when was the longest match of cricket played
Timeless Test There were 99 timeless Tests between 1877 and 1939.[1] The last was the Fifth Test between England and South Africa at Durban in 1939,[2] which was abandoned as a draw after nine days of play spread over twelve days, otherwise the England team would have missed the boat for home.[3] This match had started on 3 March. South Africa had set a target of 696 for England to win. By the time England had to leave to catch their boat home, on 14 March, England had reached 654 for 5 (the highest ever first-class fourth innings score).[4] This is the longest Test cricket match on record. The match had not been expected to take more than five days, but rain and rolling rejuvenated the pitch three times during the match, and it was still in good condition for batting when the match was abandoned.[5]