World Test Championship: 2021-2023

[ChennaiFan]

Pakistan had/has a favorable schedule in this cycle - tough teams at home and easier teams away. But not winning against Australia at home and not beating Sri Lanka is going to cost them a chance to qualify for the finals.

 

[deep82]

Well after this series, it's safe to say Pakistan reaching the final is pretty much improbable. Not impossible.... but will most likely won't happen. Winning 4/5 tests against good batting units like England and NZ with a mediocre bowling attack is going to be too tall a mountain to climb.

So now it's going to be a three way race between Australia, India and South Africa for the top 2 finish. I think we'll get a clearer picture after the SA vs Eng series.

This series was perfect for India. It would have been tricky if either SL or Pakistan inflicted a whitewash. Now with 1-1 both teams is at par with India.

India is expected to whitewash BD. So should consolidate their position further before their final series vs AUS at home.

 

[docteurmanish]

Pakistan had/has a favorable schedule in this cycle - tough teams at home and easier teams away. But not winning against Australia at home and not beating Sri Lanka is going to cost them a chance to qualify for the finals.

They are not top 3 - but improving . Lack of a quality spinner and sustained all weather pace attack hurts them

India , Australia are top 3 with nz . England and Pak are no 4 imo . Do not deserve to play finals .

 

[AMSS]

Had a look at the tentative schedule for WTC 25 - South Africa have the road to final handed on a platter. They get to face 3 subcontinental teams at home and their away tours include Windies and BD. NZ is their toughest away tour. Wow!

India and Aus and Eng hamstrung by their own commercial success as each of them will face the other two in the cycle. They will have to earn their place in the final.

 

[AMSS]

For the WTC 23 final, it's pretty much certain the contenders would 2 out of IND, SAf, and AUS. Pakistan blew their chances against Lankans.

 

[Sarwar89]

For the WTC 23 final, it's pretty much certain the contenders would 2 out of IND, SAf, and AUS. Pakistan blew their chances against Lankans.

How come South Africa ?
What if South Africa lose 0-3 against England & Then lose 0-3 against Australia ?

And pakistan wins 2-0 against nzl & eng
While Ind beat Aus 2-1 & wins 2-0 v Bangladesh

That will still mean Aus v Pak final

 

[daytrader]

World Test Championship (2021-23): Best Test matches so far

he second cycle of the World Test Championship has already thrown up some extraordinary Test matches and we look back at six of the best.

India v New Zealand – Kanpur, 2021
The Kanpur Test was the first meeting between the finalists of the first WTC cycle after the Lord’s finale and it proved to be a humdinger. Honours were almost even after the first innings with Shreyas Iyer’s hundred countered by a strong 151-run opening stand by Will Young and Tom Latham. A quirky second innings declaration from India set New Zealand 284 to win. They hung on with one wicket left in a spectacular finish in the final session on day five as Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel held on.

Australia v England – Sydney 2022
Australia had swept the first three Tests of the series and another win for the hosts looked imminent in the fourth Test in Sydney until Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow resisted. The target of 388 was out of reach, but England were determined to grit it out. Australia prized out the seventh wicket with more than 15 overs left in the day, and went on to take a couple more by the 100th over. In a stunning finish, No.11 James Anderson played out a maiden from the unlikely source of Steve Smith in the final over.

Pakistan v Australia – Karachi, 2022
After making 556 batting first and bowling out Pakistan for 148, Australia seemed to have an iron grip on the game, but defiance from Pakistan in the final innings saw the Test end in a draw. Setting Pakistan 506 to win, Australia reduced them to 21/2, but a double century stand between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam kept Pakistan afloat. When Babar eventually fell for 196, Rizwan, who finished unbeaten on 104, took over to take Pakistan to safety.

England v New Zealand – Nottingham, 2022
A new-look England side beat New Zealand at Lord’s with an incredible run chase of 277 in the fourth innings, but could they do it again? In Nottingham, England matched New Zealand stroke for stroke in the first innings as the teams made 553 and 539. New Zealand set a target of 299 for England and at 93/4, it seemed curtains to their hopes until Jonny Bairstow’s whirlwind knock and an unbelievable partnership with newly anointed skipper Ben Stokes. The pair put on 179 in 20 overs to ease England to the target at 5.98 runs per over.

Sri Lanka v Pakistan – Galle, 2022
Chasing anything in the three-figure mark in Galle is quite the task, not least when the hosts have as many as four spinners in their starting XI. Pakistan were up against it in the first Test in Galle when they were set a mammoth target of 344 after fine knocks from Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal.

By stumps on day four, though, a century from Abdullah Shafique had taken Pakistan to 222/3, a dominant position from where they could dictate terms. A rain break with Pakistan still 11 runs away from the target added to the drama, but they returned to knock off the runs easily and notch up a memorable win.

England v India – Birmingham, 2022
The fifth and final Test of the series that was discontinued in 2021 turned out to be quite a spectacle as England, right after a 3-0 drubbing of New Zealand with three successful run chases, once again aced a fourth innings run chase. Having conceded a 100-plus run lead in the first innings, England were losing their grip on the game until a late collapse from India saw them chase a target of 378 in the final innings.

A century opening stand kickstarted England’s chase, but they lost three wickets in the space of adding two runs to concede the early advantage. From there, though, England were on top of their game as Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow compiled hundreds and took England past the target with an unbeaten partnership.

