When is the optimal time to declare the first innings?

[ataraxia]

Assume two average test teams are playing each other on a flattish pitch. There is no rain forecast. The team batting first is off to a good start, scoring at an average rate with many wickets in hand. It is tea on day 1. During or at the conclusion of what session should the team be looking to declare?

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

A lead of 450 just to be safe…on day 2, session 1

 

[sayon basak]

Depends on who you are. If you are BD, you won't even get the chance to declare.

 

[Chubb]

If you bat long enough, day 2 session 3. Get tired openers in for 45 mins at the end of the day. I would not declare on Day 1 under any circumstances. Teams have tried it under lights but it doesn't work out that well and you're just costing yourself runs.

 

[Himannv]

Just bat as long as you like. You're bound to pick up a couple of early wickets of theirs anyway.

 

[Qlder]

How long is a piece of string?

I don't think anyone's ever gone into a Test with a plan for what session they should declare (and definitely not in the 1st innings OP describes)

 

[Coronis]

I really don’t think there’s a right answer. Its too dependant on the team’s makeup and that of the opposition.

 

[ataraxia]

This question is purposely formulated as an "on average" question. Generally, you see teams declare on day 2, session 2 or 3.

 

[andruid]

This isn't Battrick.

 

[Silver Silva]

Day 2 session 3 about 10 over before the close , openers have nothing to gain , your two best bowlers can go full tilt ..

Some teams will use nightwatchman so you can pick up a bonus wicket too.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Day 1, as early as possible.

#intent #golf

 

[Midwinter]

A quote, attributed to David Hookes, was you are never sure when is the right time to declare but you always know if you have left it too late.

HTH

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

That's not a helpful quote at all, you only know you left it too late after the game ends.

 

[SteveNZ]

Australian commentators would love this thread. They're contractually obliged to mention the D word when a team goes past 200 or more than halfway to the second new ball

 

[mr_mister]

I'd be more likely to use runs as a metric, and I'd say 600.

I voted day 2 session 3, for the token 30 mins at the tired openers in fading light, but truth be told I think those kind of intangibles are overrated in their importance

 

[shortpitched713]

Day 2, Session 2 or 3, depending on various factors vibes.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

the right time to declare is when you win the game

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Depends on how quickly you score but 30 minutes before lunch or tea on day 2 I guess.

 

[Coronis]

Depends on how quickly you score but 30 minutes before lunch or tea on day 2 I guess.

I’d say 30 mins before stumps on Day 1 if you’re scoring fast enough.

 

[Ali TT]

Can't respond to this as there are eight sessions not accounted for in the poll