Here comes the most important cricket match EVER

[Junaids]

This Friday's World Test Championship Final is, quite simply, the......

Most. Important. Cricket. Match. Ever.

I remember the first ICC World Cup in 1975. In the absence of a Test world championship it became the most important cricket event, but was helped by the fact that while it was a lower form of cricket, the 60 over format meant that it could reasonably claim to be a shortened version of Test cricket.

It was a bit like having a Football World Cup with 30 minute halves instead of 45 minute halves. The best teams were less certain to win, but it was still a good competition.

Over time the ICC World Cup has become devalued, with the 50 over format and massive bats and grassless wickets and fielding circles reducing it to little more than a slogfest. It's now the equivalent of a FIFA World Cup played with two fifteen minute halves followed by a penalty shootout.

But now we have a World Test Championship Final played in the highest format of the game.

I'm English. I would gladly swap my team's 50 over ICC World Cup victory in 2019 for a place in this Friday's World Test Championship Final. Being the runner-up in the Test Final would be a far bigger achievement than winning a 50 over World Cup. I look enviously at India and New Zealand now, and wish that my team was where theirs are.

If India ends up winning the WTC Final having lost in the World Cup semi-final they will have achieved more than England did in winning the ICC World Cup and coming fourth in the WTC.

I wish both India and New Zealand well. I hope they give us a sensational Final in the most important cricket match ever played.

And congratulations to them both for deservedly qualifying for it.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

I’m excited but unfortunately won’t be able to catch it live because of a hiking trip

 

[street cricketer]

While I do share your optimism and excitement that this event is likely the start of something historic in cricket, like when the Prudential '75 world cup started, what I actually think this inaugural match will be remembered for in history is why England is always the best place to play cricket in the world due its splendid weather.

 

[Junaids]

While I do share your optimism and excitement that this event is likely the start of something historic in cricket, like when the Prudential '75 world cup started, what I actually think this inaugural match will be remembered for in history is why England is always the best place to play cricket in the world due its splendid weather.

The weather forecast looks good currently, which probably favours India by meaning we are more likely to get Zak Crawley 267 style big runs.

The Reserve Day is a fantastic innovation too.

We are pretty much guaranteed 450 overs of cricket.

The forecast is for only passing showers, and Friday to Monday are all due to be cloudy and around 18 degrees.

 

[street cricketer]

The weather forecast looks good currently, which probably favours India by meaning we are more likely to get Zak Crawley 267 style big runs.

The Reserve Day is a fantastic innovation too.

We are pretty much guaranteed 450 overs of cricket.

The forecast is for only passing showers, and Friday to Monday are all due to be cloudy and around 18 degrees.

That Crawley 267 was against an inexperienced Shaheen, gentle medium pace of Abbas, Naseem Shah who should have been playing grade cricket than Test cricket, Yasir Shah who hasn't been threatening since his debut tour of England and the rest of the "attack" was Shan Masood, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq. You are not going to win many tests with that attack.

The final definitely wouldn't be a 500 run wicket. Think 350 would be par, that could come further down if there's rain. Bear in mind both attacks are very strong and the batting, particularly from the Indian side, is shaky to say the least in these conditions while the Kiwis too have guys like Latham and Taylor with vulnerabilities and Kane doesn't have a great form as well. The most probable result is that both attacks fire, but the Kiwi batting that's more disciplined than Indian batting and has some experience with the two tests prior will prevail in a low scoring affair.

 

[Junaids]

That Crawley 267 was against an inexperienced Shaheen, gentle medium pace of Abbas, Naseem Shah who should have been playing grade cricket than Test cricket, Yasir Shah who hasn't been threatening since his debut tour of England and the rest of the "attack" was Shan Masood, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq. You are not going to win many tests with that attack.

The final definitely wouldn't be a 500 run wicket. Think 350 would be par, that could come further down if there's rain. Bear in mind both attacks are very strong and the batting, particularly from the Indian side, is shaky to say the least in these conditions while the Kiwis too have guys like Latham and Taylor with vulnerabilities and Kane doesn't have a great form as well. The most probable result is that both attacks fire, but the Kiwi batting that's more disciplined than Indian batting and has some experience with the two tests prior will prevail in a low scoring affair.

I don't understand why India didn't go and play a Test in Ireland like Pakistan in 2018. We have no way of knowing how well or badly prepared they actually are.

Southampton can be a tough track to get people out on.

I think New Zealand could struggle by virtue of having nobody bowling above 135K. If it's swinging then Boult and Southee could be lethal, but if it's not, then New Zealand will be left with two lefties bowling around 132K and two 6 foot 4 right-armers both bowling at around the same speed. Their attack is better adapted to English early-summer conditions than India's, but it can get quite samey-samey if the ball isn't swinging.

 

[street cricketer]

I don't understand why India didn't go and play a Test in Ireland like Pakistan in 2018. We have no way of knowing how well or badly prepared they actually are.

Southampton can be a tough track to get people out on.

I think New Zealand could struggle by virtue of having nobody bowling above 135K. If it's swinging then Boult and Southee could be lethal, but if it's not, then New Zealand will be left with two lefties bowling around 132K and two 6 foot 4 right-armers both bowling at around the same speed. Their attack is better adapted to English early-summer conditions than India's, but it can get quite samey-samey if the ball isn't swinging.

I am aware of the handicap of the kiwi pacers on flattish conditions due to their low average pace, it was one of the main reasons why they struggled in Australia. But there's a difference though. The Duke, unlike the kookaburra, will swing through the air even if the wicket is flat. I also noticed the Dukes in the recent New Zealand's series against England behaved very similar to the 2018 batch of Dukes (used in the series against India) which had two distinct qualities.

1. The new ball didn't start swinging straight away but started swinging after around 12 overs once the lacquer went off.

2. That particular batch of Dukes had a more pronounced and tightened seam compared to the normal Duke, which as a result continued to swing and seam even till the 80 over mark and resulted in an entertaining series even if the series result itself might not have reflected that.

