Cricket Warm-Up Matches and Tour Games Explained
Before major series and World Cups, teams play warm-up matches to prepare. Learn what warm-up matches are, whether they count in official stats, who teams play against, and why they're essential for Test series preparation.
Before a Test series or international tournament, touring sides play warm-up matches — practice games against local opposition — to acclimatise to conditions, get time in the middle, and assess squad selections. These games are distinct from official international matches and their results do not count in global rankings or player career statistics.
Types of warm-up matches
- Tour matches (warm-up vs domestic sides) — the touring team plays against a county, state, or provincial team. In England, this might be a 4-day match vs. a County XI. These are first-class matches if between first-class teams and both captains agree.
- ICC Tournament warm-ups — before World Cups and Champions Trophies, each team plays 1–2 official warm-up matches against other tournament participants. Results don't affect group stage standings but help with preparation.
- Intra-squad practice matches — some teams arrange internal practice matches between a 'A' and 'B' team within the touring squad, particularly useful for players competing for squad spots.
Do warm-up match results count in official statistics?
No. Official international warm-up matches (as designated by the ICC) do NOT count toward player career averages, batting/bowling records, or team win/loss records. A century scored in a warm-up match does not go into a player's international century tally.
Why warm-up matches matter
- Acclimatisation — adjusting to local weather, pitch conditions, and time zones.
- Match practice — batters and bowlers need competitive game time after travel.
- Form assessment — selectors use warm-up performances to finalise Playing XI.
- Injury risk management — some key players are rested during warm-ups to avoid injury before the main series.
Frequently asked questions
Do warm-up match results count in cricket?
No. ICC-designated warm-up matches do not count in official international statistics — neither for team rankings nor individual player records. They are preparation games, not competitive internationals.
What is a tour match in cricket?
A tour match is a game played by a visiting international side against local domestic opposition (a county team, state team, etc.) as part of their preparation before a Test series or tournament.
How many warm-up matches do teams play before a World Cup?
Teams typically play 1–2 official ICC warm-up matches before a major tournament. These are scheduled as part of the ICC event calendar and often involve matches between tournament participants.
Can a player get injured in a warm-up match and miss a series?
Yes, and it's a real concern for team management. Some selectors deliberately rest key players in warm-up matches to reduce injury risk, especially after long travel periods.