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World Test Championship: 2021-2023
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Bilal Ahmad15
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So its gonna be an Australia vs India Final?
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Latest WTC23 Standings after India's win against Australia in the 1st Test
dravidthewall
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Latest WTC23 Standings after India's win against Australia in the 1st Test
By any means india vs srilanka final possible?
JattMaula
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Yes. 4-0 win for us and 2-0 win for SL in NZ.
Front Foot Pull
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for that AUS should lose all 4 in BGT and SL should win 2-0 in nz.
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As the race to the ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval gathers pace, India claimed a significant innings victory over Australia on Saturday to strengthen their claim for a spot in the Ultimate Test on 7 June.
As two years of intense competition approaches its conclusion in the weeks to come, the longest format continues to create unrivalled drama, and the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy leaves the door open for a dramatic climax.
With the top two teams in the ICC World Test Championship standings securing a place in June’s Final, the victory in Nagpur sees Rohit Sharma’s men widen the gap between themselves and the chasing nations with a percentage of 61.67. Consequently, Australia’s defeat sees their tally drop to 70.83%, however they remain top of the table.
As a result of India’s win, the number of teams that can mathematically qualify for the World Test Championship Final now becomes four. England and the West Indies drop out of contention, no longer able to reach the percentage required to break into the top two.
Among the two other remaining contenders besides Australia and India, Sri Lanka are the next placed team in the standings on 53.33%, and they have their sights firmly set on their series in New Zealand next month, where they will need to win both encounters to stand a chance of featuring in June’s contest.
South Africa sit in fourth, yet their 48.72% sees them needing not only a whitewash victory over the visiting West Indies, but favourable results elsewhere to give them any hope of taking to the field on 7 June.
Attention now turns to the next fixture in the World Test Championship calendar, the second India-Australia Test where there is still everything to play for. Another victory for India would see them all but ensure their qualification, while Australia only need to avoid defeat to confirm their place in the Ultimate Test at The Oval on 7 June.
With more tension and excitement expected in the coming weeks, the ICC World Test Championship Final will undoubtedly present us with another absorbing encounter, where the victors will raise the illustrious ICC World Test Championship Mace, and write themselves into the annals of this historical format of the game.
ICC
As two years of intense competition approaches its conclusion in the weeks to come, the longest format continues to create unrivalled drama, and the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy leaves the door open for a dramatic climax.
With the top two teams in the ICC World Test Championship standings securing a place in June’s Final, the victory in Nagpur sees Rohit Sharma’s men widen the gap between themselves and the chasing nations with a percentage of 61.67. Consequently, Australia’s defeat sees their tally drop to 70.83%, however they remain top of the table.
As a result of India’s win, the number of teams that can mathematically qualify for the World Test Championship Final now becomes four. England and the West Indies drop out of contention, no longer able to reach the percentage required to break into the top two.
Among the two other remaining contenders besides Australia and India, Sri Lanka are the next placed team in the standings on 53.33%, and they have their sights firmly set on their series in New Zealand next month, where they will need to win both encounters to stand a chance of featuring in June’s contest.
South Africa sit in fourth, yet their 48.72% sees them needing not only a whitewash victory over the visiting West Indies, but favourable results elsewhere to give them any hope of taking to the field on 7 June.
Attention now turns to the next fixture in the World Test Championship calendar, the second India-Australia Test where there is still everything to play for. Another victory for India would see them all but ensure their qualification, while Australia only need to avoid defeat to confirm their place in the Ultimate Test at The Oval on 7 June.
With more tension and excitement expected in the coming weeks, the ICC World Test Championship Final will undoubtedly present us with another absorbing encounter, where the victors will raise the illustrious ICC World Test Championship Mace, and write themselves into the annals of this historical format of the game.
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Australia’s innings defeat to India in the first Test in Nagpur has further extended their wait to confirm a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final.
India have taken a giant stride towards securing their spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final, completing a dominant innings and 132-run win in the first of four home Tests against Australia in Nagpur on Saturday, 11 February.
The result means the gulf between Australia, the top-placed team in the WTC points table currently and second-placed India has been narrowed, with the two rivals currently standing at a points percentage of 70.83% and 61.67% respectively.
India’s win has also knocked England and the West Indies out of contention for a final spot, with Sri Lanka and South Africa, who are placed third and fourth respectively in the points table, still in with a chance.
First - Australia - 70.83% of possible points
Remaining series: India (away, three of four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 75.43%
Despite Australia’s defeat in the first Test against India, they are still the frontrunners to be the first team to lock a spot in the WTC final. Even in case of a defeat in all four Tests, they would still finish the cycle with a points percentage of 59.64%, provided no points are lost on the over-rate penalty, which will then leave them relying on the results for the two-match series between New Zealand and the third-placed Sri Lanka that commences next week.
A win in any of the next three Tests would help Australia to a minimum points percentage of 64.91%, while a draw would help them finish at 61.40% (provided there are no points lost on over-rate), still enough for them to make it to the final ahead of Sri Lanka, who can at best finish at 61.11%.
Second - India - 61.67% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (home, three of four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 68.06%
India’s win in the first Test against Australia has helped them move closer to a second consecutive WTC final. The inaugural edition runners-up need two more wins from the remaining three Tests in the ongoing series against Australia to guarantee themselves a minimum points percentage of 62.50%, which would knock the third-placed Sri Lanka out of the race.
A defeat in each of the next three Tests or any other possible combination of results will leave them relying on New Zealand vs Sri Lanka series results.
Virat Kohli scored another half-century in Adelaide to help hold India's innings together against England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final.
Third - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 61.11%
Sri Lanka’s chances of a top-two finish have taken a major hit following India’s win in Nagpur.
Just one series remains for them - a two-Test trip to New Zealand in March - where they have won just twice in 19 attempts.
Maximum points in New Zealand would take them to 61.1%, meaning they'll realistically be hoping Australia can overturn India in the next three Tests to open up that second spot. Sri Lanka would want Australia to go undefeated in at least two of the next three Tests - even a 2-0 win to India would take them to 60.64% - which can be bettered by Sri Lanka if they sweep New Zealand 2-0.
The drawn results however, seem highly unlikely between India and Australia, given the high-octane rivalry between the two sides and the playing conditions expected to be on offer throughout the series.
Fourth - South Africa - 48.72% of possible points
Remaining series: West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 55.55%
At the start of the Test series in Australia in December-January, South Africa were in the top two of the World Test Championship standings. A winless Australia tour later, they now find themselves fourth in the table.
South Africa do have the luxury of two matches at home against the West Indies in February and March, but even a sweep in that series may not be enough depending on Sri Lanka’s performance in New Zealand and the result of the India v Australia series.
India’s win against Australia in the first Test has somewhat dented their chances further, and another win for the hosts in the series will knock South Africa out of the race.
Fifth - England - 46.97% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: None
Best possible percentage finish: 46.97%
While England are one of the form teams of the current World Test Championship period, poor results earlier had already put their qualification chances virtually non-existent at the start of the ongoing India vs Australia series.
India’s win on Saturday has now officially knocked them out, with their percentage finish of 46.97% with the completion of all their matches in the cycle not enough for a top-two finish.
The 3-0 series win in Pakistan and England’s stunning home form under Ben Stokes’ tutelage means they will surely be one of the favourites heading into the next World Test Championship period.
Sixth - West Indies - 40.91% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: South Africa (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 50%
West Indies, with just two Tests remaining in the cycle - on their South Africa tour beginning February 28 - had their eyes on other results to go their way, but India’s win in Nagpur has put them mathematically out of the race.
India will finish at a minimum points percentage of 51.38%, should they lose the remaining three Tests, which is still better than the maximum West Indies can achieve if they defeat the Proteas.
Seventh - Pakistan - 38.1% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: None
Best possible percentage finish: 38.1%
With a draw in both Tests of the series against New Zealand in Karachi, Pakistan are no longer in contention to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
An ordinary run of Tests at home, where Pakistan did not win a single Test in the entire WTC cycle, cost them a place in the final.
Eighth - New Zealand - 27.27% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 38.46%
While New Zealand still have two Tests remaining this period, they won't be able to defend the World Test Championship mace they won at Lord's last year.
They could put the final nail in the coffin of Sri Lanka during their upcoming series.
Ninth - Bangladesh - 11.11 % of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: Nil
Best possible percentage finish: 11.11 %
It's been a very disappointing campaign for Bangladesh, with the Asian side all but certain to finish at the bottom of the standings.
ICC
India have taken a giant stride towards securing their spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final, completing a dominant innings and 132-run win in the first of four home Tests against Australia in Nagpur on Saturday, 11 February.
