Definition

Noun: 1. A major international cricket match: A "test match" is a multi-day, first-class cricket match played between two national teams that are full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC). It is the longest and most traditional format of the sport, considered the highest standard of play. 2. A major international rugby union match: A "test match" is also an international rugby union match played between the senior national teams of two countries. These are full-cap international fixtures, not part of a larger tournament.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Cricket):
  • The first-ever test match was played between Australia and England in 1877.
  • India won the test match against England by 157 runs.
  • A test match is played over a maximum of five days.
• Noun (Rugby Union):
  • The British and Irish Lions tour involves a series of test matches against the host nation.
  • New Zealand's test match against South Africa is always a fiercely contested battle.
  • He earned his first cap in a test match against Argentina.

Advanced Usage

• "Test match temperament": This phrase, originating from cricket, describes a player's mental strength, patience, and ability to perform consistently under prolonged pressure, akin to the demands of a five-day match. It can be used metaphorically in other contexts.
  • The young batsman showed real test match temperament to bat for two full sessions.
  • A good CEO needs the test match temperament to handle long-term strategic challenges.

Variants and Related Words

• Test (n): A common shortened form of "test match," especially in cricket.
  • He has played in over 100 tests for his country.
• Test series (n): A set of consecutive test matches (usually in cricket) played between two nations.
  • The Ashes is a famous test series between England and Australia.
• Test cricketer / Test player (n): An athlete who has represented their country in a test match.
• Cap (n): In sports, an appearance for a national team. "Earning a test cap" means being selected to play in a test match.

Synonyms

• International match: A general term for a match between national teams.
• Fixture: A scheduled sporting event. (e.g., "a major international fixture").

Related Phrases

• To win/lose/draw a test match: The possible results.
• A test match hundred/century: Scoring 100 runs in a single innings of a cricket test match.
• A test match debut: A player's first appearance in a test match.

Noun

1. an international championship match