The World Test Championship is a competition for the best team in Test cricket, organized by the International Cricket Council. It features league games and a final, with the winners being awarded the Test mace. It was introduced in 2019 and is played under a points percentage system, with 12 points for a win, 6 for a tie, and 4 for a loss.
The 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle featured a high-stakes final between South Africa and Australia at the “home of cricket”, Lord’s. The Proteas won the match to clinch their first WTC title and end a 27-year wait. Aiden Markram’s unbeaten century and a strong partnership between captain Siya Kolisi and first Black captain Temba Bavuma were key to the victory.
Despite the jubilation in South Africa, some questioned their performance in the league phase of the WTC. The Proteas were criticized for not playing a full schedule of tests in England and for neglecting other formats to focus on T20 tournaments, including the Big Bash and Indian Premier League. They also played four series in less than five weeks, which is unusual for a modern Test side. Nevertheless, South Africa won the last eight of their nine tests to qualify for the final, including wins against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a draw against Pakistan. They also benefited from the pitch at Lord’s, which was favourable for spinners like Noman Ali, who took 10 wickets in both innings.