ICC

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Sri Lanka's resounding 246-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test in Galle has seen them break into the top five of the ICC World Test Championship standings.

The two-Test series between the two nations has been an exciting one with both teams taking a match each. Pakistan went 1-0 up in the series with a four-wicket win in the first Test. Chasing 342, the visitors boosted their chances of appearing in next year's World Test Championship final, going to the third spot in the standings, while Sri Lanka ended up slipping to No.6.

And now the tables have been reversed with Sri Lanka climbing to the third spot with a win percentage of 53.33, while Pakistan have dropped down to No.5 with a win percentage of 51.85.

South Africa continue to rule the table with a PCT of 71.43%, followed by Australia, who are at 70%. South Africa have a good chance of widening the gap when they take on England in a three-match Test series next month.

I am usually an optimistic person but the points table doesn't lie. For a nation of 230 million with only one sport, we can't seem to get that right too. Much like all other national institutions.

This small graphic shows Commonwealth games medals table. Many smaller countries in there. No sign of Pakistan.

 

[MenInG]

We take a look at the top five leading wicket-takers during the current World Test Championship period.

World Test Championship (2021-23): Best Test matches so far

1. Jasprit Bumrah (45 wickets)

It should come as no surprise that Bumrah sits on top of the list given how productive the India pacer has been over the last 12 months.

The right-armer has three five-wicket efforts to his name since the start of the new World Test Championship period, with the trio of hauls arriving during three different series and in three different countries.

Bumrah picked up 5/64 on his way to nine wickets for the match against England in Nottingham last year and then collected 5/42 against South Africa in Cape Town at the start of this year.

The 28-year-old also claimed superb figures of 5/24 against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru during March, before further proving his quality during India's most recent Test match when he helped take a whopping 35 runs from one Stuart Broad over when standing in as Test captain for regular skipper Rohit Sharma against England in Birmingham.


2. Shaheen Afridi (41 wickets)

The Pakistan ace has been a model of consistency over the last 12 months and is the key member of a potent fast-bowling attack that Babar Azam has at his disposal.

Afridi picked up four wickets in each innings to kickstart Pakistan's World Test Championship campaign with a narrow loss to West Indies last year, before he helped reverse that result in the second Test by collecting his maiden 10-wicket match haul at the same ground in Kingston.

A second five-wicket haul in an innings followed when Afridi picked up 5/32 against Bangladesh in Chattogram and since then the 22-year-old has continued to establish himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in the game.

Afridi again showed his class when he finished as Pakistan's equal leading wicket taker during the historic two-match series at home against Australia in March as he continually troubled the Aussies' top-order with his superb new-ball bowling.

3. Jimmy Anderson (40 wickets)

The old adage says life begins at 40 and that might just ring true for veteran quick Anderson as the England pacer has been bowling as well as ever in recent times.

But the last 12 months haven't been all rosy for the recently-turned 40-year-old, with Anderson featuring in only three of England's five Ashes Tests in Australia and then dropped for the tour of the Caribbean against West Indies in March.

But Anderson has responded well from the ongoing speculation surrounding any possible retirement and fostered a positive relationship with new England coach Brendon McCullum to show he still has what it takes to perform at the top level.

Anderson was a constant threat during England’s successful series sweep of New Zealand and finished that series with a total of 11 wickets at an average of 18 despite missing the last match of the series in Leeds.

That extra rest proved pivotal for Anderson and England in the one-off rescheduled Test against India, with the right-armer picking up his 32nd five-wicket haul during the first innings of that match.

4. Nathan Lyon (39 wickets)

The veteran Australian spinner shows no signs of slowing down, if his start to the current World Test Championship period is anything to go by.

Lyon was his usual consistent self during the most recent Australian summer as the 34-year-old collected 16 wickets at an average of just 23.56 during an emphatic Ashes series triumph over England.

But it was on the spinning decks of the sub-continent that the off-spinner really shone, with Lyon leading Australia’s attack with aplomb during consecutive series in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Lyon picked up a five-wicket haul on the final day against Pakistan in Lahore to help Australia clinch their first series victory in Asia since 2011 and then backed up that performance with another five scalps in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

5. Ramesh Mendis (38 wickets)

Perhaps the biggest surprise within the top five, Mendis has been a model of consistency for Sri Lanka since making his Test debut against England at home at the start of last year.

It was Sri Lanka's home series against West Indies at the end of last year that saw Mendis rise to prominence, with the 27-year-old picking up 18 wickets during those two Test matches to be named Player of the Series.

Mendis struggled to back up that effort during Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh in May, but bounced back to form when returning home to face Australia and Pakistan during June and July.

Perhaps spurred on by the emergence of fellow spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, Mendis produced his best performance in the second Test against Pakistan in Galle when he collected nine wickets for the match and helped Sri Lanka clinch an impressive 246-run victory over their rivals.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2712887

 

[MenInG]

We take a look at four crucial series that will be pivotal in deciding which teams qualify for next year's World Test Championship final.


England v South Africa (three-Test series) - August and September 2022

While England are out of the running to feature in next year's World Test Championship final, they can have a major say on who makes it to the decider during their upcoming series against the Proteas.

