The World Test Championship aims to add context to bilateral test matches, much like the World Cup finals in ODI and T20 cricket. By assigning a value to each series within the framework of the competition, it encourages competitiveness and ensures that every match counts. But it has come under heavy fire for its perceived inequitable nature, allowing South Africa to qualify for the final without competing against either Australia or England.
As explained by Lawrence Booth, Wisden’s editor, the more games a nation plays in a cycle, the greater its chances of being ranked higher. As such, richer nations such as Australia and England are pushed to play five-Test series against each other in order to maintain a high ranking but these games are often difficult for them to win. Meanwhile, smaller nations that play two-Test series receive less interest and profit but also face fewer fixture fatigue problems.
The inaugural WTC cycle concluded with New Zealand winning the final at the Oval in 2021, but Australia’s failure to qualify has been blasted by many including captain Pat Cummins. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said the selection of England to host the next three WTC finals was “a tribute to the passion that fans in this country and around the world have for this precious format”.
The tournament includes all full members of the ICC, except Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe who will not participate. A new system of points deductions for slow over-rates was introduced at the start of this cycle, with teams being deducted one point per over if they are behind their required rate at the end of each innings. This was criticised as a move to maximise profits at the expense of developing the game and protecting test matches against inferior opposition.