The result means the gulf between Australia, the top-placed team in the WTC points table currently and second-placed India has been narrowed, with the two rivals currently standing at a points percentage of 70.83% and 61.67% respectively.
India’s win has also knocked England and the West Indies out of contention for a final spot, with Sri Lanka and South Africa, who are placed third and fourth respectively in the points table, still in with a chance.
First - Australia - 70.83% of possible points
Remaining series: India (away, three of four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 75.43%
Despite Australia’s defeat in the first Test against India, they are still the frontrunners to be the first team to lock a spot in the WTC final. Even in case of a defeat in all four Tests, they would still finish the cycle with a points percentage of 59.64%, provided no points are lost on the over-rate penalty, which will then leave them relying on the results for the two-match series between New Zealand and the third-placed Sri Lanka that commences next week.
A win in any of the next three Tests would help Australia to a minimum points percentage of 64.91%, while a draw would help them finish at 61.40% (provided there are no points lost on over-rate), still enough for them to make it to the final ahead of Sri Lanka, who can at best finish at 61.11%.
Second - India - 61.67% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (home, three of four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 68.06%
India’s win in the first Test against Australia has helped them move closer to a second consecutive WTC final. The inaugural edition runners-up need two more wins from the remaining three Tests in the ongoing series against Australia to guarantee themselves a minimum points percentage of 62.50%, which would knock the third-placed Sri Lanka out of the race.
A defeat in each of the next three Tests or any other possible combination of results will leave them relying on New Zealand vs Sri Lanka series results.
Virat Kohli scored another half-century in Adelaide to help hold India's innings together against England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final.
Third - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 61.11%
Sri Lanka’s chances of a top-two finish have taken a major hit following India’s win in Nagpur.
Just one series remains for them - a two-Test trip to New Zealand in March - where they have won just twice in 19 attempts.
Maximum points in New Zealand would take them to 61.1%, meaning they'll realistically be hoping Australia can overturn India in the next three Tests to open up that second spot. Sri Lanka would want Australia to go undefeated in at least two of the next three Tests - even a 2-0 win to India would take them to 60.64% - which can be bettered by Sri Lanka if they sweep New Zealand 2-0.
The drawn results however, seem highly unlikely between India and Australia, given the high-octane rivalry between the two sides and the playing conditions expected to be on offer throughout the series.
Fourth - South Africa - 48.72% of possible points
Remaining series: West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 55.55%
At the start of the Test series in Australia in December-January, South Africa were in the top two of the World Test Championship standings. A winless Australia tour later, they now find themselves fourth in the table.
South Africa do have the luxury of two matches at home against the West Indies in February and March, but even a sweep in that series may not be enough depending on Sri Lanka’s performance in New Zealand and the result of the India v Australia series.
India’s win against Australia in the first Test has somewhat dented their chances further, and another win for the hosts in the series will knock South Africa out of the race.
Fifth - England - 46.97% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: None
Best possible percentage finish: 46.97%
While England are one of the form teams of the current World Test Championship period, poor results earlier had already put their qualification chances virtually non-existent at the start of the ongoing India vs Australia series.
India’s win on Saturday has now officially knocked them out, with their percentage finish of 46.97% with the completion of all their matches in the cycle not enough for a top-two finish.
The 3-0 series win in Pakistan and England’s stunning home form under Ben Stokes’ tutelage means they will surely be one of the favourites heading into the next World Test Championship period.
Sixth - West Indies - 40.91% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: South Africa (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 50%
West Indies, with just two Tests remaining in the cycle - on their South Africa tour beginning February 28 - had their eyes on other results to go their way, but India’s win in Nagpur has put them mathematically out of the race.
India will finish at a minimum points percentage of 51.38%, should they lose the remaining three Tests, which is still better than the maximum West Indies can achieve if they defeat the Proteas.
Seventh - Pakistan - 38.1% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: None
Best possible percentage finish: 38.1%
With a draw in both Tests of the series against New Zealand in Karachi, Pakistan are no longer in contention to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
An ordinary run of Tests at home, where Pakistan did not win a single Test in the entire WTC cycle, cost them a place in the final.
Eighth - New Zealand - 27.27% of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 38.46%
While New Zealand still have two Tests remaining this period, they won't be able to defend the World Test Championship mace they won at Lord's last year.
They could put the final nail in the coffin of Sri Lanka during their upcoming series.
Ninth - Bangladesh - 11.11 % of possible points (out of contention)
Remaining series: Nil
Best possible percentage finish: 11.11 %
It's been a very disappointing campaign for Bangladesh, with the Asian side all but certain to finish at the bottom of the standings.
ICC
dravidthewall
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Thanks. India vs Srilanka final means i would say india will win.But against australia it's tough
dravidthewall
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Thanks
JattMaula
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Tough but doable. NZ and England themselves would have been harder to beat considering early summer conditions at oval.
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India's emphatic victory over Australia in the second Test in Delhi has had major ramifications on the race to reach this year's ICC World Test Championship final.
The easy win saw India improve to a win-percentage of 64.06 percent, but their place in June's decider at The Oval is still not locked in as they can still be overtaken by Sri Lanka should results go against them.
The race for the final is now down to three sides, with South Africa ruled out of reaching the final following India's triumph in Delhi.
The highest South Africa can rise to is 55 percent, which is less than the lowest amount that India can finish on.
While Australia are in the box seat to reach the final, they are not quite over the line yet either.
Pat Cummins side can qualify by avoiding a 4-0 whitewash to India, while they still may qualify for the final should Sri Lanka fail to beat New Zealand 2-0 in their upcoming Test series.
The easy win saw India improve to a win-percentage of 64.06 percent, but their place in June's decider at The Oval is still not locked in as they can still be overtaken by Sri Lanka should results go against them.
The race for the final is now down to three sides, with South Africa ruled out of reaching the final following India's triumph in Delhi.
The highest South Africa can rise to is 55 percent, which is less than the lowest amount that India can finish on.
While Australia are in the box seat to reach the final, they are not quite over the line yet either.
Pat Cummins side can qualify by avoiding a 4-0 whitewash to India, while they still may qualify for the final should Sri Lanka fail to beat New Zealand 2-0 in their upcoming Test series.
hoshiarpurexpress
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India are through to the WTC final, unless they don't win either of the last two Tests, and if SL win 2-0 in NZ. If the series result in NZ is anything other than 2-0 for SL, then India are through even if they lose the last two to Aus
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NEW DELHI: This year’s World Test Championship (WTC) final will again be a party without hosts, leaving England fans wishing their team’s ‘Bazball’ revolution had been sparked a little earlier.
Two years after losing to New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final in Southampton, India are on the verge of sealing a spot in June’s title decider at The Oval.
India, who have taken an emphatic 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, need one more victory to secure their place, while avoiding a 4-0 whitewash would punch a ticket for Pat Cummins and his men.
Should either of them fail in their pursuits, only Sri Lanka have an outside chance of gatecrashing the party, but they must triumph 2-0 in New Zealand in March before even dreaming of making the final.
England’s mathematical chance of making the final were snuffed out after India hammered Australia inside three days in Nagpur earlier this month.
Reuters
Two years after losing to New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final in Southampton, India are on the verge of sealing a spot in June’s title decider at The Oval.
India, who have taken an emphatic 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, need one more victory to secure their place, while avoiding a 4-0 whitewash would punch a ticket for Pat Cummins and his men.
Should either of them fail in their pursuits, only Sri Lanka have an outside chance of gatecrashing the party, but they must triumph 2-0 in New Zealand in March before even dreaming of making the final.
England’s mathematical chance of making the final were snuffed out after India hammered Australia inside three days in Nagpur earlier this month.
Reuters
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After New Zealand's 1-run win against England
JattMaula
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After New Zealand's 1-run win against England
I believe that series wasn't a part of WTC.
Yep
Eng tour of NZ is not part of WTC 2021-23 Cycle
Eng have finnished all their fixtures in this cycle
NZ only has two tests left against SL
Both ENG and NZ are out of contention for Finals
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ustralia's convincing nine-wicket triumph over India in the third Test has helped them book a place at this year's ICC World Test Championship Final, but just who joins them in the decider remains wide open.
India v Australia, 3rd Test Scorecard
Australia have been the dominant side during this World Test Championship period (2021-23), with Pat Cummins' side having won 11 of the 18 Tests they have featured in.
Their latest triumph came on the back of a superb bowling performance from veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who collected 11 wickets for the match to more than make up for the unexpected absence of Cummins due to family reasons.
While batting collapses for Australia throughout the series might have made for a nervy run chase, especially after Usman Khawaja fell for a duck in the second innings, Travis Head (49*) and Marnus Labuschagne (28*) steered them to the stirring win.
