Crossword Genius

Are old bats used for Test? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ordeal

'for test?' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'are old bats' is the wordplay.
'bats' indicates anagramming the letters (slang for mad).
'are'+'old'='areold'
'areold' is an anagram of 'ORDEAL'.

'used' is the link.

(Other definitions for ordeal that I've seen before include "very hard test" , "Difficult or arduous experience" , "Difficult experience that tests endurance" , "Severe or trying experience" , "Disturbing experience" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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