New Zealand is proposing the introduction of a Test world championship, which would be decided over a four-year period.

The plan could mean traditional series like The Ashes and the Frank Worrell Trophy, played between Australia and the West Indies, could be cut back to three Tests.

"We want to regularise tours and give some context to Test cricket," said New Zealand cricket chief executive Chris Doig. "There's a great deal of sense in it."

Countries would play each other on a home and away basis over the four-year period, with the top two meeting in a play-off to decide the overall world champions.

New Zealand's plan could attract support from newer Test-playing nations like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, who have limited experience of facing the likes of England, Australia and West Indies in the five-day game.