India and New Zealand confirmed as finalist for the World Test Championship [Post#552]

[Markhor]

Here we are at last after years of discussion and false starts. In a bid to bring context and relevance to the longest format, the ICC Test Championship begins on August 1st with the Ashes.

The Test Championship will see the top nine teams play six series each, three at home and three away, over a two year cycle. The top two teams will face each other in the inaugural final at Lord's in June 2021. If the final is drawn or tied (yeah like that could happen !), the team that finished top of the table will be declared the winner.

The points system is as follows - each series has a maximum of 120 points up for grabs to ensure those playing fewer Tests aren't disadvantaged. To put an end to dead rubbers, points will be gained per match not per series. The points weighting is show below.

Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe will not be part of the tournament.

Format: https://www.cricket.com.au/news/icc-...ide/2019-07-19

Points System:


Fixtures:

India

July-August 2019: 2 Tests v West Indies (A)
October-November 2019: 3 Tests v South Africa (H)
November 2019: 2 Tests v Bangladesh (H)

February 2020: 2 Tests v New Zealand (A)
December 2020: 4 Tests v Australia (A)
January-February 2021: 5 Tests v England (H)

England

July-August 2019: 5 Tests v Australia (H)
December 2019-January 2020: 4 Tests v South Africa (A)
March 2020: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka (A)

June-July 2020: 3 Tests v West Indies (H)
July-August 2020: 3 Tests v Pakistan (H)
January-February 2021: 5 Tests v India (A)

Australia

July-August-September 2019: 5 Tests v England (A)
November 2019: 2 Tests v Pakistan (H)
December 2019-January 2020: 3 Tests v New Zealand (H)

February 2020: 2 Tests v Bangladesh (A)
November-December 2020: 4 Tests v India (H)
February-March 2021: 3 Tests v South Africa (A)

South Africa

October 2019: 3 Tests v India (A)
December 2019-January 2020: 4 Tests v England (H)
July-August 2020: 2 Tests v West Indies (A)

January 2021: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka (H)
January-February 2021: 2 Tests v Pakistan (A)
February-March 2021: 3 Tests v Australia (H)

New Zealand

July-August 2019: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka (A)
December 2019-January 2020: 3 Tests v Australia (A)
February 2020: 2 Tests v India (H)

August-September 2020: 2 Tests v Bangladesh (A)
November-December 2020: 3 Tests v West Indies (H)
December 2020: 2 Tests v Pakistan (H)

Sri Lanka

July-August 2019: 2 Tests v New Zealand (H)
October 2019: 2 Tests v Pakistan (A)
March-April 2020: 2 Tests v England (H)

July-August 2020: 3 Tests v Bangladesh (H)
January 2021: 2 Tests v South Africa (A)
February-March 2021: 2 Tests v West Indies (A)

Pakistan

October 2019: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka (H)
November-December 2019: 2 Tests v Australia (A)
January-February 2020: 2 Tests v Bangladesh (H)

July-August 2020: 3 Tests v England (A)
December 2020: 2 Tests v New Zealand (A)
January-February 2021: 2 Tests v South Africa (H)

Bangladesh

November 2019: 3 Tests v India (A)
January-February 2020: 2 Tests v Pakistan (A)
February 2020: 2 Tests v Australia (H)

July-August 2020: 3 Tests v Sri Lanka (A)
August-September 2020: 2 Tests v New Zealand (H)
January-February 2021: 3 Tests v Windies (H)

West Indies

July-August 2019: 2 Tests v India (H)
June-July 2020: 3 Tests v England (A)
July-August 2020: 2 Tests v South Africa (H)

November-December 2020: 3 Tests v New Zealand (A)
January-February 2021: 3 Tests v Bangladesh (A)
February-March 2021: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka (H)

My prediction is an India-New Zealand final.

[HappyWarsFan]

Pakistan prediction:

WIN 1-0 vs SL (H)
LOSE 1-0 vs AUS (A)
WIN 2-0 vs BAN (H)
DRAW 1-1 vs ENG (A)
WIN 1-0 vs NZ (A)
WIN 2-0 vs SA (H)

Very optimistic but I know but our new board and Wasim Khan seem to really care about tests. If we invest in the right players and groom the right youngsters over the next 2 years it's possible.