The wickets in the recently concluded series against NZ were pretty flat, likely as a preparation for the upcoming Ashes but the ball still moved around with England struggling against the movement produced by the kiwi pacers despite the flatness of the wicket because of the aforementioned reasons. Also Wagner is someone who takes the wickets out of the equation with his style of bowling. He isn't quick and bowls pretty much around the same pace as Boult and Southee, but he doesn't bowl too short so that he could be easily pulled at his pace. He bowls short enough at an awkward height and repeatedly targets the rib cage and arm pits of the batsmen which is difficult to both evade and pull, which is why he was successful even in Australia despite his pace. And I expect him to be effective regardless of the conditions provided he's picked.

As for why India don't play warm ups against Ireland, winning overseas tests is definitely not the primary objective of the BCCI. It definitely helps as a by product, but their primary ambition is to make money and scheduling tests with Ireland wouldn't be as financially rewarding as endlessly playing the IPL, which is why they're extending the season to make the most of the cash cow.

 

[U$ofA]

It is also important from an ICC perspective.

Will be interesting to see TV ratings for this match. Level of interest in India, NZ and for that matter the rest of the cricket world. Will determine a lot of things for the future of WTC.

Though the ICC want no part of WTC in any form or shape, they have their name on this match. They own this game and profit/loss of $$$ from this match.

We are going to have another cycle of WTC as the ICC have already announced. But if the ICC cannot make money doing this, especially with India involved, not sure how much longer the WTC will go on.

 

[street cricketer]

@Mods, this match deserves one of those poll threads to predict who would win the final. Can we have one?
[MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] [MENTION=140824]Last Monetarist[/MENTION] @OMB

 

[Mesozoic]

Would have loved it if it was timeless test.

Pretty big chance of rain playing spoilsport.

 

[Junaids]

Would have loved it if it was timeless test.

Pretty big chance of rain playing spoilsport.

It depends what time play has to be completed by each day.

The light is play-able in late June until at least 8 pm, even without floodlights. The question is what time the umpires are allowed to play until.

 

[Last Monetarist]

@Mods, this match deserves one of those poll threads to predict who would win the final. Can we have one?

[MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] [MENTION=140824]Last Monetarist[/MENTION] @OMB

Poll added.

 

[street cricketer]

Poll added.

Thanks buddy

 

[Varun]

This is an unknown quantity. It might not even last beyond 2 editions - who's to say.

The most important match so far has been the Mohali game between India and Pakistan.

 

[sindhiboy]

I am aware of the handicap of the kiwi pacers on flattish conditions due to their low average pace, it was one of the main reasons why they struggled in Australia. But there's a difference though. The Duke, unlike the kookaburra, will swing through the air even if the wicket is flat. I also noticed the Dukes in the recent New Zealand's series against England behaved very similar to the 2018 batch of Dukes (used in the series against India) which had two distinct qualities.

1. The new ball didn't start swinging straight away but started swinging after around 12 overs once the lacquer went off.

2. That particular batch of Dukes had a more pronounced and tightened seam compared to the normal Duke, which as a result continued to swing and seam even till the 80 over mark and resulted in an entertaining series even if the series result itself might not have reflected that.

The wickets in the recently concluded series against NZ were pretty flat, likely as a preparation for the upcoming Ashes but the ball still moved around with England struggling against the movement produced by the kiwi pacers despite the flatness of the wicket because of the aforementioned reasons. Also Wagner is someone who takes the wickets out of the equation with his style of bowling. He isn't quick and bowls pretty much around the same pace as Boult and Southee, but he doesn't bowl too short so that he could be easily pulled at his pace. He bowls short enough at an awkward height and repeatedly targets the rib cage and arm pits of the batsmen which is difficult to both evade and pull, which is why he was successful even in Australia despite his pace. And I expect him to be effective regardless of the conditions provided he's picked.

As for why India don't play warm ups against Ireland, winning overseas tests is definitely not the primary objective of the BCCI. It definitely helps as a by product, but their primary ambition is to make money and scheduling tests with Ireland wouldn't be as financially rewarding as endlessly playing the IPL, which is why they're extending the season to make the most of the cash cow.

Southee and Wagner had pretty good numbers in their tour to Aus. Though southee did struggle in the series against pakistan earlier this year on very flat pitches

 

[King_Kohli]

Even a draw is great achievement for us if conditions are damp.

 

[Usman]

This Friday's World Test Championship Final is, quite simply, the......

Most. Important. Cricket. Match. Ever.

I remember the first ICC World Cup in 1975. In the absence of a Test world championship it became the most important cricket event, but was helped by the fact that while it was a lower form of cricket, the 60 over format meant that it could reasonably claim to be a shortened version of Test cricket.

It was a bit like having a Football World Cup with 30 minute halves instead of 45 minute halves. The best teams were less certain to win, but it was still a good competition.

Over time the ICC World Cup has become devalued, with the 50 over format and massive bats and grassless wickets and fielding circles reducing it to little more than a slogfest. It's now the equivalent of a FIFA World Cup played with two fifteen minute halves followed by a penalty shootout.

But now we have a World Test Championship Final played in the highest format of the game.

I'm English. I would gladly swap my team's 50 over ICC World Cup victory in 2019 for a place in this Friday's World Test Championship Final. Being the runner-up in the Test Final would be a far bigger achievement than winning a 50 over World Cup. I look enviously at India and New Zealand now, and wish that my team was where theirs are.

If India ends up winning the WTC Final having lost in the World Cup semi-final they will have achieved more than England did in winning the ICC World Cup and coming fourth in the WTC.

I wish both India and New Zealand well. I hope they give us a sensational Final in the most important cricket match ever played.

And congratulations to them both for deservedly qualifying for it.

I'm a massive fan of test cricket, but I'm not sure that this is the most important match ever. Sure, this match holds much more significance than an average test match, but the most important game of cricket ever? I'd disagree.

