ICC World Test Championship 2019–2021: The First Cycle
The inaugural ICC World Test Championship ran from 2019 to 2021, culminating in New Zealand defeating India in the final at Southampton to become the first Test champions.
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) was the ICC's solution to giving five-day cricket a context and structure beyond individual series. The first cycle ran from August 2019 to June 2021, with nine Test nations accumulating points from series played against each other. New Zealand and India qualified for the inaugural final at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.
The Points System
In the first WTC cycle, points were awarded proportionally based on the number of matches in a series. A two-match series offered different points per match than a five-match series. Australia, India, England, and New Zealand all qualified for or challenged for the final two spots. COVID-19 disrupted several series during the cycle.
India's Route to the Final
India earned their place in the final following an outstanding series in Australia in 2020-21, winning 2-1 at the Gabba — ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten home record in Tests. That result, achieved without several first-choice players including Virat Kohli, was one of the great team performances in Test history.
The Final at Southampton
The WTC final was played over six days (with a reserve day) due to the format's importance. New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, batted consistently. Kyle Jamieson was devastating with 5 for 31 in India's first innings. India set New Zealand 139 to win; they reached 140 for 2, with Williamson's composed 52 guiding them home by eight wickets.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the first ICC World Test Championship?
New Zealand won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, defeating India by eight wickets in the final at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton in June 2021.
How were points awarded in the first WTC cycle?
Points were awarded proportionally per match based on the number of matches in a series, so each win was worth a different points value depending on series length. The system was simplified in the second cycle.