ICC World Test Championship 2021–2023: The Second Cycle
The second ICC World Test Championship cycle ran from 2021 to 2023, with Australia defeating India in the final at The Oval, London to claim their first WTC title.
The second ICC World Test Championship cycle ran from August 2021 to June 2023. The points system was simplified — each Test win earned a fixed percentage of available points rather than varying by series length. Australia and India qualified for the final, which was played at The Oval, London in June 2023.
The Simplified Points System
After criticism of the first cycle's complex proportional points system, the ICC adopted a simpler approach for 2021-2023: each win earned 12 points and a draw earned 4, regardless of series length. This made the standings clearer and gave equal value to every Test match in the cycle.
Key Series in the Cycle
Australia defeated England 4-0 in the 2021-22 Ashes in Australia. India went through the cycle strongly, winning at home against New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. South Africa beat Australia in a series that temporarily disrupted Australia's path to the final. England under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum adopted their attacking 'Bazball' approach in 2022, winning series against multiple opponents.
Australia and India Qualify
Australia qualified comfortably through their Ashes win and strong home performances. India secured their place despite losing the home series to Australia in 2023. The two most powerful Test nations met at The Oval for the second successive WTC final involving India.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualified for the 2023 WTC final?
Australia and India qualified for the 2021-23 World Test Championship final, which was played at The Oval, London in June 2023.
How was the points system different in the second WTC cycle?
Each win earned a fixed 12 points regardless of series length, replacing the proportional system from the first cycle — making standings easier to follow and giving every Test equal value.