What is ICC World Test Championship?
Test cricket is the oldest form of all and requires skill, endurance and grit. The ICC World Test Championships gives players of the different nations an opportunity to showcase their talents in this highly entertaining and skilled game and create a new benchmark for themselves. With a match-based points system, teams have to remain consistent in order to secure their place in the top four and fight their way for the title of world champions. An exciting prospect for cricket lovers around the globe as we can look forward to exciting matches full of passion, commitment, resilience and class. It will be an absolute pleasure to witness day five finishes that test your “patience” as well as dry spin conjurer antics that bamboozle any batsman regardless of experience or pedigree.
The ICC World Test Championship was a cricket tournament initially proposed in 2009 to replace the 2013 Champions Trophy. After some changes and tweaks, the championship was set to commence in June 2017 featuring the four top-ranked teams in December 2016. Two semi-finals were scheduled to take place with the winners advancing to the final match. Unfortunately, this plan never came to fruition as in January 2014, it suffered a fatal blow when it was cancelled by the ICC leaving 2017’s Champions Trophy reinstated.
The ICC World Test Championship calendar has made for exciting changes for the cricketing world since its announcement in October 2017. For the first time, there is a league format that cements the top nine test-playing teams into a regular fixture of series over two years, with the top two teams qualifying for a championship final – an ICC event. This takes place differently from the League Games stage matches, which are hosted by the nation’s cricketing board and not ICC. The inaugural championship began with England and Australia contesting the 2019 Ashes in August 2019, eventually ending several years later in June 2021 when New Zealand defeated India to become champions. With this success ringing in their ears, a new chapter begins as Sri Lanka and West Indies start their Pataudi Trophy exchange on 4th August 2021 to clear the way for another hotly contested World Test Championship Final.
History
Cancelled 2013 tournament
In 2009, the International Cricket Council (ICC) met with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to begin discussions surrounding a newly proposed Test match championship. Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe lead the charge of this initiative, aiming to create a tournament that would reignite audience interest in Test cricket. The idea of staging a quadrennial tournament with four semi-finals per competition was ultimately put forth by ICC Chief Executive Officer Haroon Lorgat in an attempt to bolster audience engagement. Such a tournament would come as a substitute for the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy due to be held in England and Wales, heralding in an exciting new era of international cricketing competition on the grandest stage.
The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee considered the idea of a Test Championship to be held at their meeting in Dubai back in mid-September 2010. An ICC spokesperson, Colin Gibson, mentioned that more details would come out following the meeting, and if England were chosen as the host country then Lord’s would be the likely venue for the grand finale. The resolution was passed by ICC and it was stated that 2013 would see the first edition of a Test Championship taking place in England and Wales. Details about the tournament format were also shared with the audience – although only time will tell if this new event proves to be successful.
The world of cricket is set to experience a new revolution as the 10 Test playing nations prepare for an inaugural league stage. This exciting four year competition will consist of all ten international teams, including the likes of Australia, India, England and Bangladesh. Each of these patriotic sides are hoping to finish in the top four after the league stage and move on to play-off for the grand title of Test Cricket Champions. Deciding this prestigious championship promises to be a captivating event, with supporters eagerly watching on from around the world. Although there can only be one winner at the end, fans everywhere will be sure to enjoy some memorable cricketing moments over these next few years.
The news of the 2011 postponement of the Test Championship was met with widespread criticism. Former players like Greg Chappell and Graeme Smith expressed their disappointment at what they believed to be the wrong decision by the ICC. England and Wales, the initial hosts of this championship, received the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy instead to make up for the cancellation; however, this did nothing to reduce the ire of those in displeasure at this decision. Financial problems within its board and commitment to sponsors and broadcasters were cited as reasons why this tournament would not take place until 2017. Though some people felt somewhat placated by being awarded a substitute tournament, many were still angered at what may be seen as a betrayal to Lord’s – which has been a staple of cricket for centuries – who had been expecting to host the final of this yet-to-be-held event.
Cancelled 2017 tournament
The ICC Chief Executives’ meeting in April 2012 marked a huge change for international cricket, with the announcement that the ICC Champions Trophy would be the last one to take place. This was largely due to the fact that matches of this format are universally replaced with those at the Cricket World Cup, as this tournament is widely considered to be the premier event. Furthermore, plans had been discussed to revamp and improve the structure of the 2017 ICC Test Championship which would have seen changes such as adopting a timeless test match format for the final. Despite these proposals however, it was announced in January 2014 that the creation of this new championship was cancelled and that instead, they were reinstating the ICC Champions trophy which will take place in 2017.
