What Is the World Test Championship and How Does It Work?

For over a century, Test cricket has been regarded as the ultimate examination of skill, endurance, and character in the sport. Yet, despite its prestige, there was always one criticism that followed the longest format: a lack of overarching context. While bilateral series produced moments of brilliance, they often felt disconnected. Beyond the Ashes or marquee India–Pakistan rivalries, many Test series struggled to capture wider global attention because there was no grand prize to play for.

Recognising this gap, the International Cricket Council (ICC) sought to provide Test cricket with the same sense of narrative and purpose that limited-overs cricket enjoyed through the World Cup and the T20 World Cup. The result was the World Test Championship (WTC) – a league-style competition that aimed to crown a true Test champion.

In this article, we’ll trace the history and origins of the WTC, explore its structure and points system, revisit iconic moments, weigh its strengths and criticisms, and look at where it might head in the future. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how the WTC works, what it has achieved, and why it matters for Test cricket’s survival and growth.

History & Origins of the World Test Championship

The idea of a Test championship is not new. As early as the 1990s, administrators and former players debated the need for a league format to crown the world’s best Test side. Concepts such as a “Super Test” or an ICC World Test League surfaced intermittently, but they never materialised due to scheduling complexities and the reluctance of powerful boards to disrupt bilateral arrangements.

The first real breakthrough came in 2010, when the ICC proposed a Test league leading to a final between the top two teams. However, logistical hurdles meant the idea was shelved. Instead, the ICC Test rankings system remained the only measure of supremacy – useful, but often abstract and difficult for casual fans to follow.

Finally, in 2019, the ICC officially launched the World Test Championship, with the aim of bringing greater meaning to every Test series. The inaugural cycle (2019–2021) culminated in a final at Southampton, where New Zealand famously defeated India.

Since then, the WTC has completed two cycles:

• 2019–21: New Zealand beat India in the final.

• 2021–23: Australia beat India at The Oval.

The current 2023–25 cycle is ongoing, with nine Test-playing nations vying for a place in the next final.

Format & Structure: How the WTC Is Organised

The World Test Championship involves the top nine Test nations recognised by the ICC. Over a two-year cycle, each team plays six Test series – three at home and three away.

There is built-in flexibility: the number of Tests in a series can range from two to five, depending on bilateral agreements between boards. For example, England–India series are typically five Tests, while New Zealand–Sri Lanka series may only feature two.

At the end of the league phase, the top two teams on the WTC points table qualify for the final, played at a neutral venue. So far, the final has been staged in England – at Southampton (2021) and The Oval (2023). Lord’s has also been earmarked for future finals, pending logistics.

This hybrid format allows tradition to coexist with innovation: bilateral series remain intact, but every match contributes to a larger, global narrative.

Points & Ranking System Explained

The WTC points system is central to how the championship works – and also one of its most debated features.

Points Breakdown

• Each series is worth 120 points, regardless of length.

• These points are distributed across the matches in the series:

  • 2-match series: 60 points per match

  • 3-match series: 40 points per match

  • 4-match series: 30 points per match

  • 5-match series: 24 points per match

Within each match:

• Win: Full share of available points

• Tie: Half the points

• Draw: One-third of the points

• Loss: Zero points

Percentage System

Because teams play different numbers of Tests and opponents, rankings are determined by the percentage of points earned rather than absolute points. This ensures fairness when schedules vary.

Exceptional Circumstances

Weather, cancellations, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of flexibility. Matches abandoned without play don’t penalise teams. During the 2019–21 cycle, COVID-19 led to postponed series, and the ICC used the percentage system to ensure rankings still reflected performance proportionally.