The most important games are those that capture the minds of people across the world. That's because those games are the ones that get people into the game. People who otherwise see cricket as a boring sport. The buzz around the 2019 World Cup did that and the spectacular final was one of the most important games ever played. Not only was it a sensational game, but it got so many people into the sport.

The reality is that this World Test Championship was created to give test cricket some relevance in a world where apart from the most loyal fans like us, people aren't interested in it. Ask most people in this country and they wouldn't even know the match is happening. It's not created any noticeable buzz. It's just satisfied the broadcasters that there is some merit in continuing to bid for test cricket coverage.

It may be the most important match ever for you, but that just isn't the case for most of the rest of the World.

 

[Ab Fan]

Excited for this.

It is the most important match ever for New Zealand as this will go down as their greatest achievement if they can pull off a victory in finals but I am not sure if the same can be said about India.

The win in Australia last year is still India's greatest win, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2001 was still better than this and arguably 2011 WC was greater than this as well. I personally think this will be our 4th most important win inn last 20 years if it happens.

For New Zealand though, this is their golden chance ever because next time it may not be as easy for them to qualify to the finals and moreover, they may not get to play an Asian team in swing friendly conditions in the WTC finals either.

 

[wrongun]

I'm cheering for NZ. Fairytale result if their first trophy was the big one.

Can't wait for the game, hope it's a worthy match & whoever wins it, earns it by both teams playing great cricket.

 

[Markhor]

A WTC was something I personally wanted for a long time. Test cricket has declined in popularity for various reasons with one of them being the endless volume of context-less bilaterals and meaningless ranking points nobody cared about.

The WTC is flawed but at least now there's an event to look forward to in the shape of a final, and the winning team will get a proper crowning moment.

 

[Shazzam]

We’ll see how important this is once the we view the viewership for this one and compare it to the World Cup 50 overs.

Imo the most important match are the 50 over World Cup >>>> Twenty20 World Cup >>>>> Test Championship.

 

[Pakhs]

Not sure about the greatest game ever, The test championship is still in its infancy. But its a big game on neutral territory the weather will suit India but NZ have had extra practice.

 

[Junaids]

We’ll see how important this is once the we view the viewership for this one and compare it to the World Cup 50 overs.

Imo the most important match are the 50 over World Cup >>>> Twenty20 World Cup >>>>> Test Championship.

What does the viewership matter?

More people eat McDonalds than eat at Le Gavroche. But it doesn’t make the acne-riddled eighteen year old burger cook into the world’s greatest chef.

Things like viewership and TV revenue are totally irrelevant metrics for this match. All that matters is that we have a World Test Championship Final and champion or champions.

You just bundle up the WTC and 50 over Finals as one set of TV rights and make it clear that unless you broadcast the WTC Final you can’t broadcast the 50 over World Cup.

 

[street cricketer]

Not sure about the greatest game ever, The test championship is still in its infancy. But its a big game on neutral territory the weather will suit India but NZ have had extra practice.

It's predicted to rain nearly all five days according to the weather forecast.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Even a draw is great achievement for us if conditions are damp.

No, it won't be an achievement.
Our team plays to win.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Not sure about the greatest game ever, The test championship is still in its infancy. But its a big game on neutral territory the weather will suit India but NZ have had extra practice.

The weather will suit India? How come?

 

[redmaverik84]

Indians are traditionally bad starters to any tournament or Test series, invariably losing the first. as such in alien conditions with no match practise, I fear for them. The bowlers will hold their own but the thought of the Indians against the swinging ball is stuff for nightmares. Not a chance in hell of India winning this if it completes 450 overs.

 

[Devadwal]

Sachin tendulkar on WTC final -

I don't know when the New Zealand vs England series was decided. I'd like to believe that it was decided way in advance, way before New Zealand booked their spot in the Final. Maybe it's a coincidence. This England vs New Zealand series was not going to contribute to the WTC Final.. so maybe the WTC Final first and then this series (could have been staged).
This is excalty my thought consider that series was not a part of FTP

 

[Markhor]

It's predicted to rain nearly all five days according to the weather forecast.

Met Office is the most reliable forecast. Friday looks bad but seems okay after that.

 

[mastimasti]

The weather forecast looks good currently, which probably favours India by meaning we are more likely to get Zak Crawley 267 style big runs.

The Reserve Day is a fantastic innovation too.

We are pretty much guaranteed 450 overs of cricket.

The forecast is for only passing showers, and Friday to Monday are all due to be cloudy and around 18 degrees.

Great optimism but it clearly isn't the most important game of cricketer ever and the test championship has had a faltering start with some big big gaps to fill (certain teams refusing to play others, too many 2 test series where the minimum should be 3 and so on). However, I am very much looking forward to it, as long as the weather can hold up.

A lot of people believe overcast and seaming conditions are all NZ need but their bowlers showed they can swing the ball in bright sunshine with temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. The question now is, what will the pitch look like? Can India's top 5 score consistently enough and how much time is lost due to rain?

 

[U$ofA]

The match will also be a record of sorts. Set to be played over 5 days, will be the longest ever final for a championship.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Kudos to ICC.

It's not a dream anymore. A WTC final is actually happening and is moments away!

I don't remember looking forward to a cricket match with such enthusiasm the way i am waiting for the WTC Final. Must say i am immensely proud that India's made it to the final of the inaugural of the 1st edition, pretty much being the most dominant side so far.

Its a huge tribute to BCCI as well for prioritizing test cricket despite ample opportunities to look away and milk more money from white ball cricket, which they royally did by the way but while never compromizing a bit on test cricket.

India's now playing more test cricket than ever with the bulk of cricket being against major cricketing nations.

Guys like Pujara, Ishant have been given a lot of encouragement to focus only on test cricket and that's something very understated in my opinion.