That victory has helped Australia amass an impressive 68.52 of their possible WTC points and that means they will finish the current period in first place on the World Test Championship standings regardless of the result in the final Test of their ongoing series against India.
While India hold on to second place on the standings with 60.29 of their possible WTC points and are in the box seat to qualify for the one-off Test at The Oval in June, they can still be overtaken by Sri Lanka should results go against Rohit Sharma's side over the coming weeks.
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Latest WTC standings after South Africa's 2-0 Test series win
Latest WTC standings after South Africa's 2-0 Test series win
I think loosing or draw is same for India in ongoing test match as srilanka required win by 2-0 margin to topple India from second position ..I am not seeing any effort from India to win this match ...
On a day of high Test drama, India sealed their place at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 by virtue of Sri Lanka’s dramatic last-over defeat against New Zealand and a drawn final Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, confirming a mouth-watering Australia-India matchup for the Ultimate Test at the Oval from 7 to 11 June, plus a reserve day.
Before the day’s play, Sri Lanka needed to bowl out New Zealand and hope that India failed to win in Ahmedabad to remain contenders for a spot in June’s showdown, however a thrilling climax in Christchurch saw an inspired Kane Williamson guide the hosts to chase down 285 for victory with two wickets to spare amid dramatic scenes.
In Ahmedabad, Australia’s batting resistance frustrated the hosts on the final day, with the match ending in a draw following five days of intense battle where batters on both sides scored big in an attempt to seize the upper hand.
The draw meant the Rohit Sharma-led India won the Border-Gavaskar series 2-1, and sees them conclude their World Test Championship campaign on 58.80%, ensuring their passage through to a second successive appearance in the Ultimate Test.
Sri Lanka’s loss leaves them unable to qualify for the Final with a current tally of 48.48%. Even a victory in the second Test against New Zealand at Wellington will not be enough to see them break into the top two of the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Australia had confirmed their qualification ten days ago thanks to their nine-wicket win in the Indore Test, and the draw helps them end the two-year Test competition in top spot. The Wellington Test is the last fixture in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle with the Ultimate Test set to be the crowning glory for Australia or India.
India will be aiming to go one-better than the result two years ago at The Hampshire Bowl, Southampton where New Zealand won the inaugural edition thanks to a scintillating eight-wicket victory. The Ultimate Test also provides India another chance of grabbing an elusive ICC trophy (across formats) for the first time in 10 years, the Asian cricketing powerhouse last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma said: “We are delighted to qualify for our second successive World Test Championship Final. We have played some outstanding cricket both home and away in the last two years and I am proud of my team and their unwavering commitment to success in Test cricket which is one of the main reasons for our qualification.
“We will soon turn our focus on the Ultimate Test at The Oval which is one of the most iconic Test venues in the world. Australia will definitely come hard at us in the final and it should make for an enthralling contest that will be enjoyed by five-day cricket fans from around the world.
“India have always enjoyed excellent support in England and I am confident that we will have a big turnout of Indian fans from 7 June once we begin our quest for the ICC World Test Championship Mace, we are determined to win the championship and improve on our performance at Southampton two years ago.”
The Ultimate Test will be a unique occasion for The Oval as this will be the first neutral Test (not involving England) to be staged at the historic venue which has hosted 104 Tests, including the first-ever Test to be played in England - 1880.
Before the day’s play, Sri Lanka needed to bowl out New Zealand and hope that India failed to win in Ahmedabad to remain contenders for a spot in June’s showdown, however a thrilling climax in Christchurch saw an inspired Kane Williamson guide the hosts to chase down 285 for victory with two wickets to spare amid dramatic scenes.
In Ahmedabad, Australia’s batting resistance frustrated the hosts on the final day, with the match ending in a draw following five days of intense battle where batters on both sides scored big in an attempt to seize the upper hand.
The draw meant the Rohit Sharma-led India won the Border-Gavaskar series 2-1, and sees them conclude their World Test Championship campaign on 58.80%, ensuring their passage through to a second successive appearance in the Ultimate Test.
Sri Lanka’s loss leaves them unable to qualify for the Final with a current tally of 48.48%. Even a victory in the second Test against New Zealand at Wellington will not be enough to see them break into the top two of the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Australia had confirmed their qualification ten days ago thanks to their nine-wicket win in the Indore Test, and the draw helps them end the two-year Test competition in top spot. The Wellington Test is the last fixture in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle with the Ultimate Test set to be the crowning glory for Australia or India.
India will be aiming to go one-better than the result two years ago at The Hampshire Bowl, Southampton where New Zealand won the inaugural edition thanks to a scintillating eight-wicket victory. The Ultimate Test also provides India another chance of grabbing an elusive ICC trophy (across formats) for the first time in 10 years, the Asian cricketing powerhouse last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma said: “We are delighted to qualify for our second successive World Test Championship Final. We have played some outstanding cricket both home and away in the last two years and I am proud of my team and their unwavering commitment to success in Test cricket which is one of the main reasons for our qualification.
“We will soon turn our focus on the Ultimate Test at The Oval which is one of the most iconic Test venues in the world. Australia will definitely come hard at us in the final and it should make for an enthralling contest that will be enjoyed by five-day cricket fans from around the world.
“India have always enjoyed excellent support in England and I am confident that we will have a big turnout of Indian fans from 7 June once we begin our quest for the ICC World Test Championship Mace, we are determined to win the championship and improve on our performance at Southampton two years ago.”
The Ultimate Test will be a unique occasion for The Oval as this will be the first neutral Test (not involving England) to be staged at the historic venue which has hosted 104 Tests, including the first-ever Test to be played in England - 1880.
Sidilicious
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Is there a simulation to see the results had Pakistan won 2-1 against Aus and England last year?
sweep_shot
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Australia-India in the final. Should be a good game.
Aussies are favorites though. I think they should win it and become the first team to win all ICC titles (CT, ODI World Cup, World T20, and WTC).
Aussies are favorites though. I think they should win it and become the first team to win all ICC titles (CT, ODI World Cup, World T20, and WTC).
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Final WTC standings after NZ's 2-0 Test series win over SL
Front Foot Pull
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PAK had the easiest home/away schedule this cycle and they've absolutely messed it up with 0 home wins, brilliant.
Let me bump this in case people have missed this.
Pakistan had the most favourable WTC cycle with the top teams at home, and relatively easier away tours, yet finished 7th.
Thank you Babar Azam. I look forward to see more "below the belt" captaincy moves in the next cycle. But at least he won the Garry Sobers Award eh ?
Pakistan had the most favourable WTC cycle with the top teams at home, and relatively easier away tours, yet finished 7th.
Thank you Babar Azam. I look forward to see more "below the belt" captaincy moves in the next cycle. But at least he won the Garry Sobers Award eh ?
sweep_shot
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Indeed.
I thought Pakistan would go to final when I first saw their schedules. They had home series against England, NZ, and Australia. One away series in West Indies. 3 out of 4 of these should've been won.
Opportunity missed.
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Pakistan's WTC performance should go down as historically shameful, considering how favourable the schedule was for us to potentially reach the final. What a waste.
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- 218,111
With the league stage of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 drawing to a close, we take a look at the highest scores that individual batters notched in this cycle of the tournament.
The ICC World Test Championship has seen batters plunder the runs with eight double hundreds and a few near misses across the 2021-23 cycle, while India and Australia will hope to add to that tally when they meet in the final at the Oval from June 7.
As in the WTC 2019-21 cycle, New Zealand's Kane Williamson made two double hundreds and this time was the only batter to reach the milestone multiple times.
But it is a New Zealand teammate that tops the list of highest scores in the cycle, as we look at the batters that made the top 10 individual totals with only the WTC final still to come.
Tom Latham
252 v Bangladesh, Christchurch, 2022
Stand-in skipper Latham compiled a fantastic 252 against Bangladesh in the Test that was Ross Taylor's final international in whites.
New Zealand scored at more than four runs per over in the first innings while making a mammoth 521, with Latham leading the way with 34 fours and two sixes in his double ton
Kane Williamson
215 v Sri Lanka, Wellington, 2023
Williamson ended this WTC cycle with a second double century, matching his efforts from the first cycle and ensuring the right-hander has reached the mark more times in WTC matches than any other batter.
The former skipper's 215 against Sri Lanka came in the final match of the league stage of this cycle, as Williamson partnered with another double centurion in Henry Nicholls in a 363-run stand. The pair helped New Zealand build an imposing first innings total of 580/4 to set up their victory by an innings and 58 runs.
Dinesh Chandimal
206* v Australia, Galle, 2022
Chandimal became the first Sri Lankan to make a double century against Australia in Tests as he notched 206* to set up a victory by an innings and 39 runs in the second match of the series.