2019–21 tournament
The 2019 Ashes series marked the beginning of the first ever World Test Championship, which was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in July. New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the final in 2021, followed by India. The Final between these two teams took place at Rose Bowl Southampton from 18-23 June and ended with a dramatic finish on the reserve day; New Zealand emerged triumphant after an intense session and were presented with the inaugural World Test Championship trophy. This result was a testament to the strength and resilience of all players involved in this tournament, who have continued to compete despite numerous obstacles such as challenging weather conditions and unforeseen delays stemming from a global pandemic.
2021–23 Tournament
The upcoming 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship promises to be an exciting two years of test match cricket, kicking off with the five-match Pataudi Trophy between England and India and culminating with the much-anticipated Final at The Oval in June 2023. New Zealand will enter the competition as defending champions, having been victorious in last cycle’s passionate battle for the title. This edition of the World Test Championship looks set to be intense and thrilling, as two powerhouse teams compete for world cricket glory. With incredible matches along the way, this tournament is sure to captivate and entertain eager fans around the globe until June 2023 when a champion team is finally determined.
2023–25 Tournament
The upcoming 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship promises to be an exciting tournament for all cricket fans. This third edition of the Championship will kick off with a bang in June 2023 at The Ashes, when England and Australia renew their rivalry. It is scheduled to finish in 2025 with the final match taking place at the iconc Lord’s Cricket Ground. With each team playing four or six Test matches against every other team per series, the competition will truly test the skill and mental resolve of teams. As excitement builds with thrilling encounters of all nine participating nations in, it will indeed be interesting to watch the battle for supremacy in this marquee event.
India tour of Australia
India’s test match against Australia has been highly anticipated by cricket fans, and the tension only rose when the first match started on February 9. With their top players facing off, predictions have already started flooding cricket forums with fans discussing which team is more likely to win. After an intense five days, the first test match has come to an end with expectations running high for the subsequent matches. Nonetheless, both teams have certainly given their all, making it an interesting showdown between two of the best in cricket.
Now that the first match has ended, fans and experts alike are now trying to predict who will come out on top in this tour. Match comments are pouring in from all over the world, as people eagerly await who will take home the bragging rights between two of the most talented cricket teams. With an exciting tournament ahead, now is the time for cricket fans everywhere to get ready for a thrilling two years of World Test Championship competition! On paper, India is undoubtedly the favorites, with their long list of star players and impressive record in recent years. But Australia still remains a strong contender given their home advantage and experience in these conditions. Ultimately, only time will tell if India can continue their winning streak or if Australia can pull off an upset. Nevertheless, one thing is certain – this should be an enthralling series that we won’t soon forget!
ICC World Test Championship between India and Australia begins on February 9. This widely anticipated 4-match test series is sure to provide some real nail-biting moments, with the final match taking place on March 13. Both teams have been preparing intensely in the months leading up to this high stakes tournament, which promises some exciting gaming for fans of both sides. It’s set to be an explosive event and one not soon forgotten.
With both teams ready to go, experts and fans alike have started making predictions about who will come out on top. India is certainly the favorite going in, with their experienced players and impressive record in recent years. On the other hand, Australia’s home ground advantage could make for a difficult series for the visitors. Ultimately, only time will tell which team ultimately takes victory – no matter what happens, it’s sure to be an exciting matchup. ICC Live brings you all the action from the Australia vs India series, so be sure to tune in for every game and stay up-to-date with all the latest news and analysis. Catch it live now!
The ICC Live app is your go-to source for everything cricket related. With ICC Live, you can watch every ball of the Australia vs India series as well as highlights, expert commentary, player stats and more. ICC Live also provides exclusive coverage of other major tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup and many more. Download the ICC Live app today to ensure that you don’t miss a single moment of this exciting contest between two of cricket’s most successful teams!
The ICC World Test Championship is an incredible opportunity for cricket players around the globe to showcase their skills and bring out the best in themselves. It is sure to provide a thrilling experience full of nail-biting finishes, amazing display of skills and tactics, as well as sheer class from the talented cricketers. The tournament also promotes camaraderie among the teams as each team battles it out for the title of world champions. With a match-based points system, teams are challenged to remain consistent and give their best shot in order to stay at the top of the rankings. All in all, it is one of the greatest honor for any cricketer or fan alike to get a chance to be part of this prestigious competition that celebrates this great sport and its legacy.