The World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle is the third edition of this ICC competition which features a league and final format. The top eight ranked teams will play six series with the top two teams making it to the final. It is a hugely significant tournament that will see some of the best red-ball sides in the game fight for a prestigious trophy and record prize money.
In a final where few had expected South Africa to win, as their path through the tournament was questioned by critics like Wisden’s Lawrence Booth who wrote: “The ICC cannot allow this championship to continue as if designed on the back of a fag packet,” it was the Proteas, led by calm captain Temba Bavuma, who made history with their thumping five-wicket victory over Australia at Lord’s. It was a victory that made the new pinnacle of Test cricket feel more real than ever before.
Whether it is to cement their status as the greatest side in the world, or simply to reclaim their old glories, a win for Australia will still be an occasion to savour. And they are in a good position to do so with a number of players who have prepared for this moment in a range of ways, from playing county cricket in England to boosting their fitness by training hard at home.
Each team plays six Test series – three home and three away – and are awarded points for wins (12), draws (six) and losses (0). The teams with the most points win the title.