The World Test Championship is a bid to give context to the bilateral series that make up the bulk of test cricket. Each nation plays six series, three of which are in their home country and three away, over two years. Wins, losses, and draws are awarded points and teams can be penalized for slow over rates. The competition has provoked interest, though the steps towards qualification are as uneven as the Sabina Park pitch that caused England team physios to run out multiple times with buckets of Polyfilla in 1998.
South Africa, led by their first black captain and the game’s best batsman, Temba Bavuma, have ridden on an emotional wave of success that started when they beat Sri Lanka at home to qualify for the final. Despite criticism that they had an easy ride to the showpiece, the Proteas won eight straight tests in 2023-25 and are now ranked fourth in the world.
The final, which takes place this week at Lord’s, will showcase Australia and South Africa’s contrasting styles of play on a pitch that is expected to be dry. There has been plenty of hype around the match and record prize money is at stake, but there are a number of issues that critics have raised in advance of it.
England’s history with the game, infrastructure and fan engagement was a factor in its selection to host the 2025 final. The ECB’s successful hosting of the previous two WTC finals at The Oval and Lord’s also played a role.
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