A competition to decide the world’s best Test side was long overdue. The idea of a championship was first mooted by West Indies great Clive Lloyd in 1996, but it took years of careful discussions between relevant stakeholders and other international cricketing bodies to turn it into reality. After a lengthy consultation period and careful consideration of factors such as the international calendar, other ICC tournaments and existing commitments to broadcasters and sponsors, the first cycle of the World Test Championship began in 2021.
The second World Test Championship cycle is coming to an end this summer and the grand old ground of Lord’s will host the final once again. Australia are the defending champions after a riveting 2023 final, having ripped the mace from India’s callused grasp with an emphatic five-wicket victory over the Indians.
But a victory for South Africa in Wednesday’s final would be a more significant milestone. The Proteas are the only team to have beaten all of the top four teams in this WTC cycle, having earned a maximum of 120 points in their six series.
This was largely achieved by beating Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at home and drawing with them away. It was also helped by a series whitewash over India and a series win over England in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.