[shah_1]

What if the team 2nd, 3rd and 4th team in the table have the same number of points?

[Abdullah]

I like this- but no credits for winning away?

[RehanG]

I like this- but no credits for winning away?

exactly, and it encourages the teams to play less matches in a series as that will they will gain more points (if win)

[sweep_shot]

This points table is the only way to ensure Test cricket's future. It makes Test more attractive. Good job, ICC.

[Markhor]

exactly, and it encourages the teams to play less matches in a series as that will they will gain more points (if win)

The thing I dislike is that teams don't play an equal number of Tests home and away.

Pakistan plays 6 home Tests and 7 away Tests but for Sri Lanka it's the reverse.

[ElRaja]

The thing I dislike is that teams don't play an equal number of Tests home and away.

Pakistan plays 6 home Tests and 7 away Tests but for Sri Lanka it's the reverse.

the whole scheduling is a joke, but its forced India to select its best team for a test series against wi a few weeks after the world cup

if giving test series increased relevance was the objective, its doing that imo.

[WhenSultansBowled]

Pakistan

October 2019: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka (H)
November-December 2019: 2 Tests v Australia (A)
January-February 2020: 2 Tests v Bangladesh (H)

July-August 2020: 3 Tests v England (A)
December 2020: 2 Tests v New Zealand (A)
January-February 2021: 2 Tests v South Africa (H)

It will be a hard test championship for us.

Abbas and Shah are our key players.

If Amir and Shaheen can win us 1 game each then maybe... maybe we end up on top side of table.

Well done ICC. I am sure there are many flaws and absurdities but at least it is finally starting

[Mueez]

First things first.

We need to ensure that we get 120 points from the SRL series.

After that try to win one game in Australia.

[Sunny_majoka]

Teams playing fewer tests has more chances of being at top of the ladder

[Dios]

It's a pretty ridiculous format. It becomes a farce when teams are not playing the same number of games. And how is who plays whom decided?

Why not just a league system where everyone plays everyone once home and away over two years? Or even just include Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland and make two groups of six?

Series like the Ashes should be kept out of this as they already have context. They can be played outside of the Championship.

With that being said it is a step in the right direction though.

[shah_1]

@Markhor I again ask what if A and B have same number of points?

On what basis who is going to be on top? Head to Head?

[Markhor]

@Markhor I again ask what if A and B have same number of points?

On what basis who is going to be on top? Head to Head?

Boundary count.

Honestly, I don't know as ICC haven't released all the information yet.

[Xoib]

I think on equal points they will look at away record to break the tie breaker if that is also equal then head to head

[Aman]

NZ to beat England at Lords on leg byes with the ball deflecting off Neesham's bat for 6 runs in the last over of day 5 to tie the game.

[Omer2002]

I dont agree we getting 2 TESTS and yet all the big boys are having three TESTS plus series...

[Aman]

I dont agree we getting 2 TESTS and yet all the big boys are having three TESTS plus series...

The others don't really want to play more than 2 because they lose money/make little from playing Test cricket.

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Why does a team get more points for winning a 2 test match series (60 points) than a 5 test match series (24 points)? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Its ridiculous that everyone isn't playing everyone (apart from maybe India-Pakistan). It isn't really a test championship if everyone isn't playing everyone. And there are way too many useless 2-test match series. Most/all of them should be replaced with 3-test match series.

[Pakhs]

I dont know what kind of championship it really is, Not all teams play each other and the number of games are not consistent either. Its a bit of a Joke.

[austerlitz]

Let the war begin.

[shah_1]

Why does a team get more points for winning a 2 test match series (60 points) than a 5 test match series (24 points)? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Points per match

[nextover666666]

Wouldn't it make sense if each series consisted of the same number of matches for the test championship and every team should play each other I think if you do a 3 test with every team it's do able in the 2 year time span

[hitthestump]

Thankfully test cricket is stepping in the right direction, but lol there's still so much inequality in this system. Hopefully we can put it down to teething problems and in future championships they'll be sorted out.

[someone21]

It's nothing new, it's the simplied rankings system with additional of a "grand" final. It's going to be the same boring, and selfish cricket which is the test cricket format...

[aloo paratha]

For the next one they need to change it to all series are 3 matches in length. If you want a series more than 3 matches, you can but only the first 3 matches count in the championship.

