Test cricket is the longest form of the sport of
cricket and is considered the highest
major cricket standard. Test matches are played between national representative teams with "Test status", as determined by the
International Cricket Council (ICC). The two teams of 11 players play a four-innings match, which often lasts up to five days. It is generally considered the most complete examination of teams' playing ability and endurance. The origin of the name
Test stems from the long, gruelling match being a "test" of the relative strength of the two sides.