The right-hander hit 15 boundaries and five sixes from the 326 balls he faced in the first innings, as Sri Lanka compiled 554 for their highest Test score against Australia.
Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand
204 v West Indies, Perth, 2022
Labuschagne and teammate Steve Smith tormented the West Indies as they both compiled double hundreds while coming together for a 251-run stand in the first innings of the first Test of the series.
Australia notched up a huge total of 598/4 but Labuschagne backed up his first innings efforts with another ton (104*) in the second innings to walk away with the Player of the Match award.
Steve Smith
200* v West Indies, Perth, 2022
Smith stated that he was in his best form for six years before the first Test against the West Indies and went on to make a flawless double ton from 311 balls.
The former Australia skipper equalled Sir Donald Bradman's tally of 29 centuries with this spectacular knock.
Kane Williamson
200* v Pakistan, Karachi, 2022
Williamson led New Zealand's fightback after Pakistan had put 438 on board, smashing a patient and unbeaten double hundred off 395 balls to help his side take a first innings lead.
This knock was Williamson's first double hundred in the WTC cycle and the fifth of his career, although there was another still to come against Sri Lanka.
Henry Nicholls
200* v Sri Lanka, Wellington, 2023
Nicholls compiled his highest Test score in the final league game of this WTC cycle batting alongside teammate Williamson in their 363-run partnership.
The left-hander, who had been going through a rough patch in red-ball cricket, turned it around spectacularly with a 240-ball 200* studded with 15 fours and four sixes.
David Warner
200 v South Africa, Melbourne, 2022
Warner made a double hundred in his 100th Test, joining an elite group of players in doing so.
The left-hander had been struggling for form but vowed ahead of the Test to return to his previous self, eventually turning around his slump with a typically aggressive innings and a 255-ball double ton.
A weary Warner had to be helped from the field after cramping up during his stirring celebrations when reaching the mark.
Angelo Mathews
199 v Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2022
Mathews fell one short of a remarkable double hundred, having defied heat and some tight Bangladesh bowling.
The right-hander stitched crucial partnerships with multiple batters during the knock and was crucial to Sri Lanka reaching a first innings total of 397. But the veteran will rue playing a premeditated slog when on 199, instead spooning a simple catch to square leg.
Top match-saving knocks in World Test Championship 2021-2023 so far
Babar Azam
196 v Australia, Karachi, 2022
In a knock for the ages, Babar stood tall against the mighty Australian attack with his team in trouble.
Having conceded a huge first-innings deficit of 408, Pakistan were left chasing 506 in the final innings and were 21/2 when Babar walked out to bat. The skipper withstood everything thrown at him to make 196 off 425 balls and take Pakistan close to the target.
While Pakistan didn't end up pulling off a remarkable victory, Babar's effort ensured the team walked away with a draw that seemed improbable at one stage. The defiant innings also helped Babar win the ICC Player of the Month Award for March 2022.
ICC
The ICC World Test Championship has seen batters plunder the runs with eight double hundreds and a few near misses across the 2021-23 cycle, while India and Australia will hope to add to that tally when they meet in the final at the Oval from June 7.
As in the WTC 2019-21 cycle, New Zealand's Kane Williamson made two double hundreds and this time was the only batter to reach the milestone multiple times.
But it is a New Zealand teammate that tops the list of highest scores in the cycle, as we look at the batters that made the top 10 individual totals with only the WTC final still to come.
Tom Latham
252 v Bangladesh, Christchurch, 2022
Stand-in skipper Latham compiled a fantastic 252 against Bangladesh in the Test that was Ross Taylor's final international in whites.
New Zealand scored at more than four runs per over in the first innings while making a mammoth 521, with Latham leading the way with 34 fours and two sixes in his double ton
Kane Williamson
215 v Sri Lanka, Wellington, 2023
Williamson ended this WTC cycle with a second double century, matching his efforts from the first cycle and ensuring the right-hander has reached the mark more times in WTC matches than any other batter.
The former skipper's 215 against Sri Lanka came in the final match of the league stage of this cycle, as Williamson partnered with another double centurion in Henry Nicholls in a 363-run stand. The pair helped New Zealand build an imposing first innings total of 580/4 to set up their victory by an innings and 58 runs.
Dinesh Chandimal
206* v Australia, Galle, 2022
Chandimal became the first Sri Lankan to make a double century against Australia in Tests as he notched 206* to set up a victory by an innings and 39 runs in the second match of the series.
The right-hander hit 15 boundaries and five sixes from the 326 balls he faced in the first innings, as Sri Lanka compiled 554 for their highest Test score against Australia.
Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand
204 v West Indies, Perth, 2022
Labuschagne and teammate Steve Smith tormented the West Indies as they both compiled double hundreds while coming together for a 251-run stand in the first innings of the first Test of the series.
Australia notched up a huge total of 598/4 but Labuschagne backed up his first innings efforts with another ton (104*) in the second innings to walk away with the Player of the Match award.
Steve Smith
200* v West Indies, Perth, 2022
Smith stated that he was in his best form for six years before the first Test against the West Indies and went on to make a flawless double ton from 311 balls.
The former Australia skipper equalled Sir Donald Bradman's tally of 29 centuries with this spectacular knock.
Kane Williamson
200* v Pakistan, Karachi, 2022
Williamson led New Zealand's fightback after Pakistan had put 438 on board, smashing a patient and unbeaten double hundred off 395 balls to help his side take a first innings lead.
This knock was Williamson's first double hundred in the WTC cycle and the fifth of his career, although there was another still to come against Sri Lanka.
Henry Nicholls
200* v Sri Lanka, Wellington, 2023
Nicholls compiled his highest Test score in the final league game of this WTC cycle batting alongside teammate Williamson in their 363-run partnership.
The left-hander, who had been going through a rough patch in red-ball cricket, turned it around spectacularly with a 240-ball 200* studded with 15 fours and four sixes.
David Warner
200 v South Africa, Melbourne, 2022
Warner made a double hundred in his 100th Test, joining an elite group of players in doing so.
The left-hander had been struggling for form but vowed ahead of the Test to return to his previous self, eventually turning around his slump with a typically aggressive innings and a 255-ball double ton.
A weary Warner had to be helped from the field after cramping up during his stirring celebrations when reaching the mark.
Angelo Mathews
199 v Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2022
Mathews fell one short of a remarkable double hundred, having defied heat and some tight Bangladesh bowling.
The right-hander stitched crucial partnerships with multiple batters during the knock and was crucial to Sri Lanka reaching a first innings total of 397. But the veteran will rue playing a premeditated slog when on 199, instead spooning a simple catch to square leg.
Top match-saving knocks in World Test Championship 2021-2023 so far
Babar Azam
196 v Australia, Karachi, 2022
In a knock for the ages, Babar stood tall against the mighty Australian attack with his team in trouble.
Having conceded a huge first-innings deficit of 408, Pakistan were left chasing 506 in the final innings and were 21/2 when Babar walked out to bat. The skipper withstood everything thrown at him to make 196 off 425 balls and take Pakistan close to the target.
While Pakistan didn't end up pulling off a remarkable victory, Babar's effort ensured the team walked away with a draw that seemed improbable at one stage. The defiant innings also helped Babar win the ICC Player of the Month Award for March 2022.
ICC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
The ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 – Two years of riveting Test action
57 out of 69 Tests produced results, a mere 12 draws in the two-year ICC World Test Championship cycle
229 players, 68,175 runs scored, 2,241 wickets, 127, 876 deliveries bowled
Australia and India to compete in a mouth-watering ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final – the Ultimate Test, from 7 June at The Oval
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle was full of thrills and drama as the world’s top teams fought for precious points and an eventual place in the final, the Ultimate Test, over a two-year period. That 57 out of 69 Tests produced results with a mere 12 draws, is testament to the fact that the championship witnessed teams pursuing victories.
Australia confirmed their first-ever final when they sealed a nine-wicket victory over India in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Indore last month.
India secured their second successive Ultimate Test by virtue of a draw in the subsequent fourth and final Test of the series in Ahmedabad coupled with Sri Lanka’s corresponding defeat to New Zealand in one of the most thrilling Tests ever. The first match of that series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch finished on the last ball on the fifth and final day with the hosts scampering home courtesy a brilliant unbeaten century by former captain Kane Williamson.
Australia and India will now compete in a mouth-watering final from 7 June at The Oval.
Australia finished the nine-team table with a tally of 152 points and a 66.67 PCT – percentage of points won compared to India’s 127 and a 58.8 PCT. South Africa finished third ahead of a resurgent England who introduced the “Bazball” to Test cricket in the latter half of the 2021-23 cycle, producing a series of astonishing results with their breath-taking strokeplay, all-time high run rates and an all-out aggressive style of play.
