Alec Stewart has thrown his support behind a bid to create a world Test Championship.

The International Cricket Council have been looking at ways to improve the worldwide popularity of Test cricket after the rise in popularity of Twenty20 and the successful Champions Trophy in South Africa.

It is thought ICC chairman Haroon Lorgat has been trying to raise support for a Test championship among cricket boards across the world, with a series of matches over a fixed period culminating in a contest between the top-ranked sides.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have given their support in principle, but are worried that key series like the Ashes will be marginalised as a result.

Stewart has been discussing the idea with the MCC's world cricket committee, and is a firm believer that a championship should be established.

"There has been talk about a world Test league ending up with a grand final of first versus second. Personally, I think it's worth trying," Stewart said.

"It may have to happen over a two-year period but I'm all in favour of it."

Stewart, who played 133 Tests for England, believes the idea would re-invigorate interest in the longest form of the game, among both fans and players.

"Every time you go out to play Test cricket it has to be meaningful," he added.

"At times you may have lost the first four Tests of a five-Test series. This way instead of just playing for pride you'd be playing for points as well to go into a league to qualify for a final.

"That adds something extra for the players and it adds to the public's perception of it as well.

"I'd say give it a go. If it works then fantastic if it doesn't then revert to how it was before."

Prior to this summer's sell out Ashes series, attendances at England's two Tests against the West Indies were poor.

Lord's was only half full for the first day of the first Test and only 4,000 turned up to see the opening day of the second Test at Chester-le-Street.

But Stewart is still an advocate of Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game.

"Test cricket is here to stay," the former England captain said. "Players enjoy playing Test cricket, that's what they are interested in.

"Your one-dayers and your IPLs and so on are just a spin off of what you have done as a top Test cricketer.

"The only thing we have to do is get enough people through the gates to turn up and watch these fine cricketers in action."