WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEST AND ODI CRICKET?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEST AND ODI CRICKET?

By CricketBinge Desk Published January 20, 2026 ODI

TEST CRICKET 

Test cricket format is the longest and most traditional format of cricket matches. It tests endurance, patience, consistency, and mental strength. Hence, it is called the ‘ultimate test.’ The test match is played over a time period of five days, and each team plays two innings. There is no limit set for the number of overs being played. But each day has around 90 overs to play. Test cricket is the format where many cricketers have made their name by showing the potential and caliber they possess. 

ODI CRICKET 

One Day International Cricket matches are considered as a more exciting and most enjoyable format by the fans. As the name itself suggests, the match is played in just one day, where each team gets to play up to 50 over. In 50 overs they have to score as much as they can, to set the target high for the other team. ODIs are considered more interesting because it brings strategies of test cricket and thrill of T20 together on the ground.  

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEST AND ODI CRICKET

 

The difference between ODI and Test Cricket is further explained with a tabular format: 

Difference between Test Cricket and ODI Cricket 

Feature   Test Cricket   ODI (One Day International) Cricket 
Type of Format  Longest format of the game  Limited overs format 
Duration of Match   5 Days  One day only 
Number of overs per inning  Unlimited overs  50 overs  
Ball used   Red ball (more swing, used in day matches)  White ball (used under lights, for day-night matches) 
Clothing   White clothing  Colored jerseys  
Duration of match in hours  Around 30+ hours over the period of 5 days  Around 7 – 8 hours a day 
Test of skills   Mainly Patience, Endurance, and strategies   Mainly speed and adaptability 
Examples   The Ashes (England vs Australia)  ICC Cricket world cup 

CONCLUSION 

Here we can say that both the ODI and test cricket have their own importance in cricket. Both formats have their own rules and regulations and are being played in their own different ways. People have crazy excitement for both the tournaments. But ODI cricket matches attract a larger pool of fans as compared to Test cricket, that is because ODI cricket is just a one-day match that provides techniques, endurance, and patience of Test match and craze of T20 together. But we need to remember that both Test and ODI cricket have their own charm in world cricket. Hence, they together make cricket complete and lovable, that fans love across the world.