India, Aug. 30 -- Australia and Bangladesh required only 425.3 overs to complete an entire two-Test series this month. Put another way, the two teams played two Tests in fewer deliveries than the 450 overs theoretically available in one five-day Test.

The contrast between the matches was remarkable. Bangladesh's historic victory in Darwin went into the fourth day and required 1,803 balls, or 300.3 overs. A week later in Mackay, Australia needed just 750 balls - 125 overs - to win by an innings and 51 runs, making it the fourth-shortest completed Test in history by balls bowled.

England then added another example. Their first Test against Pakistan at Headingley ended on the third day after only 1,053 balls, or 175.3 overs, with Pakistan ...