Sri Lanka’s 2-0 defeat to New Zealand meant a slip to number five for the Asians, New Zealand finished sixth, Pakistan seventh, West Indies (eight) and Bangladesh (ninth).
Batting performances and highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
A total of 68,175 runs were scored in the 69 Tests played in the two-year ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle with the help of 7,563 fours and 579 sixes. Batters from the nine teams amassed a total of 119 centuries with England’s run machine Joe Root topping both the run-getters and centuries tally for the cycle with 1,915 runs at 53.19 (22 matches). The former England captain hit eight centuries with a best of 180 not out.
A total of 287 half-centuries were scored in the two-year period. The batters also registered 299 ducks in the two-year championship cycle.
Australia opener Usman Khawaja was number two on the run-getters list, the southpaw tallying 1,608 runs at 69.91 in 16 matches with the help of six centuries. Usman’s highest was 195 not out.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam also had a dream run in the 2021-23 cycle, the stylish right-hander scoring 1,527 runs at 61.08 in 14 Tests with the help of four centuries and a best of 196 in an epic match saving second innings century at the National Stadium, Karachi against Australia in March 2022.
New Zealand opener Tom Latham’s 252 against Bangladesh at Christchurch was the highest individual score of the 2021-23 cycle. England captain Ben Stokes led the “Bazball” mission in style by hitting 28 sixes in the cycle, the most by any batter.
The highest partnership in the tournament came in the final match, when Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls added 363 runs for New Zealand’s third wicket against Sri Lanka at Wellington.
The highest team total was England’s 657 against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in December 2022, which came in just 101 overs – a scoring rate of 6.50 runs per over. The total of 1,768 runs in that Rawalpindi Test set a new record for any time-limited Test in history. The only two Tests with more runs have been the 1939 Durban and 1930 Kingston timeless Tests.
Bangladesh were bowled out for just 53 by South Africa at Durban in March 2022, the lowest total in the competition.
India’s Ravindra Jadeja was the only player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test. He made an unbeaten 175 and took five for 41 against Sri Lanka at Mohali in March 2022.
Bowling performances and highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
During the 2021-23 cycle 2,241 wickets fell, a total of 127,876 balls were bowled in 69 Tests. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon captured 83 wickets at 26.97 in 19 matches with an innings best of eight for 64. The seasoned spinner took five, five-fors and one 10-wicket match haul.
South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada took 67 wickets in 13 Tests at 21.05 with the help of three five-fors. Rabada’s innings best was six for 50. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 61 wickets in 13 Tests at 19.67, including two five-fors and a best of six for 91 in an innings.
New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel’s innings figures of 10 for 119 and match figures of 14 for 225 for against India at Mumbai in December 2021 were both the best (innings and match figures) in the 2021-23 cycle.
A total of 85 five-fors (innings) and ten 10-fors (match) were registered by bowlers from the nine participating sides.
Biggest and narrowest wins – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
There were 12 innings victories in the cycle, with the largest being New Zealand’s victory by an innings and 276 runs over South Africa at Christchurch in February 2022.
The narrowest margin of victory in terms of wickets came at Kingston in August 2021 when the West Indies defeated Pakistan by just one wicket.
Wicketkeeping and fielding highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
Australia’s Alex Carey made the most dismissals with 62 in 19 Tests – 60 catches and two stumpings. Next came Joshua da Silva of the West Indies with 57 dismissals (54 catches and three stumpings). Da Silva was helped by being the only keeper to record seven dismissals in an innings, which he achieved in South Africa’s second innings at Centurion in March 2023.
The leading keeper in terms of stumpings was remarkably Tom Blundell of New Zealand, a team not normally feted for their spinners. He effected seven stumpings in the cycle.
Steve Smith and Joe Root led all fielders with 31 catches each – Smith in 19 Tests and Root in 22 Tests. There were five instances of a fielder taking four catches in an innings, and four instances of fielders taking six catches in a match. Marnus Labuschagne played a part in five run-outs in the field, more than any other fielder.
ICC
57 out of 69 Tests produced results, a mere 12 draws in the two-year ICC World Test Championship cycle
229 players, 68,175 runs scored, 2,241 wickets, 127, 876 deliveries bowled
Australia and India to compete in a mouth-watering ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final – the Ultimate Test, from 7 June at The Oval
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle was full of thrills and drama as the world’s top teams fought for precious points and an eventual place in the final, the Ultimate Test, over a two-year period. That 57 out of 69 Tests produced results with a mere 12 draws, is testament to the fact that the championship witnessed teams pursuing victories.
Australia confirmed their first-ever final when they sealed a nine-wicket victory over India in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Indore last month.
India secured their second successive Ultimate Test by virtue of a draw in the subsequent fourth and final Test of the series in Ahmedabad coupled with Sri Lanka’s corresponding defeat to New Zealand in one of the most thrilling Tests ever. The first match of that series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch finished on the last ball on the fifth and final day with the hosts scampering home courtesy a brilliant unbeaten century by former captain Kane Williamson.
Australia and India will now compete in a mouth-watering final from 7 June at The Oval.
Australia finished the nine-team table with a tally of 152 points and a 66.67 PCT – percentage of points won compared to India’s 127 and a 58.8 PCT. South Africa finished third ahead of a resurgent England who introduced the “Bazball” to Test cricket in the latter half of the 2021-23 cycle, producing a series of astonishing results with their breath-taking strokeplay, all-time high run rates and an all-out aggressive style of play.
Sri Lanka’s 2-0 defeat to New Zealand meant a slip to number five for the Asians, New Zealand finished sixth, Pakistan seventh, West Indies (eight) and Bangladesh (ninth).
Batting performances and highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
A total of 68,175 runs were scored in the 69 Tests played in the two-year ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle with the help of 7,563 fours and 579 sixes. Batters from the nine teams amassed a total of 119 centuries with England’s run machine Joe Root topping both the run-getters and centuries tally for the cycle with 1,915 runs at 53.19 (22 matches). The former England captain hit eight centuries with a best of 180 not out.
A total of 287 half-centuries were scored in the two-year period. The batters also registered 299 ducks in the two-year championship cycle.
Australia opener Usman Khawaja was number two on the run-getters list, the southpaw tallying 1,608 runs at 69.91 in 16 matches with the help of six centuries. Usman’s highest was 195 not out.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam also had a dream run in the 2021-23 cycle, the stylish right-hander scoring 1,527 runs at 61.08 in 14 Tests with the help of four centuries and a best of 196 in an epic match saving second innings century at the National Stadium, Karachi against Australia in March 2022.
New Zealand opener Tom Latham’s 252 against Bangladesh at Christchurch was the highest individual score of the 2021-23 cycle. England captain Ben Stokes led the “Bazball” mission in style by hitting 28 sixes in the cycle, the most by any batter.
The highest partnership in the tournament came in the final match, when Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls added 363 runs for New Zealand’s third wicket against Sri Lanka at Wellington.
The highest team total was England’s 657 against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in December 2022, which came in just 101 overs – a scoring rate of 6.50 runs per over. The total of 1,768 runs in that Rawalpindi Test set a new record for any time-limited Test in history. The only two Tests with more runs have been the 1939 Durban and 1930 Kingston timeless Tests.
Bangladesh were bowled out for just 53 by South Africa at Durban in March 2022, the lowest total in the competition.
India’s Ravindra Jadeja was the only player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test. He made an unbeaten 175 and took five for 41 against Sri Lanka at Mohali in March 2022.
Bowling performances and highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
During the 2021-23 cycle 2,241 wickets fell, a total of 127,876 balls were bowled in 69 Tests. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon captured 83 wickets at 26.97 in 19 matches with an innings best of eight for 64. The seasoned spinner took five, five-fors and one 10-wicket match haul.
South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada took 67 wickets in 13 Tests at 21.05 with the help of three five-fors. Rabada’s innings best was six for 50. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 61 wickets in 13 Tests at 19.67, including two five-fors and a best of six for 91 in an innings.
New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel’s innings figures of 10 for 119 and match figures of 14 for 225 for against India at Mumbai in December 2021 were both the best (innings and match figures) in the 2021-23 cycle.
A total of 85 five-fors (innings) and ten 10-fors (match) were registered by bowlers from the nine participating sides.
Biggest and narrowest wins – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
There were 12 innings victories in the cycle, with the largest being New Zealand’s victory by an innings and 276 runs over South Africa at Christchurch in February 2022.
The narrowest margin of victory in terms of wickets came at Kingston in August 2021 when the West Indies defeated Pakistan by just one wicket.