Lastly, i am delighted that we will be facing New Zealand whom the entire Indian cricketing fraternity respects immsely. They are a great nation and have been a top side since last many years under Kane Williamson. They deserve this moment.

This is a celebration of cricket all genuine fans should join in.

May the best team wins!

 

[U$ofA]

What is the hype like in India? Is it bigger than WC or IPL final? Are a lot of people aware of this?

What about NZ? The time zone difference is not helpful I am sure.

 

[JattMaula]

What is the hype like in India? Is it bigger than WC or IPL final? Are a lot of people aware of this?

What about NZ? The time zone difference is not helpful I am sure.

Crickets fan know its happening.

Other have Covid to worry about. Anyway most Indian crickets fans have not seen a Test ever.

 

[OMB]

What is the hype like in India? Is it bigger than WC or IPL final? Are a lot of people aware of this?

What about NZ? The time zone difference is not helpful I am sure.

Afraid not but I have a very small sample base. Most of my Indian friends I speak to tend to like T20 more than a test match. and for them only one World cup matters which is the ICC ODI WC.
Hope if India wins this test, it might change the perception around Test cricket for many Indians.

 

[U$ofA]

What does the viewership matter?

More people eat McDonalds than eat at Le Gavroche. But it doesn’t make the acne-riddled eighteen year old burger cook into the world’s greatest chef.

Things like viewership and TV revenue are totally irrelevant metrics for this match. All that matters is that we have a World Test Championship Final and champion or champions.

You just bundle up the WTC and 50 over Finals as one set of TV rights and make it clear that unless you broadcast the WTC Final you can’t broadcast the 50 over World Cup.

We all live in the real world. In the real world TV viewership and revenues matter. Taking $$$ out of the equation will take us to fantasy world.

The future of WTC depends on these numbers being high/good. Without that the life of WTC will be very short.

 

[street cricketer]

Met Office is the most reliable forecast. Friday looks bad but seems okay after that.

Yeah I noticed the first day has heavy rain forecast, but tapers off as it goes.

I wonder what the right toss decision would be. Win toss and bat first, on a rainy overcast day with a lot of rain interruptions or bowl first and potentially risk batting last on a wicket which may assist the spinner.

I'm afraid India batting first might turn into the test at Lord's in 2018 when India got bundled out for 100 on a dark and overcast day with rain interruptions, and the sun shined brightly the next day.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

India will win and deserve to win but my heart is rooting for NZ for two reasons.

1. I don't like India
2. I want NZ to win something to make up for the ICC world cup debacle.

I do feel that people are overrating its importance. There isn't much hype for this game.

 

[street cricketer]

I don't think we deserve to win every competition we play, I didn't think we had any right to win the WC 2019 with a terrible middle order. But I do think in this particular WTC cycle, we have been the best side and deserve to win the cup.

I also think Australia were the 2nd best side and deserved to contest the final (that discussion is for another day), but if there was one side I wouldn't mind the team losing to in the final despite playing so well in the WTC cycle, it would always be the Kiwis. I don't think Australia would have really cared if they had won the WTC final after losing the home series against India twice in a row. But for the kiwis, them winning the cup would be sort of a karmic justice of them unfairly losing the WC final to England and would mean a lot to them, at least a lot more than what it would for Australia if they had won it.

 

[shortbread]

Has anyone checked the weather forecast, there will be rain interruptions on all days!

Classic English test, lots of waiting, early lunch and tea, umpire inspections.... in the end two captains shaking hands for a draw! What an epic final!

If this happens NZ will be unlucky.

 

[Bhaijaan]

What is the hype like in India? Is it bigger than WC or IPL final? Are a lot of people aware of this?

What about NZ? The time zone difference is not helpful I am sure.

India these days is too busy debating why muslims must be sent to concentration camps and why drinking cow urine is so great.

Cricket's importance as a national concern is at an all time low.

 

[sharmaji]

ODI world cup and T20 world cup brought new audiences to cricket, young people, women, children, families. Today, 10X more young people and families watch T20s than test matches. I doubt if World Test Championship will bring new audiences to cricket. At best, it will encourage the existing fans of test cricket, which in itself is a good thing.

 

[Babu Bhaiya]

India these days is too busy debating why muslims must be sent to concentration camps and why drinking cow urine is so great.

Cricket's importance as a national concern is at an all time low.

You must be either living in a parallel universe or among Jaahil people. Because where i live, people are busy debating COVID and its impact, availability of vaccination, sky rocketing prices of Petrol and Diesel and other daily needs, why centre is wasting money on central vista etc etc. Nobody is bothered about Muslims, Cows etc other than RSS loonies. Atleast now a lot has changed in last couple of years.

I agree with your last line though.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

ODI world cup and T20 world cup brought new audiences to cricket, young people, women, children, families. Today, 10X more young people and families watch T20s than test matches. I doubt if World Test Championship will bring new audiences to cricket. At best, it will encourage the existing fans of test cricket, which in itself is a good thing.

I didn't even know this WTC was a thing until this thread got bumped to the top of the board. Is this like those Super Champions type football finals where the top European team plays the best team in South America?

 

[JattMaula]

I didn't even know this WTC was a thing until this thread got bumped to the top of the board. Is this like those Super Champions type football finals where the top European team plays the best team in South America?

Yes. Best of Asia vs best of Oceania.

 

[in_cutter]

The weather forecast looks good currently, which probably favours India by meaning we are more likely to get Zak Crawley 267 style big runs.

The Reserve Day is a fantastic innovation too.

We are pretty much guaranteed 450 overs of cricket.

The forecast is for only passing showers, and Friday to Monday are all due to be cloudy and around 18 degrees.

90% chance of rain.

May actually be a washout.

