The World Test Championship was introduced in 2019 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make Test matches more exciting and meaningful. The tournament runs like a league, with teams competing in series of three or more home and away matches to determine the best team over two years. The winning team earns 12 points, a tie earns six and a loss results in no points. Teams can also be deducted points for failing to maintain their required over rate.
New Zealand shook the cricketing world by winning the inaugural 2021-2023 cycle, with a Kane Williamson-led side beating India in the final. Australia emerged as champions in the second cycle, with a Pat Cummins-led side defeating India in the final at The Oval in June 2023.
On Wednesday, England will host the third edition of the WTC final at Lord’s. The iconic venue takes over hosting duties for this final after the Rose Bowl in Southampton and The Oval were used to host previous finals in the first and second cycles of the competition.
This will be a pivotal match for both sides, with the winner claiming a significant amount of prize money and a strong claim to being considered the world’s best Test side. Australia will be keen to retain their title, having prepared for the final by playing a mix of county cricket in England and the IPL in India. South Africa, meanwhile, will be looking to prove that they deserve to be regarded as the best Test side in the world following criticism over their lack of commitment to the format and for sending many players to play T20 tournaments instead.