How long does a typical game take?

It depends on how many 'overs' you decide to play, but a standard match usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. It's much faster than real cricket, but slower than a round of Uno.

Is it hard to set up?

The cloth pitch needs to be flat, and the fielders need to be positioned manually. It takes about 5 minutes to get everything ready to go.

What happens if we lose the ball?

Since the ball is a specific size and weight for the mechanics, losing it is a problem. Most fans recommend buying a few spare ball bearings or small beads of the same size just in case.

Do you need to know cricket to play?

Not really. The game is basically 'hit the ball and don't get caught.' You can learn the more complex scoring and LBW rules as you go.

Test Match – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Test Match

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Board Game1955

82%

WISE Score

A mechanical cricket simulation where you actually bowl a ball at a spring-loaded batsman, proving that physics is more fun than pixels.

Test Match

Board Game

1955

82%

WISE Score

A mechanical cricket simulation where you actually bowl a ball at a spring-loaded batsman, proving that physics is more fun than pixels.

Jump to

Where to Play

Amazon

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. As an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns from qualifying purchases, so if you buy a book or game through one of our links, we may earn a commission. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Test Match is the ultimate 'analog' sports game. It's been around since the 50s because the core loop—actually bowling a ball and trying to whack it with a tiny plastic bat—is fundamentally satisfying. It's a great way to get a kid off a screen, provided they have the attention span for the stop-start rhythm of cricket.

That said, it's a product of its time. The setup can be finicky, and if you lose the ball, the game is effectively over until you find a replacement. It’s perfect for a rainy afternoon, but don't expect it to compete with the instant dopamine hit of a modern tablet game.

Age Fit

Best for kids 6 and up who have the patience for a slower-paced sports simulation and the dexterity to handle the mechanical controls.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is pure, competitive sportsmanship in a box. It encourages face-to-face play and follows the polite, strategic rules of cricket without any of the toxicity often found in digital sports sims.

Imaginative

While it's a literal simulation of a real-world sport, the mechanical nature of the 'bowler' and 'batsman' encourages kids to act out matches and visualize the field in a way that static board games don't.

Safe

Being a physical board game, it's free from digital risks. The only real safety concern is the tiny ball, which is a definite choking hazard for younger siblings under 3.

Enriching

Excellent for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It also teaches the complex rules of cricket and basic physics—velocity, angles, and timing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Physical skill matters because success depends on timing and aim rather than just lucky dice rolls.
Direct head-to-head play forces kids to read their opponent's movements and react in real-time.
Tactile satisfaction comes from the spring-loaded mechanisms and the tiny ball rolling across the green felt pitch.

⚠

What to Watch For

The tiny ball is easily lost and is a major choking hazard for any toddlers or pets in the house.
The batting timing is genuinely tricky and might frustrate kids who are used to the 'auto-aim' assist of modern video games.

Conversation Starters

"What's harder: bowling the ball exactly where you want it or timing the swing to hit it?"
"If we moved the fielders to different spots, how would that change where you try to hit the ball?"
"Why do you think this game has stayed popular since 1955 while other toys get forgotten?"

Deep Dive

The Original Physics Engine

Long before we had realistic ball physics in video games, we had Test Match. The 1955 version set the standard for what Crown & Andrews would produce for decades. It’s a mechanical marvel: you have a bowler that actually 'rolls' the ball down the pitch and a batsman you trigger to swing. It’s not just a game of chance; there’s genuine skill involved in varying your bowling speed and timing your shots.

Why It Still Works

In an era of touchscreens, there is something deeply rewarding about the tactile nature of this game. You aren't just pressing a button; you're interacting with a physical system. For kids who are into sports, it’s a masterclass in the basics of cricket—field placement, batting strategy, and the nuances of bowling. It’s also one of the few games where a parent and child can compete on relatively even ground, as the mechanical 'feel' takes practice for everyone.

The Patience Factor

Let’s be real: cricket is a slow game. If your kid needs constant explosions or leveling up to stay engaged, Test Match might collect dust. It rewards a quieter, more focused type of play. It’s best used as a social game—something to have out on the coffee table where people can jump in and out. While newer versions exist, the 1955 original proves that the basic mechanical joy of hitting a ball with a stick is timeless.

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Test Match? Put this WISE score on your site