Brendon McCullum's side will enter the series full of confidence on the back of four consecutive Test triumphs, but South Africa will be well prepared for this challenge and will be keen to retain their lead at the head of the World Test Championship standings.

The fitness of Kagiso Rabada will be pivotal to the outcome of the series, with the experienced South Africa pacer currently battling an ankle issue and already ruled out of the ongoing T20I series in Ireland.

Can South Africa quell the ‘Bazball’ phenomenon? Or will the England juggernaut roll on under their new coach and new skipper?

This is a mouth-watering series that will tell us a lot about South Africa and whether they are in fact good enough to maintain their place at the head of the World Test Championship standings.


Pakistan v England (three-Test series) - December 2022

If Pakistan are to have any chance of reaching next year's World Test Championship decider they need to find a bit more consistency and it starts with their home series against England at the end of the year.

Skipper Babar Azam continues to perform well in all formats of the game, but the Pakistan captain will need the likes of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique to continue to contribute well if they are to have any chance of reaching the World Test Championship final.

World Test Championship: How your team can reach the final
Pakistan's spin attack will be crucial during this series, as the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Ben Stokes will likely try and attack the hosts' spinners as much as they can to try and gain the ascendancy.

England don't have a huge amount of depth in their spinning ranks, meaning Pakistan should have the upper hand in this crucial series that may well shape the top of the World Test Championship standings.


Australia v South Africa (three-Test series) - December and January 2022 and 2023

The winner of this series will be in the box seat to qualify for the World Test Championship final, with both sides currently occupying the top two places on the standings.

The visitors will have plenty of support Down Under, with a large South African contingent likely to be in attendance for the three-Test series that will be pivotal to the race for the World Test Championship.

It's also the first red-ball series the two countries have played against each other since the infamous 2018 series that included the headline-grabbing Cape Town Test that saw a host of Australia players sanctioned by Cricket Australia for ball tampering.

Australia duo Steve Smith and David Warner will be keen to atone for those dark days from four years ago, so look for the pair to attack South Africa's bowlers and try and stamp their authority early.

Interestingly Australia haven’t won a series against South Africa at home since the summer of 2008/09, so expect this one to be tight.


India v Australia (four-Test series) - February and March 2023

The battle for the Border–Gavaskar Trophy next year could ultimately decide the two World Test Championship finalists and on recent form it doesn’t look good for Pat Cummins’ side.

Australia's tour of India in 2004 may have seen future skipper Michael Clarke and evergreen all-rounder Dinesh Karthik make their Test debuts, but it is also the last time the Aussies won a Test series on Indian soil.

Since then Australia have managed just one Test triumph in India alone - an emphatic 333-run victory in Pune in 2017 on the back of an amazing 12/70 from spinner Steve O'Keefe - so everything favours more pain for the tourists.

Australia are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for this series, having recently sent eight promising players to Chennai to acclimatise to Indian conditions ahead of the trip to the sub-continent next year.

Whether that makes much of a difference remains to be seen, but this series is likely to be hotly contested and one not to be missed.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2716308

 

[MenInG]

We take a look at the top five leading run-scorers during the current World Test Championship period.

1. Joe Root - 1744 runs at 64.59
It would take a monumental effort for anyone to overtake Joe Root at the top of the list after such a stellar run.

Making eight centuries in the cycle thus far and averaging a tick under 65, few players in the modern era rival Root’s quality, and his career numbers suggest his exploits can only be compared to legends in the books of Test cricket history.

Root’s WTC23 run began on home soil in 2021, making three centuries in the first four Test matches against India.

Joe Root's 180* at Lord's proved the No.4 can stand among the game’s greats. Coming in at 23/2 following the early wickets of Dom Sibley and Haseeb Hameed, Root traversed a tricky end to day two, and batted throughout the entirety of day three as his partners fell at the other end.

Then, Root went on to make runs abroad.

His troubles of converting against Australia were well documented, though the right-hander ticked things over with three fifties among a number of starts.

Back-to-back centuries against the West Indies showed Root’s class on slower surfaces, and on his return home without the captaincy, his class with bat in hand only shone brighter.

Root passed 10,000 Test runs with a Player of the Match 115* at Lord’s against New Zealand, backing up the fourth innings effort with another century, compiling 176 at Trent Bridge in yet another victory.

Root’s 142* against a returning India proved class was permanent, and barring a serious dip in form, the English legend should pass 2000 runs for the cycle.


2. Jonny Bairstow - 1218 runs at 55.36
Few can lay claim to having a more prolific 2022 in batting than Jonny Bairstow, playing with freedom and flourishing under new boss Brendon McCullum.

Making half a dozen centuries in the 2021-2023 World Test Championship, it means that he and Root account for 14 of England’s 17 Test centuries in the cycle. Astonishingly, all six Bairstow tons have come in 2022, with four made in his last five innings.

Coming in at 36/4 in the New Year’s Test against Australia in Sydney, Bairstow countered, reaching three figures in just 138 deliveries. Bairstow went on to emulate the success in the Caribbean, making 140 in the first West Indies Test in North Sound.

Bairstow couldn’t get going against New Zealand, though the run in the ‘BazBall’ era shows just how good the occasional gloveman can be with the bat.