Wicketkeeping and fielding highlights – ICC World Test Championship 2021-23:
Australia’s Alex Carey made the most dismissals with 62 in 19 Tests – 60 catches and two stumpings. Next came Joshua da Silva of the West Indies with 57 dismissals (54 catches and three stumpings). Da Silva was helped by being the only keeper to record seven dismissals in an innings, which he achieved in South Africa’s second innings at Centurion in March 2023.
The leading keeper in terms of stumpings was remarkably Tom Blundell of New Zealand, a team not normally feted for their spinners. He effected seven stumpings in the cycle.
Steve Smith and Joe Root led all fielders with 31 catches each – Smith in 19 Tests and Root in 22 Tests. There were five instances of a fielder taking four catches in an innings, and four instances of fielders taking six catches in a match. Marnus Labuschagne played a part in five run-outs in the field, more than any other fielder.
ICC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
Two of the most formidable Test teams will go head-to-head in the Ultimate Test – the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 at The Oval, London from 7 June. Australia and India were the top two sides of the 69-Test, two-year cycle which saw the two dominate their rivals before heading into a thrilling four-Test series in India which the hosts won by a narrow 2-1 margin.
Australia finished at the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 standings with 11 wins, five draws and three defeats (19 matches) which earned them 152 points and a PCT of 66.67.
India collected 127 points, winning 10 Tests, drawing three and losing five (18 matches) to finish with a 58.8 PCT – second spot in the standings.
Australia’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 Final:
Australia started their ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 campaign with a resounding 4-0 Ashes win over their oldest rivals England at home. The series was played in December-January 2021-22 with the hosts dominating the visitors throughout. The convincing victory earned Australia a hefty 52 points spread over the five Tests.
Australia toured Pakistan for a historic three-match Test series in March last year, their first visit to the Asian country in 24 years. After playing out draws in Rawalpindi and Karachi, the Pat Cummins-led side earned a hard fought fifth-day win in Lahore to seal a 1-0 series win. Australia earned 20 points from the series.
The Australians toured Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in June-July 2022, a 1-1 series draw earning them 12 points.
The home season brought more success for Australia as they trounced the West Indies 2-0 in a two-match series. The series clean sweep earned them 24 points. South Africa toured Australia next and suffered a 2-0 defeat in a three-match series that earned Australia 28 additional ICC World Test Championship points.
Despite their 2-1 defeat to India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy – February-March 2023, Australia sealed their ICC World Test Championship final spot with a resounding nine-wicket win in Indore – the third Test of the four-match series. Australia secured a total of 16 points from the series.
India’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 Final:
India took on England away in a five-match series that was split into two parts with the first four matches played in August 2021 and the series decider – fifth Test – a year later in July 2022. The fifth Test had to be postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp.
The enthralling series finished as a 2-2 draw, India were 2-1 ahead when the series was stopped in 2021, they then lost the Birmingham Test in July 2022. India earned 24 points spread across the five Tests.
India defeated New Zealand 1-0 in a two-match series at home in November-December 2021. The hosts collected 16 points.
A hard-fought three-match series in South Africa was won by the hosts, India won one Test as the series ended 2-1 in favour of the Proteas. India gathered 11 points.
Sri Lanka were beaten 2-0 at home in a two-match series in March 2022 as India secured 24 valuable points.
A 2-0 win over Bangladesh in an away series gave India 24 crucial points in December 2022 before their 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win at home against Australia saw them bag 28 points.
India secured their Ultimate Test spot when they played out a draw in Ahmedabad – the fourth and final Test of the BGT series as Sri Lanka lost narrowly to New Zealand in Christchurch last month. The Islanders needed to beat New Zealand 2-0 in the two-match series to clinch a spot in the final ahead of India.
ICC
Australia finished at the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 standings with 11 wins, five draws and three defeats (19 matches) which earned them 152 points and a PCT of 66.67.
India collected 127 points, winning 10 Tests, drawing three and losing five (18 matches) to finish with a 58.8 PCT – second spot in the standings.
Australia’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 Final:
Australia started their ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 campaign with a resounding 4-0 Ashes win over their oldest rivals England at home. The series was played in December-January 2021-22 with the hosts dominating the visitors throughout. The convincing victory earned Australia a hefty 52 points spread over the five Tests.
Australia toured Pakistan for a historic three-match Test series in March last year, their first visit to the Asian country in 24 years. After playing out draws in Rawalpindi and Karachi, the Pat Cummins-led side earned a hard fought fifth-day win in Lahore to seal a 1-0 series win. Australia earned 20 points from the series.
The Australians toured Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in June-July 2022, a 1-1 series draw earning them 12 points.
The home season brought more success for Australia as they trounced the West Indies 2-0 in a two-match series. The series clean sweep earned them 24 points. South Africa toured Australia next and suffered a 2-0 defeat in a three-match series that earned Australia 28 additional ICC World Test Championship points.
Despite their 2-1 defeat to India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy – February-March 2023, Australia sealed their ICC World Test Championship final spot with a resounding nine-wicket win in Indore – the third Test of the four-match series. Australia secured a total of 16 points from the series.
India’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 Final:
India took on England away in a five-match series that was split into two parts with the first four matches played in August 2021 and the series decider – fifth Test – a year later in July 2022. The fifth Test had to be postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp.
The enthralling series finished as a 2-2 draw, India were 2-1 ahead when the series was stopped in 2021, they then lost the Birmingham Test in July 2022. India earned 24 points spread across the five Tests.
India defeated New Zealand 1-0 in a two-match series at home in November-December 2021. The hosts collected 16 points.
A hard-fought three-match series in South Africa was won by the hosts, India won one Test as the series ended 2-1 in favour of the Proteas. India gathered 11 points.
Sri Lanka were beaten 2-0 at home in a two-match series in March 2022 as India secured 24 valuable points.
A 2-0 win over Bangladesh in an away series gave India 24 crucial points in December 2022 before their 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win at home against Australia saw them bag 28 points.
India secured their Ultimate Test spot when they played out a draw in Ahmedabad – the fourth and final Test of the BGT series as Sri Lanka lost narrowly to New Zealand in Christchurch last month. The Islanders needed to beat New Zealand 2-0 in the two-match series to clinch a spot in the final ahead of India.
ICC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
One of England’s most iconic Test venues, The Oval in South London will play host to the biggest Test match of the year when Australia and India clash for the ultimate prize in Test cricket – the ICC World Test Championship Mace from 7 to 11 June. The ground, pitch and the venue are fully equipped to deliver a riveting final between two evenly matched sides.
Over the years, The Oval has witnessed some incredible batting and bowling feats in the longest format of the game. The feats have left the crowds at the famed venue absolutely thrilled while capturing the imagination of fans from around the world.
The Oval holds the distinction of hosting the first-ever Test match in England, a spectacle which saw the hosts beat their oldest rivals Australia by five wickets in a match that lasted three days. Throughout its history spanning almost 143 years, a total of 104 matches have been played at The Oval, yet June’s Ultimate Test will be the first-ever neutral Test (not featuring England) to take place on the historic turf.
The Oval is only the fourth venue in the world behind Lord’s, Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground to host more than 100 Tests.
The South London venue is also considered the birthplace of the Ashes – one of the most iconic sporting battles that have kept England and Australia as well as millions of cricket followers hooked for a 140 years.
The Ashes was introduced to the cricketing world in 1882 when Australia beat England by seven runs in a thrilling Test, and The Sporting Times printed a mocking obituary notice for English cricket, which duly led to the creation of the Ashes trophy and Test series.
The pitch has a reputation of being one of the most sporting pitches in England with its true pace and bounce encouraging both batters and fast bowlers. The bounce in the pitch also brings quality spinners into play.
The first-ever Test double-century was scored here in 1884 by Australia’s Billy Murdoch. Murdoch, who captained his side in the Test, hit 24 fours in his marathon 211 off 525 balls.
In the 1938 Ashes Test played at the Oval, English legend and ICC Hall of Famer Len Hutton set a then new record for the highest individual Test score with 364 off 847 balls (35 fours) in his side’s 903 for seven declared total.
Widely acclaimed as the greatest Test batter ever, Donald Bradman ended his career at The Oval with a duck (nought) in the 1948 Ashes Test, costing him a 100 plus career average as the Australian legend finished a glittering 52-Test career with 6996 runs at 99.94.
In the famous 1976 England-West Indies series, an inspired West Indies thumped the hosts by 231 runs at The Oval to seal a 3-0 series victory. Legendary West Indian batter Vivian Richards smashed a magnificent 291 while fast bowler Michael Holding ripped through the England batting line-up with 14 wickets in the match.
In the one-off England-Sri Lanka Test in 1998, another cricket icon produced a performance to remember, Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan taking 16 wickets in the match as the visitors stunned the hosts in a convincing 10 wicket-win.