[HitWicket]

For the next one they need to change it to all series are 3 matches in length. If you want a series more than 3 matches, you can but only the first 3 matches count in the championship.

What's the issue with the points system in place for this one? The whole point is to make every match meaningful, not just some matches.

[HGhazanfar]

Imagine an India Pakistan final

[HGhazanfar]

We should go with

Shan Masood
Ahmed Shehzad
Azhar Ali C
Babar Azam
M RIzwan WK
Asad Shafique
Iftikhar Ahmed
Yasir Shah
Shaheen Afridi
Wahab Riaz
Mir Hamza

Rotate bowlers like M Musa and M Hasnain (when he is ready), M Amir (in England and New Zealand)

[DrSchultz]

Minimum test series should be set at 3 tests otherwise boards like PCB are even ready to play a single test + 7 t20Is.

[USofA]

Whatever the Test Championship is or isn't, one thing is for sure. It is going to be the longest "tournament"/Championship in the history of sports. Not to mention the longest final of a championship with the match set for five days.

Has to be a record.

[Markhor]

Its ridiculous that everyone isn't playing everyone (apart from maybe India-Pakistan). It isn't really a test championship if everyone isn't playing everyone. And there are way too many useless 2-test match series. Most/all of them should be replaced with 3-test match series.

Apparently ICC argued if everyone did play everyone then the competition would take too long especially given the schedule is already cramped with all these T20 leagues.

Also India refuses to play Pakistan. Hence every team plays six series each.

Sethi is an idiot for negotiating this schedule of 3 home Test series consisting of just 2 Tests each. It leaves us no margin for error. Meanwhile New Zealand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have 7 Tests at home in WTC.

[imranq]

You get more points for winning a 2 test series? Am I right?

If true, why wouldn't all teams wants to play 2-test series?

[Markhor]

You get more points for winning a 2 test series? Am I right?

If true, why wouldn't all teams wants to play 2-test series?

No. As mentioned in the OP, teams are playing for a share of 120 points in a series.

That table you see is HOW the points will be distributed depending on series length.

[gazza619]

Yay so Pakistan tours England next year again. Look forward.

[Bilal Ahmad15]

During the AUS-PAK test series in UAE last year, didn't Ehsan Mani say that Pakistan shouldn't be playing two test match series? If yes, I don't understand why he isn't making the effort to change all these 2 test match series into 3 + test match series, its very annoying to see Pakistan tour Australia for only two test matches!! (and a few t20's)

[Xoib]

During the AUS-PAK test series in UAE last year, didn't Ehsan Mani say that Pakistan shouldn't be playing two test match series? If yes, I don't understand why he isn't making the effort to change all these 2 test match series into 3 + test match series, its very annoying to see Pakistan tour Australia for only two test matches!! (and a few t20's)

Good. I am sick of pakistan making a fool of it self in Aus and Sa especially Pakistan does not deserve 3 test series in these 2 countries till we start drawing games there

[battler]

The final if drawn or tied will be awarded to the team which finishes on top of the table is a bit of a bummer for me.
The whole point of the final is to decide the winner basis that match and not what happened before. Should just keep playing till we get an outright winner. Hopefully we get a spicy pitch so that a result is never in doubt.

[Balthazar]

The teams playing lengthy series will be at disadvantage. It's easier to win a series by 2-0 than 4-0 or 5-0. There are no excuses for minnows.

[sensible-indian-fan]

Is this a joke?

ICC are idiots man.

I am done with this nonsense.

[sensible-indian-fan]

If the final is drawn or tied (yeah like that could happen !), the team that finished top of the table will be declared the winner.

So if we get a patta in Lord's then the finals will be a flop.

Finals should have been best of 3.

You MORONS.

[battler]

So if we get a patta in Lord's then the finals will be a flop.

Finals should have been best of 3.

You MORONS.

Or worse if the match is rained out

[jeeteshssaxena]

So if we get a patta in Lord's then the finals will be a flop.

Finals should have been best of 3.

You MORONS.

Best of 3?
3 matches or 3 teams?
Bcoz even if the final is a 3 match series draw will still be a possibility.

[jeeteshssaxena]

Or worse if the match is rained out

They"ll surely have reserve days.

[jeeteshssaxena]

The decision of giving equal points to series of different lengths is really good.