The right-hander averages 196 in his last five knocks, with the only score under three figures being an unbeaten 71* that completed an emphatic English chase at Headingley.

3. Babar Azam - 953 runs at 63.53
The world No.1 batter in the two white-ball formats and seemingly approaching top spot in Test cricket, the question is posed: just how far can Babar Azam go?

A near-perfect blend of mental grit and technical class, Babar is Pakistan’s batting heartbeat, with a regular consistency of scores.

Nine scores greater than 50 in 16 innings, no score in single figures, and prolific everywhere he’s gone, Babar's best knock arguably came when his team needed him the most.

Making 196 in the fourth innings against Australia, Babar's achievements are made more remarkable by the difficulties faced deep into day five in Karachi.

Flattened by a colossal first innings total and a meagre 148 in response, Australia piled on the pressure through a swift second innings charge. Set 506 for an unlikely victory, Pakistan would have to endure the second-longest fourth innings stay of all time to rescue a draw.

Walking out at 21/2 just after lunch on day four, Babar looked a class above. Taking just 83 balls to reach fifty, Babar brought up three figures with a measured sweep over the head of short fine-leg.

He fell short of surviving the barrage himself, though finished with the seventh-highest individual score in the fourth innings of a Test match, and ultimately did more than enough to prevent an Australian victory.

Babar went on to make a century in Pakistan's first Test in Sri Lanka, and will lead the charge in Pakistan's push for a World Test Championship Final ticket.


4. Usman Khawaja - 888 runs at 98.66
Answering Australia’s questions at the top of the order, Usman Khawaja’s form has pushed the team’s case for a World Test Championship Final berth of their own.

Grabbing his chance after what seemed an unlikely recall, Khawaja hasn’t looked back. Scoring back-to-back centuries in his home city of Sydney, selectors had no choice but to pick the left-hander to open in Pakistan in place of Marcus Harris.

Khawaja repaid the faith by making 97 in Rawalpindi in Australia's much awaited Test return to the country, and was a thorn in the side of his opponents in a famous series victory.

Best WTC23 matches so far
Making 160 and 44* in Karachi, Khawaja was just as strong in Lahore, making 91 and 104* to ensure vital World Test Championship points.

In the wilderness twelve months ago, Khawaja is close to being the first name on the team list when Australia's home Test summer begins later this year.

5. Litton Das - 883 runs at 49.05
The work of wicket-keeper/batter Litton Das has been one of the few positives of what’s been a forgettable World Test Championship campaign for Bangladesh.

Outside of Mushfiqur Rahim's work and the occasional contribution of Shakib Al Hasan, Litton has almost gone solo for his country. Over 300 runs clear of Mushfiqur, and scoring three of Bangladesh's seven centuries in the cycle, the 27-year-old enjoys an MRF Tyres ICC Test batting ranking of 13th, easily the best among his compatriots.

Das began the campaign with a home century against Pakistan, coming in at 49/4 to rescue his team with a mature 114 in a first innings total of 330. He added 59 in the second innings to help the Tigers post a tricky target of 202, only for Pakistan's top order to respond emphatically in an eight-wicket triumph.

The right-hander's versatility was on show when Bangladesh travelled to New Zealand, making scores of 86 and 102 across the two Test matches.

Das' form dipped in South Africa, though his 88 in the Chattogram Test against Sri Lanka handed his side a first innings lead, and ultimately four WTC points as they secured a draw.

If Bangladesh are to finish the cycle on a high note, Litton Das will likely be front and centre of the action.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2737618

 

[MenInG]

After SA's emphatic innings & 12 runs win against England

 

[sweep_shot]

South Africa are rightfully at the top. They have been the best team so far.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Finishing top 2 is looking harder and harder for Pakistan.

I think that will look at that Australia Test series & blown WI test matches as what could have been. Huge missed opportunity.

 

[MenInG]

Australian cricket legend Shane Watson has run his eye over prospective ICC World Test Championship finalists, with the cycle likely to reach a dramatic conclusion.

Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Watson praised the ICC World Test Championship, with consequence and entertainment now in almost every matchup.

Competition across the 2021-2023 cycle to date has seen a reasonable level of parity among the nine teams and, as the business end approaches, every match impacts the table in a meaningful way.

The final of the ongoing cycle is set to be played next year, but the race for the top two spots in the league table is heating up. South Africa and Australia occupy the qualification spots for now, but face some tough series to hold on to those positions.

Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan lie in wait to pounce on any slip-up.

“Right now, the way I see it, it’s going to be hard for South Africa and Australia to not make it”, Watson said, when asked to predict the two finalists.

“They’re both playing really good cricket. Australia played good cricket apart from that last Test against Sri Lanka where they got swept upin turning conditions in the last innings.

”Even as the front-runners in the competition though, South Africa cannot afford a serious dip in form. Taking on England in a three-match series away from home, three defeats would see them fall all the way down to a share of sixth place with the West Indies, who still harbour aspirations of a final appearance.

Sloppy performances would leave things open for the chasing pack, namely India and Pakistan, to make a move.

Importantly, Pakistan have home field advantage in all of their remaining five fixtures, while India host Australia for four of their six remaining WTC matches.

“You can never discount India and Pakistan, because they’ve got so many match winners, outside of their home countries as well,” Watson added.