England tasted sweet success at long last in the 2005 Ashes as they held Australia to a draw after a dramatic fifth and final day of The Oval Test, in what is widely regarded as the greatest Ashes series ever. The draw ensured the hosts reclaimed the urn for the first time in 18 years after eventually clinching the absorbing series 2-1.
Among the litany of other records witnessed at the ground, Hutton holds the record for the most runs at The Oval with his 12 Tests and 19 innings yielding him 1521 runs at 89.47. Hutton’s 364 is still the highest Test score at the venue.
South Africa’s Hashim Amla is the only other triple centurion at the venue, the right-hander scoring a brilliant 311 in the 2012 Test against England.
England’s legendary all-rounder Ian Botham tops the wicket-takers list at the venue with 52 from 11 matches at 26.51, while fast bowler Devon Malcolm holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test innings at the venue, the right-armer produced a searing spell in 1994, taking nine wickets for 54 runs to spearhead his side’s win against South Africa.
ICC
Over the years, The Oval has witnessed some incredible batting and bowling feats in the longest format of the game. The feats have left the crowds at the famed venue absolutely thrilled while capturing the imagination of fans from around the world.
The Oval holds the distinction of hosting the first-ever Test match in England, a spectacle which saw the hosts beat their oldest rivals Australia by five wickets in a match that lasted three days. Throughout its history spanning almost 143 years, a total of 104 matches have been played at The Oval, yet June’s Ultimate Test will be the first-ever neutral Test (not featuring England) to take place on the historic turf.
The Oval is only the fourth venue in the world behind Lord’s, Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground to host more than 100 Tests.
The South London venue is also considered the birthplace of the Ashes – one of the most iconic sporting battles that have kept England and Australia as well as millions of cricket followers hooked for a 140 years.
The Ashes was introduced to the cricketing world in 1882 when Australia beat England by seven runs in a thrilling Test, and The Sporting Times printed a mocking obituary notice for English cricket, which duly led to the creation of the Ashes trophy and Test series.
The pitch has a reputation of being one of the most sporting pitches in England with its true pace and bounce encouraging both batters and fast bowlers. The bounce in the pitch also brings quality spinners into play.
The first-ever Test double-century was scored here in 1884 by Australia’s Billy Murdoch. Murdoch, who captained his side in the Test, hit 24 fours in his marathon 211 off 525 balls.
In the 1938 Ashes Test played at the Oval, English legend and ICC Hall of Famer Len Hutton set a then new record for the highest individual Test score with 364 off 847 balls (35 fours) in his side’s 903 for seven declared total.
Widely acclaimed as the greatest Test batter ever, Donald Bradman ended his career at The Oval with a duck (nought) in the 1948 Ashes Test, costing him a 100 plus career average as the Australian legend finished a glittering 52-Test career with 6996 runs at 99.94.
In the famous 1976 England-West Indies series, an inspired West Indies thumped the hosts by 231 runs at The Oval to seal a 3-0 series victory. Legendary West Indian batter Vivian Richards smashed a magnificent 291 while fast bowler Michael Holding ripped through the England batting line-up with 14 wickets in the match.
In the one-off England-Sri Lanka Test in 1998, another cricket icon produced a performance to remember, Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan taking 16 wickets in the match as the visitors stunned the hosts in a convincing 10 wicket-win.
England tasted sweet success at long last in the 2005 Ashes as they held Australia to a draw after a dramatic fifth and final day of The Oval Test, in what is widely regarded as the greatest Ashes series ever. The draw ensured the hosts reclaimed the urn for the first time in 18 years after eventually clinching the absorbing series 2-1.
Among the litany of other records witnessed at the ground, Hutton holds the record for the most runs at The Oval with his 12 Tests and 19 innings yielding him 1521 runs at 89.47. Hutton’s 364 is still the highest Test score at the venue.
South Africa’s Hashim Amla is the only other triple centurion at the venue, the right-hander scoring a brilliant 311 in the 2012 Test against England.
England’s legendary all-rounder Ian Botham tops the wicket-takers list at the venue with 52 from 11 matches at 26.51, while fast bowler Devon Malcolm holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test innings at the venue, the right-armer produced a searing spell in 1994, taking nine wickets for 54 runs to spearhead his side’s win against South Africa.
ICC
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
Australia, the top-placed team in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 standings, have a massive opportunity to lift the coveted mace in the final to be played at The Oval from 7 June, but things may not be easy going by their recent record against India and the not so inspiring results at the famous South London venue which boasts a143-year-year old Test history.
The only blip in Australia’s ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle was their 2-1 away defeat to India. They haven’t beaten their fierce rivals both home and away in eight years – four successive series defeats, and while The Oval provides a unique neutral venue opportunity for the Pat Cummins-led side to settle scores, they are likely to face a stiff challenge considering their poor numbers at the famous venue.
Australia, who played at The Oval in 1880 in what was the first ever Test in England, have won only seven out of their 38 Tests there. England have prevailed in 17 out of these 38 games with 14 ending as draws. Australia’s win percentage of 18.42 at the venue is one of their poorest across England.
It isn’t all doom and gloom though, as it was Australia’s thrilling seven-run win in the 1882 Test that led to the creation of the Ashes trophy and series as The Sporting Times printed a mocking obituary notice following the ‘death’ of English cricket in the aftermath of the defeat.
Australia had to then wait for 48 years to taste victory again at The Oval as the Bill Woodfull-led tourists recorded a thumping innings and 39-run win in 1930. Following their 1972 Ashes Test win, Australia had to wait for another 29 years to register a victory at The Oval, winning the 2001 Test by an innings and 25 runs under Steve Waugh to complete a resounding 4-1 Ashes victory.
Australia won the 2015 Oval Test as they conceded the Ashes 3-2 while Australia’s latest Test at The Oval, the 2019 Ashes Test, was won by England by 135 runs.
Some of Australia’s Test legends have time and again showcased their individual brilliance at The Oval – the home venue for Surrey County. Legendary batter Donald Bradman has the most runs at the venue for Australia. The right-hander amassed 553 runs at 138.25 in four innings of his four Tests with the help of two centuries and one half-century. Bradman’s best at The Oval is 244.
Australia’s inspirational captain Allan Border is second on the list with 478 runs in eight innings of his four Tests at The Oval. Border averaged 79.66, his run tally including one century and four fifties.
Australia’s current batting linchpin Steven Smith has scored 391 runs in five innings of his three Tests at The Oval with the help of two centuries. Cummins and his teammates will surely be relying big time on Smith for another stellar performance in June’s Ultimate Test.
In terms of team batting performances, Australia have breached the 500-run mark in an innings five times at The Oval with their 701 in the 1934 Ashes Test, the highest. On the other hand, Australia have been bowled out for sub100 totals no less than seven times at the venue with their 44 in the 1896 Ashes Test their lowest total.
Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne has had a memorable time at The Oval. In four Ashes Tests at the venue, Warne captured 32 wickets at 22.25 – his most wickets at a Test centre in England. Warne took two 10-wicket match hauls and three five-fors at The Oval. Warne is Australia’s leading wicket-taker at the venue.
Another Australian bowling superstar, Dennis Lillee, also had an excellent run at The Oval. The fast bowler enjoyed the pace and bounce of The Oval pitches to the fullest, collecting 27 wickets in just three appearances at 17.59 per wicket. Lillee’s tally includes two 10-wicket match hauls and three five-wicket hauls.
Off-spinner Hugh Trumble also took 27 wickets in five Ashes Tests at The Oval at 17.66 per wicket. Tumble took two 10-wicket match hauls besides three five-fors.
The leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle, Nathan Lyon (83 wickets), has made a limited impact in his three Tests at The Oval.
The off-spinner has taken nine wickets at 30.77 with an innings best of four for 69. Lyon may yet have a big performance waiting for the Ultimate Test, but Australia will be well placed if the seasoned spinner gets amongst the wickets in the big final.
The only blip in Australia’s ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle was their 2-1 away defeat to India. They haven’t beaten their fierce rivals both home and away in eight years – four successive series defeats, and while The Oval provides a unique neutral venue opportunity for the Pat Cummins-led side to settle scores, they are likely to face a stiff challenge considering their poor numbers at the famous venue.
Australia, who played at The Oval in 1880 in what was the first ever Test in England, have won only seven out of their 38 Tests there. England have prevailed in 17 out of these 38 games with 14 ending as draws. Australia’s win percentage of 18.42 at the venue is one of their poorest across England.
It isn’t all doom and gloom though, as it was Australia’s thrilling seven-run win in the 1882 Test that led to the creation of the Ashes trophy and series as The Sporting Times printed a mocking obituary notice following the ‘death’ of English cricket in the aftermath of the defeat.
