INAUGURAL ICC WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP
- WHAT IS IT?
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) comprises nine countries competing in 72 tests across two years, with the aim of finding the best team in the world.
The two teams who top a points table over that period will play in a one-off World Test Championship Final in June 2021 at Lord's.
A new cycle will start immediately, so new Test champions will be crowned every two years.
- WHO IS COMPETING?
The top nine-ranked Test nations are involved: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
- WHAT IS THE FORMAT?
Over two years, each team will play three series at home and three away, ranging from two to five Tests.
There are 120 points available per series shared out equally over the number of games.
For example, a three-Test series has 40 points available per match to the winner. If the match is drawn, points are awarded on a 3:1 points ratio - so in a Test where 60 points are available for a win, a draw will earn both sides 20.
- ARE ALL MATCHES INCLUDED?
Only matches between the nine nations are included in the tournament, so any games against Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe will still have test status, but the results will not be counted in the WTC.
PA