“Those two, I’d be very surprised if they don’t come knocking on the door leading into the final.”

Keeping an eye on the competition, there is an element of envy for Watson watching on, with the all-rounder boasting 59-Test appearances but lamenting the late timing of the WTC’s introduction.

“Yes, I wish I did (play in the WTC). Even in my playing days, in Test cricket, there was a lot of talk about the ICC World Test Championship coming into play, and it took way too long to be put into place, and unfortunately, I missed out on it,” said Watson.

“I was very fortunate to play a ‘Super Test’ in 2005, Australia against a World XI, which was something very special – it was one of the first Test matches I played.

“That was special to be a part of, but this is even more so, to be able to win an ICC event and it being in Test cricket.”

“For the current playing group, Test cricketers around the world, it’s very special to know there’s a culmination coming with a (WTC) final.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

South Africa drop to No.2 in WTC points table

South Africa had affirmed their position at the top of the WTC table after their win at Lord's, but an innings defeat here has reduced their win percentage to 66.67%, below that of Australia's 70%.

Sri Lanka are third with 53.33%, but South Africa will hope to seal a win in the next Test to ensure they are on course to reach the ICC World Test Championship final next year in England.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2762979

 

[Front Foot Pull]

A defeat in the 3rd test will drop SA down to 60%. Come on England.

 

[James]

<b>World Test Championship: The road ahead for teams chasing final berth</b>

South Africa's loss to England in the third Test at The Oval has left the race for next year's World Test Championship final wide open.

Australia currently lead the standings and are well placed to reach the 2023 decider, but there are still a total of six teams in contention to reach the final.

Heading into the final stages of the cycle, here's how the teams are positioned.


<b>First - Australia - 70% of possible points
Remaining series: West Indies (home, two Tests), South Africa (home, three Tests), India (away, four Tests)</b>

While Australia are seemingly in pole position to qualify for their first World Test Championship final, they will likely need to produce some positive results during next year's tour of India.

Facing Rohit Sharma’s side away from home for four Tests in a place they haven’t won at since 2004, the Australians will likely need to avoid defeat to ensure they reach the WTC decider.

Good results during Australia's home summer against West Indies and South Africa will have Pat Cummins' side well placed, but neither touring team will be a pushover.


<b>Second - South Africa - 60% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (away, three Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)</b>

A 2-1 series loss to England away from home saw the Proteas lose top spot on the World Test Championship standings, although they still remain in a strong position to reach next year's final.

Their away series against Australia will be crucial to the fortunes of both sides, while South Africa host West Indies for two Tests next year that could determine the final places.


<b>Third - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)</b>

While Sri Lanka are seemingly well-placed to reach the World Test Championship final, they will require everything to go their way if they are to qualify for the decider.

Just one series remains for Sri Lanka - a two-Test trip to New Zealand - where they have won just twice in 19 attempts.

Maximum points in New Zealand would take them to 61.1%, meaning they'll need help from the unfancied sides further down the table just to finish in the top two.


<b>Fourth - India - 52.08% of possible points
Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, two Tests), Australia (home, four Tests)</b>

Rohit Sharma's side travel to Bangladesh for two Test matches later this year and a positive result during that series will leave the upcoming battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as one of the biggest for many years.

India do have an excellent recent record at home against Australia and will be confident of doing enough to win that series and qualify for a second consecutive World Test Championship final.

And there is still some chance India could meet arch-rival Pakistan in the World Test Championship final should both teams have everything go their way over the coming months.


<b>Fifth - Pakistan - 51.85% of possible points
Remaining series: England (home, three Tests), New Zealand (home, two Tests)</b>

While Pakistan are languishing in fifth place on the current standings, they do have the luxury of playing all their remaining five Test matches on home soil.

If they can win all those five matches they will rise to 69.05%, which may still prove enough to qualify for a first World Test Championship final.

However, Babar Azam's side cannot afford too many slip-ups, with each Test they don't win to be detrimental to their chances of finishing inside the top two places on the standings.


<b>Sixth - West Indies - 50% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (away, two Tests), South Africa (away, two Tests)</B>

The West Indies can finish on 65.38%, though would have to win all four matches in tough away conditions to seal an unlikely place in the WTC23 final.

Distancing themselves from the bottom of the table with a series win over England and a clean sweep against Bangladesh, there have been positive signs in the campaign for skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, even if it feels like a solo charge with the bat.

Brathwaite's 752 runs at 50.13 is by far and away the most by a West Indies player in the cycle, though the bowling load has been carried by several members of the group.


<b>Seventh - England - 38.6% of possible points
Remaining series: Pakistan (away, three Tests)</b>

England are one of the form teams of the World Test Championship, but unfortunately, it's a case of too little too late for Brendon McCullum's side.

At one stage stuck at the bottom of the table, England’s hopes of lifting the mace were arguably dashed as early as the unsuccessful Ashes series at the start of this year.

Back-to-back series triumphs over New Zealand and South Africa have shown what England are capable of, but they will have to wait for the next period to try and qualify for the World Test Championship final.

This doesn't mean the backend of their campaign has no effect on WTC23 proceedings, however.

They could put a massive dent in Pakistan's hopes by defeating Babar Azam's side in three Tests away from home later this year.