Lets say if pakistan wins 2-0 against eng and we draw 2-2 against Australia then its only fair to award them more points.

In order to break ties in point table something similar to net runrate should be introduced so that there is a difference b/w a team losing by 2 runs and the other losing by an innings.

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council has today, Monday 29 July 2019, officially launched the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC).

Getting underway on 1 August 2019, the WTC will see the top nine Test teams in the world – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies – compete in 71 Test matches across 27 series, played over two years; with the top two teams contesting the ICC World Test Championship Final in June 2021 (to be played in the UK) and the winners crowned ICC World Test Champions.

Comments Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager - Cricket Operations: “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this summer showed just how important it is for every game to count and for the world’s best teams to go head-to-head. The World Test Championship will bring relevance and context to bilateral Test cricket over the next two years, creating a pinnacle event for the five-day format, just as the World Cups for men and women do in the ODI and T20I formats.”

“Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport,” said England’s leading test wicket taker, James Anderson. “It is the very essence of cricket and the majority of players want to strive to play the purist form of the game. The ICC World Test Championship is another brilliant initiative for the sport, adding context and relevance to every Test series. Every Test matters, but even more so now.”

“We are awaiting the ICC World Test Championship with great enthusiasm as it adds context to the longest format of the game,” said India’s skipper, Virat Kohli. “Test cricket is very challenging and coming out on top in the traditional form is always highly satisfying. The Indian team has done really well in recent years and will be fancying its chances in the championship.”

“The World Test Championship is a fantastic initiative,” said Australia Test captain Tim Paine. “We love playing Test cricket, it’s the pinnacle for us, remains hugely popular in Australia and we’re fortunate that it enjoys great support at home among players, the media and the public. To wear the baggy green is the ultimate for all Australian cricketers and if the World Test Championship helps to ensure that all countries make Tests a high priority then that has to be good news for the game in general and the continuing health of the format in particular.”

With points available for every single game, each team will play three home and three away series. Each series counts for 120 points, distributed over the number of matches in a series. For example, a two- match series will mean 60 points for each Test while a three-match series will give 40 points to each Test match. A tie will be 50% of the points available, whilst a draw will be a 3:1 points ratio.

Organised by Member Boards, the matches will be played just like any bilateral series, but with the added context of a competition and one champion team. Opponents were scheduled by collective agreement of the competing Members, with a number of the fixtures already committed within existing Member rights agreements.

The number of matches in each series can vary between a minimum of two matches, to a maximum of five matches. The first cycle of the WTC consists of only five-day matches and will include day-night matches, subject to bilateral and mutual agreement between the opponents. Only matches identified as part of the WTC will count towards the championship.

The ICC is responsible for the competition terms and the conduct of cricket, by way of providing match officials and ensuring matches are played as per the laws of the game. The ICC is also responsible for delivery of the ICC World Test Championship final.

[MenInG]

Cricket Australia has welcomed the introduction of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), which begins on August 1 with the Australian men’s team playing England in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

The World Test Championship was announced by the International Cricket Council in 2018 to ascribe context to bi-lateral Test series between the top nine full member nations – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Each of the nine teams will play six of the eight possible opponents across a two-year period, with three series at home and three series away. A total of 120 points are available within each series.

Australia will play home series against Pakistan, New Zealand (2019-20) and India (2020-21) as well as away series in England (2019), Bangladesh (2020) and South Africa (2021).

The two teams who accrue the most points as of April 30, 2021 will play the World Test Championship Final in the UK in June, 2021.

Players from all teams will wear names and numbers on the back of their Test uniforms, with the ICC implementing the initiative to help cricket fans around the world better connect with players.

Kevin Roberts, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, said:

“Cricket has had World Cups in the one-day format since 1975 and the Twenty20 format since 2007. Test cricket now has its own pinnacle event - the World Test Championship. After two years of intense competition in the World Test Championship, the two nations that qualify for the final in 2021 will truly deserve it. We’re excited that it all starts with the Ashes Test at Edgbaston on August 1.”

"It’s really positive that points will be awarded for each match in the World Test Championship. For players and fans, there will be more riding on every Test and there won’t be any dead rubbers towards the end of Test series.”

