A gripping World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s between South Africa and Australia reignited global interest in Test cricket. South Africa’s five-wicket victory on Day 4, after a tense and fluctuating battle, showcased the very essence of the five-day format — where both bat and ball held sway at different stages. Yet, as thrilling as the contest was, the structure of the WTC itself is under increasing scrutiny.
The Lord’s finale had all the ingredients of classic Test cricket — seam-friendly conditions early on that saw 24 wickets tumble in two days, followed by a batsman-driven comeback. But beyond the drama, several prominent voices in the cricket world have raised concerns over the WTC’s inconsistent structure and lack of transparency.
What Former Cricketers Said?
“It’s very hard for the average cricket fan to understand who’s the best team in the world and how exactly the top two teams make it to the final,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told Sky Sports.
South Africa’s qualification despite not facing either England or Australia in the two-year cycle led to major criticism. They played only 12 Tests compared to Australia’s 19, India’s 19, and England’s 22 — raising serious questions about competitive balance.
The Issue!
The WTC standings are based on the percentage of points earned, which many argue allows for easier schedules to unfairly benefit some teams.
Even current players are left scratching their heads. “I can’t remember if I’ve ever even given any real time to be specifically thinking about the World Test Championship to be honest because it’s utterly confusing,” England captain Ben Stokes said.
The disparity stems from the freedom nations have in determining the number of Tests they play. Financial constraints also play a role, with some boards — like South Africa’s — less inclined to host long Test series due to poor commercial returns.
Former England skipper and columnist Michael Atherton also weighed in. “The fixture list is uneven; not everyone plays everyone else, and some have an easier ride than others,” he wrote in The Times. “Everyone knows the WTC in its present guise is flawed, and that solutions, with so many competing interests, are fiendishly difficult,” Atherton told Sky Sports
Next WTC Cycle
The next WTC cycle begins Tuesday with Bangladesh touring Sri Lanka. South Africa will now play 14 Tests, including long-awaited series against Australia and England — a step toward balance, but still far from a full overhaul.
