Cricket match can be a trial (4)
I believe the answer is:
test
I believe 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.
(I know that trial can be written as test)
'can be' is the 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" .)