<b>Eighth - New Zealand - 25.93% of possible points
Remaining series: Pakistan (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)</b>

It’s been a death by a thousand cuts for the 2021 champions, who fell to Bangladesh at home, saw Ross Taylor bow out of the international game, and had their captain Kane Williamson sidelined with elbow trouble.

The Black Caps can only finish with the best percentage of 48.72%, well short of what's needed to feature in next year's final.


<b>Ninth - Bangladesh - 13.33% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, two Tests)</b>

Bangladesh are a leading light in One Day International cricket, though the longest format has not been the Tigers' forte, with shaky batting preventing any World Test Championship push.

Batters in the team occupy just two of the top-40 run-scorers in the cycle, with Litton Das (883 runs at 49.05) and Mushfiqur Rahim (539 at 49.00) the only players to make any mark in the competition.

The side have not won a Test match at home in the competition thus far, though did surprise New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.

Bangladesh will be looking to surprise when they host India for two Tests later this year.


https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2788358

 

[Nasty Naz]

Seems unlikely Pakistan make it unless they sweep or win 4/5 from England/NZ. Doable but unlikely. Pakistani pitches aren't always result oriented pitches either.

Would be epic to see a Pakistan-India final in England though.

 

[Sarwar89]

Seems unlikely Pakistan make it unless they sweep or win 4/5 from England/NZ. Doable but unlikely. Pakistani pitches aren't always result oriented pitches either.

Would be epic to see a Pakistan-India final in England though.

Babar might even struggle to win both Test series let alone sweeping them (5-0) combined.

England is in very good form. Home test series loss v Australia & 2nd test match defeat in Sri lanka has closed this chapter.

Final will be either Aus v ind/SA

 

[MenInG]

The World Test Championship 2023 Final will be hosted by The Oval in June 2023 while the 2025 Final will be played at Lord's.

The two venues in London will succeed Southampton, which hosted the inaugural final between New Zealand and India in 2021. New Zealand emerged as the victors in the first edition of the World Test Championship.

The Oval will host the final in June 2023, with the top two teams from the World Test Championship standings making the cut. The Oval has previously hosted the finals of the 2004 and the 2017 editions of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy.

'Australia's chances really hinge on the upcoming Indian tour' - Ricky Ponting | The ICC Review
Australia and South Africa are currently the top two teams in the standings, with a host of teams on their trail, hoping to surpass them on the table.

Australia have a points percentage of 70, followed by South Africa on 60%. Australia and South Africa will also clash against each other in a three-match series in the current cycle in December-January, which could have a big bearing on the final points table.

Sri Lanka (53.33%), India (52.08%) and Pakistan (51.85%) round up the top five of the standings. With many series still to go in the current cycle, there could be many twists and turns in the points table before the two finalists are decided.

The next edition's Final will take place at Lord's in London, an iconic venue, which has hosted several high profile ICC matches, including the epic 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final.

“We are delighted to be hosting next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval which has such a rich legacy and an amazing atmosphere, which is ideal for such an important fixture on the calendar," said ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice.

"Following that we will then take the 2025 Final to Lord’s which will provide a fitting backdrop to the ultimate Test.

"Last year’s final between New Zealand and India in Southampton was an engrossing encounter and I am sure fans the world over would be looking forward to the next WTC final at The Oval. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board, Surrey County Cricket Club and Marylebone Cricket Club for their support."

Exact dates for both the finals will be decided in due course.

ICC

 

[Sarwar89]

Australia-India series needs 2-2 score ideally & Pakistan has to sweep Kiwiz/Poms 2-0 each at home to reach the Final.

Bangladesh will show no resistance and India will easily win 2-0

Aussies become too soft in front of Indians
Rank turners will pose a challenge.

Aus will beat South Africa 2-0 or 2-1

After group stage exit from t20 world cup
Pcb should focus on world test championship final

T20 world cup was disappointing & our players led people down.

 

[Sarwar89]

Looks like 220 million people are only thinking about t20 wc in Australia
Reality is we were knocked out the moment shadab gifted his wicket and haider went for golden duck. That was curtains.

My focus has immediately turned to events of next 6 months.

Ramiz & PCB have to prepare decent turning wickets in order to beat Nzl/Eng at home

Timid cricket has costed us t20 world cup & home test series v Aus.

2-0,2-0 results shall be enough i feel for babur & co to play in Test cricket world cup final at Oval.

 

[Heisenberg111]

Looks like 220 million people are only thinking about t20 wc in Australia
Reality is we were knocked out the moment shadab gifted his wicket and haider went for golden duck. That was curtains.

My focus has immediately turned to events of next 6 months.

Ramiz & PCB have to prepare decent turning wickets in order to beat Nzl/Eng at home

Timid cricket has costed us t20 world cup & home test series v Aus.

2-0,2-0 results shall be enough i feel for babur & co to play in Test cricket world cup final at Oval.

Don't get your hopes up, Pakistan ain't playing the WTC final.

 

[Sarwar89]

Don't get your hopes up, Pakistan ain't playing the WTC final.

Immediate focus of Babar Azam needs to 100% focus on test series v England.

PCB needs to take a risk to provide supportive pitches
We need 4-0 result in 5 match test series ( eng/nzl)

Slight help from Aussies is needed
They need to beat Proteas 2-0 or 2-1
And needs to win 1 test in India and not lose more than 2-1 in india.