 

[Saj]

And here's me thinking this was about QG v LQ

 

[sharmaji]

Yes, something like the Super Champions Trophy. May be not even that. There isn't much hype around WTC even among the ardent test cricket followers in India. I am sure people will tune in on the match day because everyone's working from home and it's nice to watch a live cricket match, but otherwise, there is no prestige attached to this final. I know no one cares about it in Aus and Eng. I highly doubt this WTC will carry on and build a legacy. I want it to do well in the hope that Test cricket will continue for the next generation. But numbers clearly show that the future is T20/Hundred. Weird times. Opens the debate on conservatism vs progressiveness.

I didn't even know this WTC was a thing until this thread got bumped to the top of the board. Is this like those Super Champions type football finals where the top European team plays the best team in South America?

 

[Napa]

there is no prestige attached to this final. I know no one cares about it in Aus and Eng. I highly doubt this WTC will carry on and build a legacy.

Prestige will come with time. When WI won the 1975 ODI WC, everyone still thought ODIs were a joke and not real cricket.

A WC is a WC, if ICC continues with this format for the next few cycles (say the next 20 years) it will catch on. There have been quite a few exciting Test matches in recent times, and if the final is close it will immediately become a classic.

A rain washout will be the worst thing.

 

[Junaids]

I didn't even know this WTC was a thing until this thread got bumped to the top of the board. Is this like those Super Champions type football finals where the top European team plays the best team in South America?

I would word it differently.

The IPL Final is equivalent to eating a Big Mac meal at McDonalds. It's the world's best selling meal, but you know that it's trash. But millions of people buy that $7.60 meal every day.

The 50 over ICC World Cup Final is equivalent to a nice burger meal at Five Guys. You know it's better than McDonalds, but it's more expensive so less people can afford this $12 meal.

The World Test Championship Final is the nicest normal restaurant that you can afford to take your new girlfriend to eat at. It's going to cost you close to $200 to have dinner for 2 at Ruth's Chris Steak House, but you know that it's something special. The market for it is limited but the prestige is immense.

The reason that Friday's match is so exciting but also so prestigious is because none of us care how many Aussies watch the Big Bash or how many Indians watch the IPL.

This is Ruth's Chris Steak House to their McDonalds.

I very much appreciate and admire India's two consecutive Test series victories in Australia.

But the World Test Championship Final is PRESTIGIOUS. I would give my right arm for England to be in it.

If one team wins, they are the undisputed greatest cricket team in the world.

 

[Junaids]

90% chance of rain.

May actually be a washout.

Friday is looking like a problem, but the rest of the match looks ok - the only problem is if the ground gets flooded on Friday.

It may well lead to New Zealand dropping Patel and going in with 4 quicks plus De Grandhomme.

 

[sharmaji]

There was a difference in 1975 with the ODI world cup: Purists hated it, but young people loved it. Cricket took an entirely new direction, became shorter, faster, available and approachable to more people, and brought in new and young audiences. T20 World cup did the same. But WTC is being developed to satisfy the Purists who wish to conserve and continue the tradition of test matches. But will it excite and bring in new and younger audiences?

Having said that, I sincerely hope you're right and my skepticism is proven wrong. If WTC is a success and helps tests to stay alive, then it's wonderful news for all cricket fans.

Prestige will come with time. When WI won the 1975 ODI WC, everyone still thought ODIs were a joke and not real cricket.

A WC is a WC, if ICC continues with this format for the next few cycles (say the next 20 years) it will catch on. There have been quite a few exciting Test matches in recent times, and if the final is close it will immediately become a classic.

A rain washout will be the worst thing.

 

[krikit]

This is not even the most prestigious match of this year for India. Every single match in the BG series held far more importance than a one-off match against the Kiwis played in some random country.

I doubt a single Indian cricket follower would exchange a win in the final over the win in Brisbane. I'm sure the Kiwis would also take beating Australia in Australia over this 'Championship', as would the English. Test match is all about narratives, rivalries and bragging rights and this final means nothing in the context of the game that has been going on for well over a century.

 

[Ab Fan]

This is not even the most prestigious match of this year for India. Every single match in the BG series held far more importance than a one-off match against the Kiwis played in some random country.

<B>I doubt a single Indian cricket follower would exchange a win in the final over the win in Brisbane. I'm sure the Kiwis would also take beating Australia in Australia over this 'Championship', as would the English</B>. Test match is all about narratives, rivalries and bragging rights and this final means nothing in the context of the game that has been going on for well over a century.

That's because you are basically comparing India's greatest win ever to WTC Final.

WTC Final is still prestigious and has bigger value for cricketers than a WT20 win or no.1 test ranking. For New Zealand, if they win, it will become their greatest ever win and do a lot good to Kane Williamson and his legacy.

 

[Junaids]

This is not even the most prestigious match of this year for India. Every single match in the BG series held far more importance than a one-off match against the Kiwis played in some random country.

I doubt a single Indian cricket follower would exchange a win in the final over the win in Brisbane. I'm sure the Kiwis would also take beating Australia in Australia over this 'Championship', as would the English. Test match is all about narratives, rivalries and bragging rights and this final means nothing in the context of the game that has been going on for well over a century.

Cricketers only ever valued 50 over World Cup victories because there was not a World Cup in the Higher Form of the game.

Now the 50 over and 20 over World Cups are completely worthless because there is a World Cup Final in the highest form of the game.

I'm English - I'd gladly trade our 2019 Pyjama cricket World Cup victory for second place in the World Test Championship.

 

[Junaids]

There was a difference in 1975 with the ODI world cup: Purists hated it, but young people loved it. Cricket took an entirely new direction, became shorter, faster, available and approachable to more people, and brought in new and young audiences. T20 World cup did the same. But WTC is being developed to satisfy the Purists who wish to conserve and continue the tradition of test matches. But will it excite and bring in new and younger audiences?

Having said that, I sincerely hope you're right and my skepticism is proven wrong. If WTC is a success and helps tests to stay alive, then it's wonderful news for all cricket fans.

Actually, I'm old enough to remember the 1975 World Cup.

Very few purists hated it.

