World Test Championship: ICC's Attempt to Give Tests Context
The ICC World Test Championship gave Test cricket a league structure and a final — discover how the competition works and the teams who have won it.
Test cricket has always been played as bilateral series with no overall winner between cycles. The ICC World Test Championship, introduced in 2019, changed that — giving every series points toward a final.
How the Competition Works
Twelve Test-playing nations accumulate points from every Test match. Series are weighted by number of matches, with a percentage of available points determining standings.
The top two teams after each two-year cycle meet in a final at a neutral venue, typically Lord's in England. The winner is crowned World Test Champion.
First Cycle (2019-2021)
New Zealand became inaugural World Test Champions, beating India by eight wickets in a rain-affected final at Southampton in June 2021. New Zealand's consistency across all formats of the two-year cycle earned their place.
Second Cycle (2021-2023)
Australia won the second World Test Championship, defeating India by 209 runs at The Oval in June 2023. Pat Cummins led Australia effectively throughout, with Travis Head scoring a superb century in the final.
Frequently asked questions
Does the World Test Championship cover all Test matches?
All Tests between the twelve Full Members count in the WTC, provided they are part of a designated series. One-off Tests and matches played outside the main schedule count only if ICC designates them.
What is the prize for winning the WTC?
The winning team receives a mace trophy and prize money from the ICC. The amount has increased each cycle, with the 2023 winners receiving $1.6 million USD.