You never know babar might be playing in WTC final at Lords v Aus june 23

 

[Heisenberg111]

Immediate focus of Babar Azam needs to 100% focus on test series v England.

PCB needs to take a risk to provide supportive pitches
We need 4-0 result in 5 match test series ( eng/nzl)

Slight help from Aussies is needed
They need to beat Proteas 2-0 or 2-1
And needs to win 1 test in India and not lose more than 2-1 in india.

You never know babar might be playing in WTC final at Lords v Aus june 23

With Shaheen out, how do you see Pakistan taking 20 wickets? Pakistan's spinners are mediocre too. Will take a miracle to reach the WTC final.

 

[Sarwar89]

With Shaheen out, how do you see Pakistan taking 20 wickets? Pakistan's spinners are mediocre too. Will take a miracle to reach the WTC final.

I think pcb might take risk this time as mathematical calculations are clear that pakistan needs to win 4 out of 5 matches at home to reach wtc final. Yasir shah usman qadir can be tried & pace bowling is not awfully bad if there is little help from pitch.

 

[shamaan]

With Shaheen out, how do you see Pakistan taking 20 wickets? Pakistan's spinners are mediocre too. Will take a miracle to reach the WTC final.

They definitely need to play 5 man attack.

 

[Sarwar89]

As per win predictor
If Pakistan manages to win 2-0 each against England & New zealand ( doable job, not impossible ) and on the other hand Australia defeats Proteas 2-1 and west indies 2-0
That will put us on 64 pts & Aus 73

South africa + west indies will be out.

Then india-bangladesh series will hold the key.
If bangladesh can sneak 1 draw in 2 test series at home, then definitely pakistan has bright chance to reach final.

Because that will leave india winning 5 out of 5 tests v Bangladesh & Aus

 

[MenInG]

As many as six teams are still in contention to feature in next year's World Test Championship final and two crucial series commence next week that will be pivotal in determining which sides stay in the mix.

Australia host the West Indies in a two-match series at home, with Pat Cummins' side holding on to a narrow lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings.

Pakistan also host England in a three-match series and Babar Azam's charges will still harbour aspirations of qualifying for their first World Test Championship final.

We take a look at the possibilities of all four sides qualifying for next year's World Test Championship final at The Oval.


Australia - First - 70% of possible points (highest possible finish: 84%)

Australia squad to play West Indies: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.

Pat Cummins' team have more series remaining this period than any other side and that may work to their advantage as they attempt to win a place in Australia's first World Test Championship final.

Next year's tour to India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be difficult for Australia to negotiate, so expect the powerful Aussies to try as hard as possible to maintain their place at the top of the standings during home series against the West Indies and South Africa.

Australia looked to have put a disappointing ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign behind them when sweeping past England 3-0 in the recent ODI series on home soil and the Aussies will be hoping that form can be replicated to the Test arena.


West Indies - Sixth - 50% of possible points (highest possible finish: 65%)

West Indies squad to play Australia: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Devon Thomas.

The West Indies do have two series remaining this period and can still mathematically qualify for next year's final with positive results in Australia and South Africa.

Kraigg Brathwaite's side will play two-Test series in both countries and could rise as high as 65% with four victories in those matches which may be enough to sneak into the decider.

Whether or not the West Indies have enough class to register four victories away from home in difficult places to win remains a query, but the Caribbean side are still well in contention.


Pakistan - Fifth - 51.85% of possible points (highest possible finish: 69%)

Pakistan squad to face England: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Nawaz, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Ali.

With two series at home remaining this cycle, Pakistan can still qualify for a first World Test Championship final with positive performances against England and New Zealand.

Pakistan have just four wins from nine Test matches so far this period and will probably need to win the majority of their remaining five Tests if they are to sneak into next year's decider.

Confidence will be high within the Pakistan camp on the back of a strong showing at the T20 World Cup that took them all the way to the final and the Asian side will be keen some revenge on their MCG conquerors when they host England at the start of December.


England - Seventh - 38.6% of possible points (highest possible finish: 47%)

England squad to play Pakistan: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Rehan Ahmed.

While England are out of contention for next year's World Test Championship final with just one series yet to play, they can be a major player in helping or hindering Pakistan's hopes during their upcoming series on the sub-continent.

The three-match series in Pakistan is the only Test series England have remaining this period and Ben Stokes' side will be hoping to finish their campaign on a high.

England have included teenage spinner Rehan Ahmed in their squad for the tour and, if selected, the 18-year-old will become the youngest player to debut for England in a Men's Test match.

 

[Sarwar89]

If West indies can sneak 1 draw v Australia it will be very helpful as Aussies will come hard on Proteas later on.

Pakistan has to crush England 2-0 somehow

 

[MenInG]

After England's victory in the 1st Test vs Pakistan

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Pakistan are slowly drifting towards bottom of the table.

Just a sad and pathetic state of affairs.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Another stunning win by England has helped them secure an unassailable 2-0 series lead and leapfrog Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship standings.

Pakistan, who had a good chance of securing one of the first two spots in the WTC standings before the series find themselves in jeopardy as they slip to No.6 on the table.

They have now lost two back-to-back Tests from positions of strength. In both cases, the results could have gone either way with Pakistan having the home advantage but England have crushed their opposition with ease.