Matches were played in whites with a red ball. Lunch was taken after 35 overs, and the first innings finished around 215 pm. There was then a quick change of innings and the second team batted until the Tea break.

Look at Gary Gilmour bowling against England in the 1975 Semi-Final. He had bowling figures of:

12-6-14-6


...and he bowled to a field of four slips and a gully.

In an ODI World Cup!

The whole point about the 1975, 1979 and 1983 World Cups is that they rewarded the best Test cricket.

 

[street cricketer]

There was a time when I was very passionate about world cups and bilateral and trilateral ODI tournaments. It was around the early 2000s and the 2003 WC was the world cup I loved the most. I was interested in the 2011 WC, but not as much as I was back in 2003 when beating Australia meant something. Once we reached the semis in the 2011 WC, we were expected to beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka and it didn't mean as insurmountable a task as beating Australia in those days. I wasn't interested that much either in the 2015 WC or the 2019 WC.

Gradually my interest in ODI cricket has waned and this has coincided with my increase in interest in Test cricket. I was of course interested in Test cricket right from the start, still remember Australia scoring 400 on the first day and us going on to beat them in Adelaide in '03 which set off fire crackers in the streets. But over the years I've become very passionate about Test cricket and it's why I was very concerned about the future of the WTC fearing the ICC might scrap it altogether. The current structure is by no means perfect, but the intention to conduct the WTC is right imo. Ideally I would quantify away victories higher, but it's still okay and I simply love the concept of neutral venues for the final. I think this tournament, if managed well, will gain a lot of tradition in the coming future. The world cups can be the Olympic and David cup of Tennis while the WTC can become the grand slam equivalent.

 

[Mamoon]

It indeed is, and it is a shame that it is being played by New Zealand and is being played at the Rose Bowl.

The inaugural WTC Final should have been between India and Australia or India and England or Australia and England. The venue should have been Lord’s but thanks to the pandemic, it was ruled out.

New Zealand cannot be part of the most important match in cricket history. They do not have the profile or the legacy in the game, irrespective of their current standing and how they exploited a very favorable WTC schedule.

Hopefully, justice will be served in the final and the greatest Asian Test team of all time led by the greatest Asian Test captain of all time will further enhance their legacy by lifting the inaugural WTC championship.

 

[Last Monetarist]

There was a time when I was very passionate about world cups and bilateral and trilateral ODI tournaments. It was around the early 2000s and the 2003 WC was the world cup I loved the most. I was interested in the 2011 WC, but not as much as I was back in 2003 when beating Australia meant something. Once we reached the semis in the 2011 WC, we were expected to beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka and it didn't mean as insurmountable a task as beating Australia in those days. I wasn't interested that much either in the 2015 WC or the 2019 WC.

Gradually my interest in ODI cricket has waned and this has coincided with my increase in interest in Test cricket. I was of course interested in Test cricket right from the start, still remember Australia scoring 400 on the first day and us going on to beat them in Adelaide in '03 which set off fire crackers in the streets. But over the years I've become very passionate about Test cricket and it's why I was very concerned about the future of the WTC fearing the ICC might scrap it altogether. The current structure is by no means perfect, but the intention to conduct the WTC is right imo. Ideally I would quantify away victories higher, but it's still okay and I simply love the concept of neutral venues for the final. I think this tournament, if managed well, will gain a lot of tradition in the coming future. The world cups can be the Olympic and David cup of Tennis while the WTC can become the grand slam equivalent.

I feel that the WTC format needs to be revamped to a four-year cycle for it to gain more legitimacy. Each country needs to play the other on a home and away basis, if this means India forfeiting (cheap) series points against Pakistan, so be it. The current edition is not but a start, and with the ICC committing to holding the event till 2031, I'm hopeful that there will be necessary tweaks to the format as we go along. In the long-run, the event will definitely gain more prestige the longer it gets played.

 

[Varun]

I'm English - I'd gladly trade our 2019 Pyjama cricket World Cup victory for second place in the World Test Championship.

Do you even have a rightful claim to the 2019 World Cup trophy like past World Cup winners?

 

[street cricketer]

I feel that the WTC format needs to be revamped to a four-year cycle for it to gain more legitimacy. Each country needs to play the other on a home and away basis, if this means India forfeiting (cheap) series points against Pakistan, so be it. The current edition is not but a start, and with the ICC committing to holding the event till 2031, I'm hopeful that there will be necessary tweaks to the format as we go along. In the long-run, the event will definitely gain more prestige the longer it gets played.

I don't mind a 4 year cycle for the WTC but then the final should be a best of 3 series. It's not right to decide who's the best test team of the past 4 years based on one test at say Southampton.

I also support the idea that all teams should play all teams. If it's a part of a tournament and points are at stake, then I'm pretty sure that the BCCI would allow India to play Pakistan. But this requires the ICC to stamp it foot down on the rules and that is a pipe dream.

 

[Junaids]

It indeed is, and it is a shame that it is being played by New Zealand and is being played at the Rose Bowl.

The inaugural WTC Final should have been between India and Australia or India and England or Australia and England. The venue should have been Lord’s but thanks to the pandemic, it was ruled out.

New Zealand cannot be part of the most important match in cricket history. They do not have the profile or the legacy in the game, irrespective of their current standing and how they exploited a very favorable WTC schedule.

Hopefully, justice will be served in the final and the greatest Asian Test team of all time led by the greatest Asian Test captain of all time will further enhance their legacy by lifting the inaugural WTC championship.

In terms of being legitimate finalists…

New Zealand played two World Test Championship matches against India in this cycle.

In the First Test, NZ lost 10 wickets in bowling out India twice.

In the Second Test, NZ lost 13 wickets in bowling out India twice.

India had innings scores of:

165 all out
191 all out
242 all out
124 all out.

These two teams are legitimately in the Final.

NZ won and drew their last two Test series in England.

Australia lost and drew their last two Test series in England.

NZ won and drew their last two Test series away to Pakistan in the UAE.

