England plans to extend five-match Test series to teams beyond Australia and India, with Pakistan and South Africa as top contenders.
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) seeks to boost Test cricket by extending series to enhance its narrative depth.
The earliest opportunity for this shift comes in 2028, a year when England will not be hosting Australia or India in Test cricket.
The ECB is exploring options for four- or five-match series, with strong consideration given to a full five-Test contest.
The strong ties of Pakistan and South Africa and fan support in England make them ideal candidates for the series.
Since a 3-1 win over South Africa in 2017, England has not hosted a non-Ashes or non-India series longer than three matches.
England famously secured a 2-1 comeback victory over South Africa in 1998 and played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in 2003.
Pakistan last played a four-match series in England in 2016, claiming a 2-2 draw with a decisive win at The Oval.
The proposed expansion will not increase the overall Test matches of England but will restructure existing fixtures.
In 2028, England may host a four- or five-Test series, supplemented by a shorter series against another team.
The ECB hopes to inspire teams like South Africa, which recently fielded a weakened squad in New Zealand, to prioritize Test cricket.