Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and full members nations to take "immediate" action in a bid to secure the future of Test cricket.

The introduction of a new World Test Championship and day/night matches are among the proposals put forward by the MCC's world cricket committee in a bid to revitalise the longer form of the sport. Other recommendations include ensuring that pitches offer a "fair balance" for both batsmen and bowlers; financial rewards to entice players to remain Test cricketers; and investment in marketing to boost audiences.

A MCC spokesperson said: "With T20 riches on offer, the committee feel that national governing bodies should do all that they can to retain their best talent and ensure Test cricket is a financially rewarding career. "Cricket authorities around the world need to make a more concerted effort to attract audiences to Test cricket: a World Test Championship, played by well-rewarded cricketers - on fair pitches - at a time of the day to suit the paying public, would provide the Test game with the boost it requires."