Australia lost and lost their last two Test series away to Pakistan in the UAE.

Except in Australian conditions, this NZ team is clearly superior to Australia.

 

[sharmaji]

Alright, I will take your word for it. Perhaps WTC might become as prestigious as the other World cups. I remain skeptical, but like I said earlier in the thread, I want WTC to be successful and test cricket to thrive.

Also, don't you think it's good for WTC that India is playing the final? If not anything, it will guarantee a large television/online audience that will encourage the authorities to continue with the tournament.

Actually, I'm old enough to remember the 1975 World Cup.

Very few purists hated it.

Matches were played in whites with a red ball. Lunch was taken after 35 overs, and the first innings finished around 215 pm. There was then a quick change of innings and the second team batted until the Tea break.

Look at Gary Gilmour bowling against England in the 1975 Semi-Final. He had bowling figures of:

12-6-14-6


...and he bowled to a field of four slips and a gully.

In an ODI World Cup!

The whole point about the 1975, 1979 and 1983 World Cups is that they rewarded the best Test cricket.

 

[U$ofA]

I would word it differently.

The IPL Final is equivalent to eating a Big Mac meal at McDonalds. It's the world's best selling meal, but you know that it's trash. But millions of people buy that $7.60 meal every day.

The 50 over ICC World Cup Final is equivalent to a nice burger meal at Five Guys. You know it's better than McDonalds, but it's more expensive so less people can afford this $12 meal.

The World Test Championship Final is the nicest normal restaurant that you can afford to take your new girlfriend to eat at. It's going to cost you close to $200 to have dinner for 2 at Ruth's Chris Steak House, but you know that it's something special. The market for it is limited but the prestige is immense.

The reason that Friday's match is so exciting but also so prestigious is because none of us care how many Aussies watch the Big Bash or how many Indians watch the IPL.

This is Ruth's Chris Steak House to their McDonalds.

I very much appreciate and admire India's two consecutive Test series victories in Australia.

But the World Test Championship Final is PRESTIGIOUS. I would give my right arm for England to be in it.

If one team wins, they are the undisputed greatest cricket team in the world.

You short changed it by picking Ruth's Chris. Picking Eleven Madison Park or Per Se would have elevated it much further!

 

[U$ofA]

That's because you are basically comparing India's greatest win ever to WTC Final.

WTC Final is still prestigious and has bigger value for cricketers than a WT20 win or no.1 test ranking. For New Zealand, if they win, it will become their greatest ever win and do a lot good to Kane Williamson and his legacy.

How do you know this? I mean we haven't even played one WTC final yet.

Who know how long this will even go on.

 

[U$ofA]

There was a time when I was very passionate about world cups and bilateral and trilateral ODI tournaments. It was around the early 2000s and the 2003 WC was the world cup I loved the most. I was interested in the 2011 WC, but not as much as I was back in 2003 when beating Australia meant something. Once we reached the semis in the 2011 WC, we were expected to beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka and it didn't mean as insurmountable a task as beating Australia in those days. I wasn't interested that much either in the 2015 WC or the 2019 WC.

Gradually my interest in ODI cricket has waned and this has coincided with my increase in interest in Test cricket. I was of course interested in Test cricket right from the start, still remember Australia scoring 400 on the first day and us going on to beat them in Adelaide in '03 which set off fire crackers in the streets. But over the years I've become very passionate about Test cricket and it's why I was very concerned about the future of the WTC fearing the ICC might scrap it altogether. The current structure is by no means perfect, but the intention to conduct the WTC is right imo. Ideally I would quantify away victories higher, but it's still okay and I simply love the concept of neutral venues for the final. I think this tournament, if managed well, will gain a lot of tradition in the coming future. The world cups can be the Olympic and David cup of Tennis while the WTC can become the grand slam equivalent.

Grand Slams have the highest prize money and the largest participation.

Here the prize money is the lowest. And forget about participation, most boards find ways to participate in less of it.

 

[U$ofA]

I feel that the WTC format needs to be revamped to a four-year cycle for it to gain more legitimacy. Each country needs to play the other on a home and away basis, if this means India forfeiting (cheap) series points against Pakistan, so be it. The current edition is not but a start, and with the ICC committing to holding the event till 2031, I'm hopeful that there will be necessary tweaks to the format as we go along. In the long-run, the event will definitely gain more prestige the longer it gets played.

First and foremost, the points system needs to be fixed. I mean a team can play another team and match is worth certain points. Then they play the same game with second team, and it will be worth different amount of points. They can play a third team and can be worth different than the previous two.

What kind of idiocy is this.

By the way, the ICC wants no part of WTC in any shape or form. They have been forced to this kicking and screaming.

 

[Ab Fan]

How do you know this? I mean we haven't even played one WTC final yet.

Who know how long this will even go on.

The schedule has already been declared and we have WTC till 2030 now. It is a huge event.

As far as WT20 is concerned, when Windies won two WT20s, still nobody rated them highly as cricket nation. England are currently considered limited overs world champions even though WI are defending WT20 champions, before that it was Australia.

As I said, WTC will easily take over WT20s and no.1 test ranking. Those two events will no longer be valued as much. When people will talk about world champions, they will refer to last ODI world cup winner and for tests, they will refer to last WTC winner.

 

[U$ofA]

The schedule has already been declared and we have WTC till 2030 now. It is a huge event.

As far as WT20 is concerned, when Windies won two WT20s, still nobody rated them highly as cricket nation. England are currently considered limited overs world champions even though WI are defending WT20 champions, before that it was Australia.

As I said, WTC will easily take over WT20s and no.1 test ranking. Those two events will no longer be valued as much. When people will talk about world champions, they will refer to last ODI world cup winner and for tests, they will refer to last WTC winner.

I don't much care for WT20's. But I do like Tests and 50 over format. But the problem with WTC is that majority of the teams only play 7 or less tests in a year. How do you gauge a champion based on this?

