A decision on the viability of a Test World Championship will now be made at the end of this year, the International Cricket Council announced yesterday. ICC officials said at Lord's that the concept remained "under consideration" after member countries had debated several proposals drawn up during the last 12 months by a sub-committee.

David Richards, chief executive of the ICC, said a stand-alone championship, held every four years over two months, could even be staged alongside an official Test ladder - which, in effect, would be a constantly updated league table.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the ICC president, added: "The sub-committee evaluating proposals to strengthen the standing of Test cricket will continue its work over the next six months before a final decision is taken.

"The concept of a stand-alone Test Cricket World Championship remains under consideration, but there are issues of timing and avoidance of commercial conflict which require resolution.