally, I think we should look at four-day Test cricket and play 105 overs a day starting at 10.30am in the morning, and finish when you finish as all the grounds now have lights," Graves, who takes up his role in May, told the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) website.

The ECB could not itself introduce four-day Test matches, but it could push for changes to the Test format in international negotiations.

Expanding on the idea, Graves added: "Every Test match would start on a Thursday, with Thursday and Friday being corporate days and then Saturday and Sunday the family days.

"From a cost point of view, you'd lose that fifth day, which would save a hell of a lot of money from the ground's point of view and the broadcasters. I would look at that."

The proposals first came to light earlier this year after an ECB document entitled 'Strategy Conversation Summary' was leaked.

Reacting to the leak, the ECB revealed that it was "in the early stages of formulating a long-term strategy for the game in England and Wales, which we anticipate will take a year to complete".

Graves and new ECB chief executive Tom Harrison have also held initial talks about future proposals for the English county championship and a possible 'English Premier League' Twenty20 competition.

In the meantime, the current English domestic T20 competition has added a new star attraction; with New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum confirming he has signed for the Birmingham Bears.

McCullum joins the Bears - Warwickshire's T20 name - on a seven-match deal after playing a major role as New Zealand reached the World Cup final, where the Black Caps lost to co-hosts Australia.

"The Birmingham Bears had a great season last year, including winning the T20 Blast, and hopefully I can make a big contribution and ensure that we can progress in the tournament," said McCullum.

"Edgbaston is a fantastic ground to play at and hopefully it will be rocking for the big Friday night matches. I'm really excited about becoming a Bear and the challenge ahead."

McCullum will link up with the Bears after New Zealand's tour of England with his first game against Lancashire Lightning on June 26 at Old Trafford.

He played a starring role at the top of the order in the Black Caps' run to the World Cup final.

Among his four half-centuries in nine matches was a destructive 77 off just 25 balls against England in Wellington.

Birmingham Bears director of cricket Dougie Brown said: "Brendon's dynamic performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup have demonstrated once again exactly why he is one of the most feared batsmen in the game.

"His power at the top of the order and experience of playing in big matches are great assets to bolster our already strong squad."

McCullum is the leading run scorer in the history of T20 internationals, with 2105 runs at an average over 35, with two centuries.