Tests are about longevity, perseverance, mental strength, concentration etc. This should be judged over a lot more games. Most teams get away with playing as little as possible, while there are three teams that duke it out over 13, 14 matches a year.

I would say this is unfair. All should play the same number of matches.

 

[Last Monetarist]

By the way, the ICC wants no part of WTC in any shape or form. They have been forced to this kicking and screaming.

The ICC are now contractually committed to hold the WTC final every two years till 2031. If they didn't want to host it any shape or form, they could have easily removed it from the next events cycle and made a provisional arrangement to schedule the event if necessary.

 

[sam_ahm]

Lol... This is not the most important match ever. In fact WTC needs a lot of improvement. There should be equal number of matches to start with. A more evenly distributed FTP. A relegation system, Etc.

I'm surprised that it has come from Junaids. One of the better posters.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

For me, this match is as important as a world cup final.

WTC format needs improvement, but all teams can't play equal number of matches, that's not entirely feasible.

The only thing Icc should ensure is that the minimum number of tests in a series should be three and the venue of finals should be changed every time. That's it, no other changes are required

 

[U$ofA]

The ICC are now contractually committed to hold the WTC final every two years till 2031. If they didn't want to host it any shape or form, they could have easily removed it from the next events cycle and made a provisional arrangement to schedule the event if necessary.

They dragged their feet for years on to before coming up with a half baked nonsensical rules for WTC. Also, all they have agreed to is to take responsibility for one match of the whole WTC. They want no part of anything else that happens. They have pushed that off on the boards. I have never heard of a tournament where the organizer want no part of it except the final.

Contrast this with the timeline and steps taken by ICC in setting up the T20WC.

 

[OMB]

Nonsensical or not, fact is it is World championship final in Tests and winners will be labeled as champions whether they remain No.1 or No. 2 in ICC test rankings.
It is a significant achievement and not to be shrugged off

 

[Last Monetarist]

Contrast this with the timeline and steps taken by ICC in setting up the T20WC.

The same WT20 which has not been held for more than 5 years for one reason or other. The ICC aren't a very professional body, even the initial WT20 was a quickly cobbled up affair in South Africa which was scheduled in haste with limited planning given the prevailing idea at the time that it was no more than a hit and giggle event.

 

[AMSS]

They dragged their feet for years on to before coming up with a half baked nonsensical rules for WTC. Also, all they have agreed to is to take responsibility for one match of the whole WTC. They want no part of anything else that happens. They have pushed that off on the boards. I have never heard of a tournament where the organizer want no part of it except the final.

Contrast this with the timeline and steps taken by ICC in setting up the T20WC.

ICC needed to be *seen* to be doing something about tests. Everyone knows WTC would be a flop at the cash counters. The bilaterals are still in the domain of individual boards and ICC gets no part of that, either scheduling or the money. It's just the one finale that broadcasters would not even *sniff* at if India isn't playing. At least in WT20 and ODI WC, India are guaranteed a set number of matches to stir broadcaster interest. No such thing here.

 

[U$ofA]

The same WT20 which has not been held for more than 5 years for one reason or other. The ICC aren't a very professional body, even the initial WT20 was a quickly cobbled up affair in South Africa which was scheduled in haste with limited planning given the prevailing idea at the time that it was no more than a hit and giggle event.

With WT20 the ICC want full control of everything. Especially the $$$. But with WTC they want no control and/or responsibility of anything. Especially the $$$.

Right now they are doing lot less than barely minimum for WTC.

 

[U$ofA]

ICC needed to be *seen* to be doing something about tests. Everyone knows WTC would be a flop at the cash counters. The bilaterals are still in the domain of individual boards and ICC gets no part of that, either scheduling or the money. It's just the one finale that broadcasters would not even *sniff* at if India isn't playing. At least in WT20 and ODI WC, India are guaranteed a set number of matches to stir broadcaster interest. No such thing here.

What happens if the next WTC final is SA vs. SL!!!?

 

[Last Monetarist]

With WT20 the ICC want full control of everything. Especially the $$$. But with WTC they want no control and/or responsibility of anything. Especially the $$$.

Right now they are doing lot less than barely minimum for WTC.

I totally agree with that, and that's unlikely to change till the overall broadcasting strategy of the sport - especially bilateral cricket - is restructured.

 

[krikit]

That's because you are basically comparing India's greatest win ever to WTC Final.

WTC Final is still prestigious and has bigger value for cricketers than a WT20 win or no.1 test ranking. For New Zealand, if they win, it will become their greatest ever win and do a lot good to Kane Williamson and his legacy.

That match was made special because of the occasion of beating a full strength Aussie team in their home turf. You could have the same scorecard replayed against Bangladesh and it would be forgotten the next week. Context is critical for test matches.

You can actually compare this to the T20WC. They are meaningless because of the high possibility of upsets in T20 matches . The best T20 team in the world could easily be knocked out in the league stages. Unlike an ODI WC where the teams who win are generally fully deserving of it and a cup format makes complete sense. T20's should only be played in leagues over a large pool of matches. Cups are perfect for ODI's and even a league format can work like in this WC even if no. of teams are reduced and schedule expanded.

Neither are tolerable for Tests which is why we have this abomination of a championship where a team made it to the top on the basis of minnow bashing at home. The one-off final can work in ODI's as a judge of the best team in the world, while in the Test Championship, it makes even little sense than a T20 because conditions and the toss can turn the match into an even bigger lottery. And hence the result is just as valid as as that of the T20 WC. It might hold some more value than the T20 WC and certainly for the Test-only players or for countries who haven't won an actual World Cup, but it will be soon forgotten when NZ arrive in India later this year for their ritualistic rinsing. And then they can point at their home victory over us and so on and that is the playing field for test matches. That is where the best test team in the world is determined.

At least people from all over the cricketing world would turn up to see the T20WC final because the World Cup itself is an occasion culminating in the final whereas this one-off match wouldn't even have that.