The lack of quantitative data on the costs of Tests led the International Cricket Council to recommend a financial audit to identify countries in need of support.

Marylebone Cricket Club’s World Committee, which includes Kumar Sangakkara, Justin Langer, Heather Knight, Eoin Morgan, Claire Connor and Graeme Smith, has also recommended a separate Test fund to address the issue and protect the sanctity of the format.

The creation of a significant and ring-fenced fund to strengthen and develop women’s cricket was another of a number of proposals addressed to the ICC, which should seek commitments from associate nations seeking Test status to invest in and field women’s teams.

With the proliferation of domestic T20 franchise leagues posing an increasing challenge, the committee also suggested that bilateral ODIs – with the exception of the 12-month period before 50-over World Cups – should be scrapped to improve quality and create much-needed space in the world cricket calendar.

MCC, based at Lord’s, is considered the guardian of the laws of the game.