World Test Championship 101: Format, Points, Schedule, and How Teams Reach the Final
Introduction: What Is World Test Championship?
Test cricket is the oldest and purest form of the game. But for years, bilateral Test series lacked context—until the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) changed that. Launched in 2019 by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the WTC is a league-style competition that brings meaning to every Test match, culminating in a one-off final to crown the champion of red-ball cricket.
History of the World Test Championship
The idea of a Test championship was floated for years, but it became a reality only in 2019. Here’s how the WTC has evolved:
2019–2021: Inaugural Edition
- Kicked off with the 2019 Ashes.
- COVID-19 caused match suspensions and series cancellations.
- New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets in the final at Southampton, June 2021
- Kyle Jamieson earned Player of the Match with a match-winning spell
2021–2023: Second Cycle
- Began in August 2021 after the India–England Pataudi Trophy.
- Australia defeated India by 209 runs in the final at The Oval, June 2023
- Travis Head was Player of the Match.
2023–2025: Third Cycle
- Launched with the 2023 Ashes in June 2023.
- South Africa and Australia reached the final.
- South Africa won by 5 wickets at Lord’s on June 14, 2025—their first-ever WTC title
- Aiden Markram scored 136 and was Player of the Match.
- Kagiso Rabada took 9 wickets across the match
Why Was the WTC Introduced?
Before the WTC, Test series were standalone affairs—some mattered, most didn’t. There was no clear path to becoming the world’s best in the longest format. ICC introduced the WTC to:
- Give context to every Test match
- Make bilateral series part of a bigger goal
- Keep fan interest alive in Test cricket
- Create a clear pathway to a championship title
- Engage global audiences in traditional-format cricket.
How the WTC Format Works
- Participants: 9 full-member Test nations (India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh)
- Series Structure: Each team plays 6 series (3 home + 3 away)
- Match Count: Each series has 2–5 Tests, depending on bilateral agreements
- League System: All teams accumulate points over two years based on match results
- Ranking: Teams are ranked based on percentage of points earned (PCT)
⚠️ Note: Not all teams play each other due to scheduling constraints.
The WTC Points System (Explained Simply)
The WTC uses a points-per-match system:
| Match Result | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| Win | 12 |
| Tie | 6 |
| Draw | 4 |
| Loss | 0 |
But since not all teams play the same number of matches, rankings are based on PCT (Points Earned ÷ Points Available).
Example:
If a team earns 60 points out of a possible 100, their PCT is 60%. This ensures fairness across teams with different match counts.
How Teams Reach the WTC Final
Here’s how the road to the WTC Final works:
- Teams earn points for each match played over a 2-year cycle.
- Rankings are based on PCT, not total points.
- The top 2 teams on the points table qualify for the WTC Final.
- The final is a one-off Test at a neutral venue, usually in England.
- If the final is drawn or tied, both teams are declared joint winners.
WTC Final: Format, Rules & Highlights
- Venue: Neutral ground (e.g., Lord’s, The Oval, or Rose Bowl)
- Duration: 5 days + 1 reserve day (used in case of lost time)
- Rules: Standard ICC Test rules apply
Highlights from Past Finals:
- 2021 Final: NZ beat India; Kyle Jamieson named Player of the Match
- 2023 Final: Australia beat India; Travis Head scored a match-winning century
- 2025: South Africa chased 282 at Lord’s; Markram’s century and Rabada’s wickets led them to victory
Current WTC Cycle (2023–25)
2023–25 Cycle Stats:
- South Africa topped the table with ~69% PCT, winning 8 of 12 Tests
- Australia finished second (~67% PCT) with 13 wins in 19 Tests
- Final Match:
- Toss and first innings details not included yet.
- South Africa chased 282 and won with 5 wickets remaining on Day
👉 Check the latest WTC points table and standings here
📅 Full Schedule Out Now!
Explore the complete series list, dates, and matchups for the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. Stay updated with key fixtures and India’s tour details.
📖 View Full WTC 2025–27 ScheduleTop Players and Records in WTC History
Most Runs (across cycles): Joe Root continues topping the charts
Most Wickets: Nathan Lyon leads bowling stats, with Rabada showing match-winning form
Finals Highlights:
- Jamieson’s 7 wickets in 2021 Final
- Head’s century in 2023 Final
- Markram’s 136 and final chase in 2025 Final
Why WTC Matters for the Future of Test Cricket
- Makes each Test match meaningful
- Sparks rivalries with higher stakes
- Keeps fan interest alive in long-format cricket
- Encourages teams to prepare better across conditions
- Adds a tournament-style thrill to a traditional format
Final Thoughts: A Championship That Makes Tests Matter Again
The World Test Championship has changed the way fans and players approach Test cricket. Every match now matters. Every session can tilt the points table. And every team has a reason to fight—not just for pride, but for a place in the Final.
If you’re a fan of real cricketing grit and long-format strategy, the WTC is where it all comes together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the ICC World Test Championship (WTC)?
A: The WTC is a two-year international Test cricket league organized by the ICC. It brings structure and context to Test matches, culminating in a one-off Final to crown the world’s best Test team.
Q2. How many teams participate in the World Test Championship?
A: 9 ICC full-member Test nations.
Q3. How is the WTC Final venue decided?
A: It’s hosted at a neutral ground, often in England.
Q4: What happens if the WTC Final is a draw or tie?
A: If the Final ends in a draw or tie, both teams are declared joint winners.
Q5: Do all teams play against each other during the WTC league stage?
A: No. Each team plays 6 of the other 8 WTC teams — three series at home and three away — with each series ranging from 2 to 5 Tests.
Q6: How many WTC editions have been completed so far?
A: Three cycles of the World Test Championship have been completed:
- 2019–2021
- 2021–2023
- 2023–2025
Q7: Who are the winners and runners-up of each WTC cycle?
A:
🏆 WTC Champions & Runners-up:
| Cycle | Winner | Runner-Up | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | New Zealand | India | Southampton (ENG) |
| 2021–2023 | Australia | India | The Oval (ENG) |
| 2023–2025 | South Africa | Australia | Lord’s (ENG) |
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