High-profile series commence new WTC cycle

Mr. Jay Shah, ICC Chair, gave his best wishes to the competing sides and had high hopes from the upcoming event.

“The third edition of the World Test Championship came to a fantastic conclusion at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa played out a classic encounter and we now look forward to the next instalment,” Shah said.

“This Championship continues to invigorate Test match cricket, and four of the nine competing nations have now reached a Final over the first three cycles.

“Bringing context for players and fans, as well as a high level of competitiveness, is key and the big turnout out at Lord’s – as well as the viewership levels across the globe – for the Final is testimony to the continued popularity of Test cricket.”

As per the previous cycles, nine teams will contest the WTC and each nation will play six other sides – three home and three away – over the course of the two-year period.

The points percentage system used in the previous two editions will determine the standings, with teams earning 12 points for a win, six for a tie and four for a draw.

Australia play 11 matches at home – including an Ashes series against England later this year and four Tests against New Zealand – and the same number away.

England play 11 Tests on their own turf and 10 on the road, visiting World Test Championship title winners South Africa for a three-Test tour in December 2026.

India will play 18 matches in this cycle, split evenly home and away, with 2021 champions New Zealand playing in 16.

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