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Test Match
1955
Rules assistance for Test Match
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with saved question history.
Rules assistant for Test Match
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Test Match is a board game released in 1955 for 1–2 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by William Hansen and its main mechanics are Simulation.
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About the game
This is not so much of a game as a device for simulating a test match. The board holds a score board and two rotating randomizers. The bowler rotates his handle to first ball of the over and back to the start, revealing a type of ball (leg break, bouncer, etc). The batsman rotates his handle to the type of ball bowled, and back again, revealing a batsman scoring runs or being dismissed. If you know the rules of cricket, it's obvious how to simulate a test match given these rules. There are several versions of Test Match. Johns Sands first version appeared in 1954 and shows an 8 ball Over. This being the correct rule in Australian Cricket between 1936 to 1979. Australian Cricket changed to a 6 Ball Over from 1979 and later Test Match versions reflect this change. Other graphical changes, such as updated Grandstands, players positions and scenery have also changed in time. English cricket on the other hand always had a 6 ball Over from 1946 so Waddingtons version only ever showed a 6 ball Over.
Editions
- Test MatchenJohn Sands Pty Ltd1955
- Test MatchenJohn Waddington Ltd.1955
- Test MatchenCroner
- Test MatchenHunter Leisure
- Test MatchenJohn Sands Pty Ltd
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- John Sands Pty Ltd
- John Waddington Ltd.
- Croner
- Hunter Leisure
Questions and answers
Test Match supports 1–2 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Test Match is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Test Match for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Test Match has a complexity rating of 1.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Test Match belongs to these categories: Sports. Its main mechanics are Simulation. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Test Match are: William Hansen. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Test Match as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.