Australia had to then wait for 48 years to taste victory again at The Oval as the Bill Woodfull-led tourists recorded a thumping innings and 39-run win in 1930. Following their 1972 Ashes Test win, Australia had to wait for another 29 years to register a victory at The Oval, winning the 2001 Test by an innings and 25 runs under Steve Waugh to complete a resounding 4-1 Ashes victory.
Australia won the 2015 Oval Test as they conceded the Ashes 3-2 while Australia’s latest Test at The Oval, the 2019 Ashes Test, was won by England by 135 runs.
Some of Australia’s Test legends have time and again showcased their individual brilliance at The Oval – the home venue for Surrey County. Legendary batter Donald Bradman has the most runs at the venue for Australia. The right-hander amassed 553 runs at 138.25 in four innings of his four Tests with the help of two centuries and one half-century. Bradman’s best at The Oval is 244.
Australia’s inspirational captain Allan Border is second on the list with 478 runs in eight innings of his four Tests at The Oval. Border averaged 79.66, his run tally including one century and four fifties.
Australia’s current batting linchpin Steven Smith has scored 391 runs in five innings of his three Tests at The Oval with the help of two centuries. Cummins and his teammates will surely be relying big time on Smith for another stellar performance in June’s Ultimate Test.
In terms of team batting performances, Australia have breached the 500-run mark in an innings five times at The Oval with their 701 in the 1934 Ashes Test, the highest. On the other hand, Australia have been bowled out for sub100 totals no less than seven times at the venue with their 44 in the 1896 Ashes Test their lowest total.
Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne has had a memorable time at The Oval. In four Ashes Tests at the venue, Warne captured 32 wickets at 22.25 – his most wickets at a Test centre in England. Warne took two 10-wicket match hauls and three five-fors at The Oval. Warne is Australia’s leading wicket-taker at the venue.
Another Australian bowling superstar, Dennis Lillee, also had an excellent run at The Oval. The fast bowler enjoyed the pace and bounce of The Oval pitches to the fullest, collecting 27 wickets in just three appearances at 17.59 per wicket. Lillee’s tally includes two 10-wicket match hauls and three five-wicket hauls.
Off-spinner Hugh Trumble also took 27 wickets in five Ashes Tests at The Oval at 17.66 per wicket. Tumble took two 10-wicket match hauls besides three five-fors.
The leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle, Nathan Lyon (83 wickets), has made a limited impact in his three Tests at The Oval.
The off-spinner has taken nine wickets at 30.77 with an innings best of four for 69. Lyon may yet have a big performance waiting for the Ultimate Test, but Australia will be well placed if the seasoned spinner gets amongst the wickets in the big final.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,111
Neither India or Australia would necessarily call The Oval in London as a happy hunting ground, but one team will come out on top when the two combatants face each other in the ICC World Test Championship final from June 7.
The No.1 and No.2 ranked sides in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team rankings will play each other in the marquee WTC final at The Oval in England with neither team enjoying a particularly good record at the venue.
Having recently played each other in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India - which the hosts won 2-1 - these sides aren't short of familiarity, but India, in particular, are struggling with the absence of a few major players.
World Test Championship final: Both the squads
The challenge at The Oval
Teams Tests Wins Losses Draw
India 14 2 5 7
Australia 38 7 17 14
This is one venue where both India and Australia have struggled historically. While Australia have won just seven Test matches over the 38 they have played, India have managed just two victories.
That said, both sides have one recent big triumph to write home about at the iconic London venue.
India thumped England by 157 runs in 2021 at The Oval, making it their first victory at the venue in a Test match in 40 years, while Australia won by an innings and 46 runs in 2015 with Steve Smith winning the Player of the Match award for his classy 143.
Rohit Sharma scored a splendid half-century as India took on Netherlands in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
Smith has one of the best records by an overseas batter at the venue, averaging a stunning 97.75 across three Tests at the venue. This is the fifth-highest batting average for any batter to bat at least five times at the venue.
Incidentally, there's one other player from that list involved in the WTC23 final, albeit from the sidelines. India's head coach Rahul Dravid boasts of a batting average of 110.75 at The Oval with a double hundred, a hundred and a fifty in his record.
Right-hander KL Rahul, who made 149 at this venue in 2018 and Rishabh Pant, who made 114 in that same Test, are both missing for India.
Who is Mukesh Kumar, the surprise standby player in India's WTC Final squad?
However, their skipper Rohit Sharma made his first overseas Test hundred in 2021 at this venue, a resilient 127 in the second innings that helped India to a big win over England in the fourth Test of the series. The victory saw India take a crucial 2-1 lead in the away Test series.
Mitchell Marsh, who returned to the Test side for the WTC final and The Ashes, took a five-wicket haul here against England in 2019. This is the only five-for by an Australian or India bowler at The Oval since Shane Warne's 12-wicket match haul at this venue in the unforgettable 2005 Ashes series.
Highs and Lows
In 2014, India were bowled out for just 94, resulting in a 244-run loss. Similarly, in a drawn Test match at The Oval in 1952, India were all out for 98.
India had to endure two drawn matches and a defeat by an innings at The Oval before finally achieving victory in 1971. It took them 40 more years to claim another significant win at this venue during a crucial moment in their bilateral series against England in the previous World Test Championship cycle.
Australia, on the other hand, have worries around the record of their leading bowler in this WTC cycle.
Despite being the top wicket-taker in the WTC cycle with 83 wickets, Nathan Lyon's performance at The Oval has been below average. The off-spinner has only managed to take nine wickets in his three Tests at the venue, with an innings best of 4-69 and an average of 30.77.
Smith, the current batting mainstay of the Australian team, has amassed 391 runs in five innings across three Tests at The Oval, including two centuries. He also has one of the highest batting averages among overseas players at this venue.
ICC
The No.1 and No.2 ranked sides in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team rankings will play each other in the marquee WTC final at The Oval in England with neither team enjoying a particularly good record at the venue.
Having recently played each other in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India - which the hosts won 2-1 - these sides aren't short of familiarity, but India, in particular, are struggling with the absence of a few major players.
World Test Championship final: Both the squads
The challenge at The Oval
Teams Tests Wins Losses Draw
India 14 2 5 7
Australia 38 7 17 14
This is one venue where both India and Australia have struggled historically. While Australia have won just seven Test matches over the 38 they have played, India have managed just two victories.
That said, both sides have one recent big triumph to write home about at the iconic London venue.
India thumped England by 157 runs in 2021 at The Oval, making it their first victory at the venue in a Test match in 40 years, while Australia won by an innings and 46 runs in 2015 with Steve Smith winning the Player of the Match award for his classy 143.
Rohit Sharma scored a splendid half-century as India took on Netherlands in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
Smith has one of the best records by an overseas batter at the venue, averaging a stunning 97.75 across three Tests at the venue. This is the fifth-highest batting average for any batter to bat at least five times at the venue.
Incidentally, there's one other player from that list involved in the WTC23 final, albeit from the sidelines. India's head coach Rahul Dravid boasts of a batting average of 110.75 at The Oval with a double hundred, a hundred and a fifty in his record.
Right-hander KL Rahul, who made 149 at this venue in 2018 and Rishabh Pant, who made 114 in that same Test, are both missing for India.
Who is Mukesh Kumar, the surprise standby player in India's WTC Final squad?
However, their skipper Rohit Sharma made his first overseas Test hundred in 2021 at this venue, a resilient 127 in the second innings that helped India to a big win over England in the fourth Test of the series. The victory saw India take a crucial 2-1 lead in the away Test series.
Mitchell Marsh, who returned to the Test side for the WTC final and The Ashes, took a five-wicket haul here against England in 2019. This is the only five-for by an Australian or India bowler at The Oval since Shane Warne's 12-wicket match haul at this venue in the unforgettable 2005 Ashes series.
Highs and Lows
In 2014, India were bowled out for just 94, resulting in a 244-run loss. Similarly, in a drawn Test match at The Oval in 1952, India were all out for 98.
India had to endure two drawn matches and a defeat by an innings at The Oval before finally achieving victory in 1971. It took them 40 more years to claim another significant win at this venue during a crucial moment in their bilateral series against England in the previous World Test Championship cycle.
Australia, on the other hand, have worries around the record of their leading bowler in this WTC cycle.
Despite being the top wicket-taker in the WTC cycle with 83 wickets, Nathan Lyon's performance at The Oval has been below average. The off-spinner has only managed to take nine wickets in his three Tests at the venue, with an innings best of 4-69 and an average of 30.77.
Smith, the current batting mainstay of the Australian team, has amassed 391 runs in five innings across three Tests at The Oval, including two centuries. He also has one of the highest batting averages among overseas players at this venue.
ICC
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