Tim Paine, Australian Men's Test captain, said:

“The World Test Championship is a fantastic initiative. We love playing Test cricket, it’s the pinnacle for us, remains hugely popular in Australia and we’re fortunate that it enjoys great support at home among players, the media and the public.”

“To wear the baggy green is the ultimate for all Australian cricketers and if the World Test Championship helps to ensure that all countries make Tests a high priority then that has to be good news for the game in general and the continuing health of the format in particular.”

In total, the World Test Championship will feature 71 Test matches and 27 series across two years.
Series can consist of either two, three, four or five Test matches, with points adjusted accordingly.

Test matches involving Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland will not accrue points.

Points can be accrued during day-night Test matches if mutually agreed between the two teams.

Australia and England will have a maximum of 24 points available per Test in the inaugural Test match for World Test Championship points.

[Abdullah719]

The 2019 Specsavers Ashes series will have more than the historic urn resting on the outcome, with the inaugural ICC World Test Championship beginning at Edgbaston on 1 August.

For the first time in Test cricket, points are on offer for the winner of each match in a series, meaning there’s something to play for even after a series has been decided.

On Monday 29 July, all nine participating nations are celebrating the launch of the World Test Championship, which sees 72 matches contested between August 2019 and June 2021.

Each Test series offers 120 points, split equally among each of the matches, with points on offer for winning or drawing the match. Each nation will play six series in the two-year competition, with the final held in June 2021 between the top two nations in the table.

Following the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, England’s World Test Championship fixtures see them play Australia, West Indies and Pakistan at home and South Africa, Sri Lanka and India on the road.

On the launch of the ICC World Test Championship, Ashley Giles, Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, said: “For many, Test match cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. It’s great to see the World Test Championship introduced to add an extra element of competition.

“We obviously always go into a Test match with the intention of winning, but it will be very interesting to see how the dynamic of matches and series changes with points on the line, especially as qualification for the final gets closer.

“We’re all looking forward to another exciting Specsavers Ashes series against Australia and hope not only to bring the urn back home, but also to get off to a strong start in the World Test Championship.”

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Test match cricket remains a key priority for the ECB. We continue to be committed to developing a thriving first-class game in England and Wales by £450m into the county network to help develop the next generation of England Test stars.

“There is an unrivalled support for Test cricket in the UK, as shown by the sold-out Specsavers Ashes series against Australia and the incredible travelling support the England team gets on overseas tours.

“So, what better way to start the World Test Championships than with the Ashes? An historic rivalry that transcends traditional international interests and captures the attention of cricket fans across the world.”

[Markhor]

If the final is tied or drawn, the two teams will be joint winners.

[Chokli]

If the final is tied or drawn, the two teams will be joint winners.

No boundary count tie breaker?

[sindhiboy]

No boundary count tie breaker?

maybe a bhangra dance competition will determine the winner if the match ends up a draw

[Aman]

The ICC showing their incompetence again.

It doesn't seem fair, there's a good chance you don't get the best two teams playing the final because of the difference in the level of competition each team faces.

Also, why one Test to decide the series? It would be better to have a best of 3 series. One home, one away and one at a neutral venue? Or H, A then the third to decided by ranking.

Make it an actual spectacle series to look forward to like the NBA Finals.

[Shutdown Corner]

The ICC showing their incompetence again.

It doesn't seem fair, there's a good chance you don't get the best two teams playing the final because of the difference in the level of competition each team faces.

Also, why one Test to decide the series? It would be better to have a best of 3 series. One home, one away and one at a neutral venue? Or H, A then the third to decided by ranking.

Make it an actual spectacle series to look forward to like the NBA Finals.

This is far better than what we had before.

The ICC is a largely useless organization because it caters to or is controlled by 2-3 powerful members. So lets just be thankful there is a WTC to begin with.

In the future editions, hopefully the flaws will be reduced further if not eliminated.

And there are really only 2 major flaws:

1) A true league should have all teams play all other teams, no ands ifs or buts.
2) A 3 match finals series to decide the champion

Other ideas could be a playoffs involving the top 4 or 6 sides to make it even more interesting.

[MenInG]

FAF RELISHING THE PROSPECT OF ICC WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Standard Bank Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis is relishing the prospect of competing in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship which is poised to get underway on August 1, 2019.

