The ICC’s World Test Championship is meant to elevate the importance and appeal of the long format in an era heavily influenced by franchise cricket. But the tournament’s complexities and excessive dependence on India’s participation create risk factors that could undermine its success.
It is a contest between Australia and South Africa, the defending champions and the two best men’s teams in the world. The match begins this Wednesday night at Lord’s, the home of cricket. The final is expected to be a sell-out and an exciting spectacle for fans.
Both teams have earned their right to play in the final, having topped the WTC25 standings through series wins over Bangladesh, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and drawing with England at home and New Zealand away. But the Proteas’ path has been criticized as unfair, especially since they did so without facing both India and Australia in a series.
The WTC’s inequitable qualification steps are a problem that could be addressed by reviving the traditional round-robin competition. The WTC currently includes two-match series that do not count for points and eight full series, a far cry from the classic five-test series. The ICC needs to review the structure of its Future Tours Program and consider additional improvements to strengthen the Championship.