Andrew Hilditch annoints Callum Ferguson Australia's next Test batsman

Callum Ferguson is poised to become Australia's next Test batsman as selectors reflect on the failings of the middle order following a traumatic one-wicket defeat in India.

A poor second innings display with the bat cost the tourists dearly in Mohali, allowing India to chase a target close enough for VVS Laxman to maintain his habit of performing miracles against Australia. 

Mike Hussey and Marcus North are two players who did not manage to contribute enough with the bat, but in truth there were plenty of poor performers aside from Shane Watson and stand-in wicketkeeper Tim Paine. 

Australia chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch declined to guarantee the spot of No.6 batsman North, and at the same time reiterated his view that Ferguson would soon be a part of the Australia Test side, following his recall to the limited overs team to face India. 

"No player is safe in international cricket. You've got to perform," Hilditch said of North. 

Ferguson's return from a knee reconstruction has been eagerly anticipated by many at Cricket Australia, who were impressed by the composure and shotmaking skills he showcased while making 599 limited overs runs at 46.07 last year. 

"He's a wonderful young batter and it's good to get him back around the squad - we don't see him just as a one-day player, we think he'll play Test cricket as well," said Hilditch.

ICC move closer to introducing world Test championship

CAPE TOWN: International cricket chiefs recommended that the World Cup, a gruelling six-week marathon, be slashed from 14 to 10 teams.

They also backed a Test championship to be introduced by 2013.

The meeting of the International Cricket Council's Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) called for the ICC to introduce league championships for both Test and one-day international cricket in order to introduce context for future tours.

The top four teams in the Test league should qualify for a championship play-off with the first play-off should be staged in 2013.

The chief executives suggested that a one-day league should run from April 2011 until April 2014, culminating in the crowning of a one-day international champion.

The league championship would be separate from the four-yearly World Cup.

The meeting also recommended major changes to the formats of both the World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20.

It was recommended that the number of teams in the World Cup should be reduced from the 14 that will compete in next year's event to 10, while 16 teams should play in the Twenty20, up from the 12 that competed earlier this year.

There was also a call for a Twenty20 international rankings table.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, who chaired the meeting, said he was excited by the proposals.

"Restructuring international cricket is a significant strategic challenge and one that must be dealt with. I am grateful to the CEC and its working group for making such far-reaching proposals," he said.