The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is a competition designed to find the best team in Test cricket. This league lasts for two years and includes specific Test series. The top two teams at the end of the league qualify for the final.
What is the ICC World Test Championship (WTC)?
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is a two-year league aimed at determining the champion in Test cricket. The ICC selects which Test series are included in this cycle. The top two teams in the league standings earn a spot in the final.
The WTC is similar to other championships organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), such as the ODI and T20 World Cups. It adds meaning to each match since teams compete for points to improve their standings in the ICC rankings, making matches more focused on results.
The idea for the WTC was first proposed in 2009 but was abandoned due to logistical issues. It was reintroduced in 2017, allowing the top nine Test-playing nations to compete in a league format.
The inaugural WTC cycle took place from 2019 to 2021, featuring 61 Test matches among nine teams. In the final, India faced New Zealand, with New Zealand winning by 8 wickets in Southampton, England. This victory marked New Zealand’s first ICC trophy since 2000. The WTC winner receives a Test Mace and prize money of $1.8 million.
How Many Teams Compete in the World Test Championship (WTC)?
A total of nine teams participate in the WTC: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
How Are WTC Points Calculated?
The ICC introduced a new point system during the COVID-19 pandemic, changing from a series-based points system to a percentage of points system (PCT). The PCT reflects the percentage of points earned out of the total available points. Teams earn 12 points for each win, 6 points for a tied match, and 4 points for a drawn match.
Not all teams play the same number of Test matches during a WTC cycle; each team competes in six WTC series, with three at home and three away.
The WTC Final features Australia and India, the top two teams in the points table. India previously played in the 2021 WTC Final against New Zealand, losing by 8 wickets. This year marks India’s second qualification for the WTC final, finishing second in the standings. Australia topped the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship standings with 11 wins, five draws, and three losses, totaling 152 points and a PCT of 66.67. India secured 127 points with 10 wins, three draws, and five losses, resulting in a PCT of 58.8.
WTC Points Table (2021-2023)
Position
Team
PCT (%)
Points
1
Australia
66.67
152
2
India
58.80
127
3
South Africa
55.56
100
4
England
46.97
124
5
Sri Lanka
44.44
64
6
New Zealand
38.46
60
7
Pakistan
38.10
64
8
West Indies
34.62
54
9
Bangladesh
11.11
16
Where Will the WTC Final 2023 Take Place?
The WTC Final will be held at The Oval in London from June 7 to June 11, 2023, with a reserve day on June 12. The final for the 2025 edition will be at Lord’s.
Who Are the Players in the WTC Final 2023?
Both Australia and India have named their squads for the WTC Final. Pat Cummins will lead Australia, while Rohit Sharma will captain India.
Any changes to the squad must be approved by the Event Technical Committee.
What Is the Prize Money for the WTC 2023?
The total prize pool for the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 is $3.8 million, the same as in the previous cycle. The winner of the WTC Final will receive $1.6 million, while the runner-up will get $800,000.
All nine participating teams will benefit from the prize pool. South Africa, ranked third, will receive $400,000. England and Sri Lanka, ranked fourth and fifth, will get $350,000 and $200,000, respectively. The remaining teams will each receive $100,000.