Cycle (Years)	Teams Involved	Series Format	Points System	Champion	Runner-Up	Final Venue	Notable Performances / Highlights
2019–2021 (Cycle 1)	9 full ICC Test members	Each team played 6 series (3 home, 3 away)	120 points per series, split across matches. Rankings by % of points won.	New Zealand	India	Southampton, UK	Kyle Jamieson’s 7 wickets in final; Kane Williamson steady knock; rain delays shortened game.
2021–2023 (Cycle 2)	9 full ICC Test members	Same structure; COVID-19 disruptions adjusted schedules	120 points per series; % method used for fairness.	Australia	India	The Oval, London	Travis Head’s 163 in final; Steve Smith’s 121; Australia’s pace attack dismantled India.
2023–2025 (Cycle 3)	9 full ICC Test members	Ongoing; some teams play more Tests depending on scheduling	Same 120-point system; percentage calculation decides table.	TBD	TBD	Likely The Oval or Lord’s (to be confirmed)	Virat Kohli’s consistent form; England’s “Bazball” approach; South Africa’s pace revival shaping narrative.

Key Moments & Case Studies

The WTC has already produced unforgettable moments:

• 2021 Final: New Zealand’s victory over India was historic. Kyle Jamieson’s relentless swing bowling dismantled India’s batting, while Kane Williamson steered his side to their maiden ICC title.

• 2023 Final: Australia outclassed India at The Oval. Travis Head’s counter-attacking century in the first innings proved decisive, setting up a comprehensive win.

• Strategic Shifts: Teams have altered tactics based on WTC stakes. For example, captains have pushed for aggressive declarations to force results and maximise points, adding a new layer of intrigue to series once written off as “dead rubbers.”

Strengths, Criticisms & Fan Reactions

Strengths

• Every series counts: Even a mid-table clash like Pakistan vs Sri Lanka matters in the WTC race.

• Revives “dead rubbers”: Teams continue to fight for points even after winning or losing a series.

• Marquee final: Provides Test cricket with a showpiece event similar to the World Cup.

Criticisms

• Unequal schedules: Teams don’t play all opponents, creating imbalances.

• Weather disruptions: Some teams lose opportunities through no fault of their own.

• Complex system: The percentage method, while fair, is often confusing for casual fans.

Fan Reactions

Supporters are divided. Many welcome the WTC as a necessary evolution that keeps Test cricket relevant. Others argue it dilutes the bilateral charm of Tests and struggles to compete with the excitement of T20 leagues.

Impact on Teams & Global Test Cricket

The WTC has influenced how teams approach Test cricket:

• Squad Rotation: Depth and workload management matter more, especially for away tours.

• Strategic Emphasis: Winning overseas carries extra weight, boosting rankings.

• Commercial Impact: Broadcasters market series as part of a global league, enhancing reach.

• Smaller Nations: Teams like Sri Lanka and West Indies benefit from heightened stakes but face challenges in competing against better-resourced sides.

FAQs: Common Questions About the WTC

How many teams are in the WTC?
Nine full-member Test-playing nations participate.

How many series does each team play?
Each team plays six series per cycle – three at home, three away.

How does the points system work if a series is cut short?
Points are awarded proportionally. Abandoned matches (e.g., due to weather) don’t penalise teams.

Where is the final held?
So far, both finals have been staged in England, at Southampton and The Oval.

Can associate nations join in future?
Currently, only full-member Test nations are included. However, the ICC has hinted at possible expansion as Test cricket grows.

Future of the World Test Championship

Looking ahead, several refinements may shape the future of the WTC:

• Standardising series length: Ensuring all teams face each other equally would improve fairness.

• Simplifying points: A more intuitive scoring method could help fans follow the race more easily.

• Expansion: Bringing in new Test nations would spread the competition’s appeal.

• Balancing calendars: Finding space for the WTC amid the crowded schedule of T20 leagues and ODI tournaments remains a pressing challenge.

Conclusion: A New Era for Test Cricket

The World Test Championship represents a bold attempt to keep Test cricket meaningful in a rapidly changing sporting landscape. By adding context to every series and producing a grand final, it has reinvigorated interest in the format.

While criticisms remain, the WTC has already delivered historic moments and is slowly carving out its place in cricket’s ecosystem. Its continued evolution will be vital not only for the future of Test cricket but also for ensuring the game’s oldest format remains relevant in the modern era.

In short: the WTC is far from perfect, but it has begun reshaping how we view and value Test cricket – elevating it from a collection of bilateral contests to a truly global championship.