Similar to the ODI world cup and T20 world cup, ICC has long thought of a test championship tournament. Test cricket has lost its charm, especially among the youth due to the advent of franchise cricket like the IPL or the big bash league. One of the means of a revival of test cricket was the pink-ball test or the day-night test. Now as many day-night tests have been conducted, a new concept in test cricket is expected to liven up its spirit. The latest added concept is the world test championship.
It is a world cricket league-like tournament, between the top 9 test-playing nations. The nations will play both home and away test series tours among each other. Not every country needs to play against each other, but there will be a minimum number of series to be played. Even that rule was also done away with due to Covid-19 restrictions starting March 2020. Each series was to give 120 points. The number of matches to be played in a series depends entirely on the playing nations, but the points would be divided accordingly. The top two teams with the highest points collected within the time frame of the championship will qualify for a final test match. However, as a few series were cancelled due to Covid-19, the point system was adjusted to percentage point system. India and New Zealand have been at the top of the list in the first edition of the world test championship 2019-2021.
India and New Zealand have advanced to the final of the world test championship, scheduled to be held on 18th June 2021. The final is to be played at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground, Southampton. Initially, the Lord’s at London was chosen as the venue for the final, but it was changed due to some conveniences. 4000 spectators per day have been allowed in the Rose Bowl. We hope that the Indian fans and New Zealand fans living in England turn up in support of their team maintaining all Covid-19 protocols.
New Zealand has already played two test matches as a series in England a few days back, so they are familiar with the conditions. India, being at the top of the table, with number 1 ranking in world test championship, will surely give its best to win it. The match will be for 5 days from 18th to 22nd June. In case of any rain stoppage for a long duration, ICC has opted for a reserved 6th day on 23rd June to make up for the overs lost due to rain. An exciting clash awaits on 18th June 2021, starting at 10:00 am GMT, or 3:30 pm IST, or 10:00 pm NZST.
Written by – Himadri Paul