World Test Championship History: All Finals and Winners
The ICC World Test Championship was launched in 2019. New Zealand won the inaugural final in 2021; Australia won in 2023. Learn how the WTC works, the points system, and who has reached every final.
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is Test cricket's premier championship competition, launched with the 2019-21 cycle. Two teams qualify for a Lord's or Oval final at the end of each two-year cycle, based on their accumulated points from bilateral Test series. The WTC gave context to Test cricket for the first time since the sport's founding.
The Points System
Teams accumulate percentage points across Test series. Each series is worth 120 points; wins, draws, and losses in each match earn a percentage of those points. Percentage points — not raw totals — determine the standings, ensuring that teams playing more series are not inherently advantaged. Deductions apply for slow over-rates.
WTC Finals History
| Cycle | Final | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-21 | New Zealand vs India, Southampton | New Zealand | NZ won by 8 wickets |
| 2021-23 | Australia vs India, Lord's (The Oval) | Australia | Aus won by 209 runs |
| 2023-25 | South Africa vs Australia, Lord's | South Africa | SA won by 5 wickets (est.) |
Controversies and Debates
The WTC has faced criticism that its points system is complex and that the final — a single Test — does not adequately reflect two years of competition. Rain-interrupted finals (particularly the 2021 final which required a reserve day) have also drawn debate. Supporters argue it has given every Test series added meaning and increased television audiences for bilateral series.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the World Test Championship?
New Zealand won the 2021 WTC Final; Australia won the 2023 WTC Final.
How do teams qualify for the WTC Final?
The top two teams by percentage points at the end of each two-year cycle compete in the final.