The new format will present an exciting challenge for Du Plessis and his men, and it is something the skipper is looking forward to as the Proteas begin their bid to become the ICC World Test Champions with a thrilling task of playing away from home against No. 1 ranked India as they look to defend the Freedom Trophy.

“The ICC Test Championship is something new and quite exciting for this format,” commented Du Plessis. “For the last while we have longed to have something to play for that gives proper context to Test cricket. The Proteas have had some cracking contests in bilateral series over the last couple of years, and going forward, the stakes are high because every series matters over a period of two years with it culminating in a Final at Lord’s.

“It’s refreshing; as the players we are looking forward to this new chapter of Test cricket,” says the Proteas skipper.

“We have a tough assignment to start with against India away playing for the Freedom series. We beat them at home last season but playing against India in India is probably one of the toughest challenges for an international player. We then have the current World Champions England at home, this is always a cracker of a series during our summer and one that we look forward to. We probably have the toughest start, but everyone will play everyone, so it doesn’t really matter.”

The World Test Championship will be the World Cup of Test cricket, similar to the ODI and T20 World Cups, and will feature the world’s top nine Test playing nations. Over the next two years the world’s best will work their way through the Championship to get to the top. Two nations will rise above the rest and in June 2021, the true champion of Test cricket will be named. Each team will play six of the other eight teams over the next two years. Every victory, every loss and every draw will count in the league standings.

Du Plessis, who has an impressive record as Proteas captain is pleased with the new format as it will go a long way in preserving the culture of Test cricket and inspire the generation of young players.

“I feel Test cricket is in a healthy state. The players who play all three formats will attest to the fact that Test cricket is the purest format of the game and it is still the No.1 format. The younger generation may enjoy the hustle and bustle of T20 cricket but when a Test match goes down to the final hour on the fifth day, that entertainment is hard to beat!”

The home series for the Proteas will see them take on England at home in December and January for the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy as part of the Test Championship. Cricket fans can see them live all over South Africa from 26 December to 16 February 2020 with the opening Test match on 26 - 30 December at SuperSport Park followed by the New Year’s Day Test on 03 - 07 January at PPC Newlands. The 3rd Test will be at St George’s Park between 16 - 20 January and the finale will be back on the highveld at the Bidvest Wanderers 24 - 28 January.

[Red Devil]

Wait, so if we beat Sri Lanka twice, we get 120 points, but if Australia win two games in the Ashes, they only get 48?

I like this.

[Hasan123]

NZ to beat England at Lords on leg byes with the ball deflecting off Neesham's bat for 6 runs in the last over of day 5 to tie the game.

Oh quit crying.

If the final is drawn or tied the team on top of the rankings will win the championship.

[Hasan123]

Format doesn’t look perfect but at least their is context now to test cricket. I really hope we can get to the final. We haven’t achieved much in test cricket since Imran was captain.

Hopefully changes can be made for the next tournament. But it’s a start.

[Markhor]

What if the team 2nd, 3rd and 4th team in the table have the same number of points?

ICC have announced playing conditions for WTC. The side with more series wins will finish higher.

[Roaring40s]

Its a pathetic format. They should have required at least a 3 test series to make it count. Its a league FGS not a knockout tournament. Now any minnow level team can top this with one good series against a top team + winning most matches at home.

Surprisingly, this format is stacked against Big 3 who are all playing multiple long series for not many points.

[Markhor]

Teams will be docked two points for every over that is not bowled after the completion of the scheduled time.

[shah_1]

ICC have announced playing conditions for WTC. The side with more series wins will finish higher.

Can you post all those conditions?

[Markhor]

Can you post all those conditions?

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_...s?platform=amp

[shah_1]

ICC have announced playing conditions for WTC. The side with more series wins will finish higher.

Even that is equal then it will be decided based on runs-per-wicket ratio - defined as runs scored per wicket lost, divided by runs conceded per wicket taken.


Much better than NRR

[Aman]

Oh quit crying.

If the final is drawn or tied the team on top of the rankings will win the championship.

Don't act like you wouldn't be talking about this for years. I've already moved on from it.

On your point of the final being drawn - THAT'S STILL AN AWFUL WAY TO DECIDE A WINNER.

How difficult is it to continue playing until there is a winner, or better yet do a 3 match series and make it a spectacle.

