Five-day Test cricket is still the format which interests fans most, a survey has claimed ©Getty Images

Test cricket is still the format of the sport which interests fans the most, a new survey has claimed.

The Test Cricket Survey, sent to 13,000 people in more than 100 countries by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), revealed that 86 per cent preferred the longer game.

Test matches can last five days with some believing the format is under threat from the more quick-fire Twenty20 and one-day internationals.

Twenty20 competitions such as the Indian Premier League and Australia's Big Bash have added razzmatazz to the sport and attracted full crowds, while attendances at Test matches have struggled.

A new competition has even been created in England called The Hundred, where each side only faces 100 balls each.

These formats have been seen as more accessible and exciting for fans in a time-strapped society.

But responses to the survey still described Test matches at the "ultimate" and "pinnacle" of the sport.

"Test cricket came out as the format that interests fans the most, regardless of country supported or age," the MCC said in a statement.

The fireworks and excitement associated with shorter formats of the game were thought to have put Test matches under threat ©Getty Images
The fireworks and excitement associated with shorter formats of the game were thought to have put Test matches under threat ©Getty Images

The results of the survey support the findings of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) first global market research survey last year.

This found that close to 70 per cent of the 19,000 cricket fans interviewed are interested in Test cricket - with fans in England and Wales showing the most interest.

Work will now be carried out to further improve Test cricket with addressing the cost and availability of tickets, so more fans can attend, seen as a key goal.

More coverage on free television and half-day packages to encourage families are other aims.

"It is important we listen to cricket fans to continue to improve their experience of Test match cricket and address their concerns," said MCC World Cricket Committee chairman Mike Gatting, a former England captain. 

"We want to see Test cricket continue to thrive, especially as more formats of the sport such as The Hundred and T20 leagues gain popularity." 

The World Cricket Committee, an independent group within the MCC which acts as a complementary body to the ICC, discussed the survey at their meeting in Bengaluru in India.