Half a ball missing in match (4)

I believe the answer is:

test

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'missing in match' is the definition.
'test' can be an answer for 'match' (as in a test match in cricket). I am not certain of the 'missing in' bit.

'half a ball' is the wordplay.
'half a' suggests halving the letters.
'ball' becomes 'testicle' (synonyms).
'testicle' with half the letters taken is 'TEST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for test that I've seen before include "Audition" , "Experiment" , "Trial - international game" , "Trial; cricket match" , "Short exam" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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