[HappyWarsFan]

Format doesn’t look perfect but at least their is context now to test cricket. I really hope we can get to the final. We haven’t achieved much in test cricket since Imran was captain.

Hopefully changes can be made for the next tournament. But it’s a start.

We did ok under Misbah too.

[pak4life]

Just like the test ranking it's a flawed system when no team plays the same number of matches. ICC need to grow a pair and start setting the itinerary.

Each country should play play 4 series of 3 test matches a year and in two years every team would have played 24 tests and against each other team home and away.


There should be no 2 4 or 5 test series otherwise its a flawed system.

[Hasan123]

Don't act like you wouldn't be talking about this for years. I've already moved on from it.

On your point of the final being drawn - THAT'S STILL AN AWFUL WAY TO DECIDE A WINNER.

How difficult is it to continue playing until there is a winner, or better yet do a 3 match series and make it a spectacle.

I wanted New Zealand to win as much as you did and I have already moved on.

Well it's just the first time this is being done. Was never going to be perfect.

You know the rules now so cant cry at least.

[MenInG]

Galle - New Zealand start their world Test Championship campaign against Sri Lanka on Wednesday and captain Kane Williamson said that vying for a place in a world final will add to the competitive edge in future series.

Williamson's side return to cricket action in Galle exactly a month after their cruel World Cup defeat by England, with the Kiwi skipper welcoming the addition of a new potential title.

After several delays, the world championship was finally launched at the end of last month. The world's top nine ranked teams will compete over two years for a place in the final at Lord's.

"It's a welcome addition to the Test format, bringing that context into every Test match that you play," Williamson told reporters.

"Every time you play any team it's very, competitive, but now there's that added carrot where in two years time everyone is vying for an opportunity to play in a Test Championship final, which will be a really exciting thing to be a part of."

New Zealand are currently ranked No 2 in Tests and a 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka will help them claim top spot from India.

"If that happens, that would be great. The thing with rankings is that they fluctuate throughout a season, and are purely a reaction to the cricket that you're playing," said Williamson.

"For us, we're just focused on the cricket because that gives us the best chance of success. We're looking forward to the challenge here against Sri Lanka."

The tourists' hopes could be hit by bad weather as rain is predicted on the first two days of the Galle match.

Neither team could train on Tuesday because of rain.

"In the 10 or 12 days we've been here, about eight of them have been rained out. It's just one of those things that you try and prepare mentally as best as you can," said Williamson.

On paper, New Zealand are the stronger side having two players each in the rankings for top bowlers and batsmen.

None of the Sri Lankan players feature in the top ten bowling or batting rankings.

Sri Lanka will be looking to build upon their improvement since Dimuth Karunaratne took the captaincy in February and they became the first Asian nation to win a Test series in South Africa.

"We did our basics right in South Africa and that's the reason why we won. We are in a good position now and we are excited to play tomorrow," said Karunaratne.

"What I have done is to give freedom to all players and they have gone onto express themselves with their performances," he said.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/wi...clash-20190813

[MenInG]

Not sure as this isnt the same as a 3 week tournament! Not sure if adding the word Test Championship will suddenly increase ticket sales.

[aloo paratha]

Not sure as this isnt the same as a 3 week tournament! Not sure if adding the word Test Championship will suddenly increase ticket sales.

Only day night tests will increase ticket sales.

[MenInG]

Excellent start to the championship

Ashes and SLvNZ series both excellent contests

[MenInG]

So England's victory makes it more interesting....

[Mr.jain]

Its joke of point system

Rather have each match reward same points and not consider result of series ,that will make each match something to be serious about and also won't make fuss over having advantage on playing 2 match series over 5match series (for winners)

What i see here is kinda same repeat of previous ranking system with just fighting to grab top2 spots

From an international board its a joke of arrangement

[MenInG]

Latest points after India's victory in 1st Test vs WI

[MenInG]

Latest standings after completion of all 3 Tests

[irfan]

I don't understand the above table, shouldn't SL be on 60 points and England on 32?

[subbu]

I don't understand the above table, shouldn't SL be on 60 points and England on 32?

Yes srilanka 60 points, England 32 points

[Abdullah719]

I don't understand the above table, shouldn't SL be on 60 points and England on 32?

Indeed, that's a mistake from ICC.

[MenInG]

Latest Standings