Cricket match can be a trial (4)
I believe the answer is:
test
This clue is a double definition.
'cricket match' is the first definition.
(a test is a kind of cricket match)
'a trial' is the second definition.
('test' can be a synonym of 'trial')
'can be' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for test that I've seen before include "Assess - examination" , "Cricket match; exam" , "Exam to play international cricket" , "water flowing through Hampshire" , "Try, examine critically" .)