The format means that it is not possible to play defensively for a draw when the allotted time runs out, and delays due to bad weather will not prevent the match ending with a positive result.
It also means that there is far less reason for a side to declare an innings, since time pressure should not affect the chances of winning the game.
Although the format should guarantee a result, it was ultimately abandoned as it was impossible to predict with any certainty when a match would be finished, making scheduling and commercial aspects difficult.
In the modern era teams often play back-to-back Tests in consecutive weeks, something that would be impossible without the five-day limit.
The start of one day's play was delayed while groundstaff removed frogs from the coconut matting.
Unlike the lack of tiebreaker for tied timeless Tests, baseball can have extra innings.