They lost the first Test in Rawalpindi – a veritable run-fest until England took the bold decision of declaring and setting Pakistan a target of 343. But despite fighting knocks from the middle order, the hosts were bowled out for 268, giving England one of their greatest away Test wins.

The second Test in Multan was Pakistan's chance to get back. The runs tally was significantly lower and a terrific 10-wicket match haul from debutant Abrar Ahmed had set up the hosts nicely.

A target of 355 with two days left should have been gettable with Pakistan's strong batting line-up and for most part the hosts looked in control with crucial partnerships building the innings.

Needing 157 with six wickets in hand on Day 4 with Saud Shakeel on the crease, the hosts had their task cut out. They lost Faheem Ashraf early but Mohammad Nawaz paired up with Shakeel to share a crucial 80-run stand.

With 65 more needed, a victory seemed within grasp but Mark Wood dismissed Nawaz and Shakeel in back-to-back overs to trigger Pakistan's collapse. From 290/5, they were all out on 328, giving England a 26-run victory in the second Test.

Now at the sixth position with a PCT of just 42.42%, Pakistan are in dire trouble. Not only will they have to win the next Test but also beat New Zealand when they tour Pakistan next month and hope for other results to go their way.

World Test Championship Standings
Australia's win against West Indies yesterday has consolidated their position at the top with 75% PCT and it will be difficult to displace them from the top two. India at No.4 are in contention with their two-Test series against Bangladesh beginning this week and a big one with Australia coming up next year.

South Africa look secure on No.2 for now but with an important series in Australia coming up, they would not want to relinquish their hold in the top two.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Injury-hit India Chase Vital Test Points Against Bangladesh

India face Bangladesh in the first of two Tests from Wednesday hoping to bulldoze the hosts for some much-needed ICC Championship points and preserve their unbeaten record against them. The visitors however have injury woes with captain Rohit Sharma out for at least the first match in Chittagong and fast bowler Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja playing no part in the series. Bangladesh will also be buoyed after winning the one-day series 2-1 in a further demonstration of India's white-ball frailties ahead of hosting next year's 50-over World Cup.

The five-day games form part of the ICC World Test Championship. India are fourth behind Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, having won six of their 12 matches. The current cycle runs from July 2021 to June 2023 and comprises the top nine Test teams, all of whom will play six series each, three at home and three away.

The top two will compete in the final at the Oval in London. Bangladesh are in last place with one win and one draw from their 10 matches. They have also not won a Test at home since February 2020 and have never beaten India anywhere in Tests.

Rohit hurt his thumb in the second ODI and the Indian cricket board said Sunday that they will take a call on his fitness for the second Test in Dhaka at a later stage. KL Rahul will lead the team in the first Test with Cheteshwar Pujara as his deputy. Uncapped batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran was named as Rohit's replacement.

National selectors named right-arm quick Navdeep Saini and left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar in place of Shami (shoulder injury) and Jadeja (knee). Left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat, who played his only Test in 2010, has also been added to the 17-member squad.

"There are a few injury concerns but that gives opportunity to (other) guys," Rahul said.

Bangladesh too are struggling with injuries, with opener Tamim Iqbal ruled out of the first Test after failing to recover from a groin injury. Uncapped batsman Zakir Hasan, who impressed in the recent shadow Test series against India A, has been called up as Tamim's replacement for the first Test.

"I think the country tends to enjoy white-ball cricket. We have had a lot of success at home in ODI cricket," said fielding coach Shane McDermott.

But he added that it was a "challenge" to play Tests, although the "overall attitude has generally improved".

NDTV

 

[jnaveen1980]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...ake-the-world-test-championship-final-1349445

What India, Australia, South Africa need to do to make the World Test Championship final
Pakistan's chances of finishing in the top two of the points table have taken a massive hit


After these two defeats against England, do Pakistan have any chance of making it to the WTC final?
The two home defeats have badly dented Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the final. With only three Tests left in this cycle (one against England in Karachi and two home games against New Zealand), the maximum that they can finish on is 54.76%. It is very likely that at least two teams will finish with higher percentages.

For example, Australia, currently table-toppers on 75%, need only 20 points from their remaining seven Tests to ensure that they end up higher than 54.76; they can get those points with a win and two draws. India, who are on 52.08% with six Tests to play, need 44 more points, which they can get with three wins and two draws.

South Africa, currently second on the WTC table at 60%, need 28 more points (two wins and a draw) from their five remaining Tests to stay above Pakistan. Sri Lanka have a tough assignment in New Zealand coming up, but a 1-0 series win will ensure they can finish with a higher percentage than 54.76.

It is highly likely that at least two of these four teams will get the points required to push Pakistan out of contention.

What do India need to do to ensure qualification?
India are currently fourth on the points table, but if they win each of their remaining six Tests - two against Bangladesh and four against Australia - then their percentage will rise to 68.06, which will surely be enough for a top-two finish (Australia's numbers will drop if they lose four to India).


If India finish with a 5-1 win-loss record, their percentage will be a healthy 62.5, which will still ensure qualification as both Australia and South Africa can't go past that number. However, if they lose two, their percentage will drop to 56.94, which will leave them relying on other results.

Have Australia already qualified?
Australia are comfortably on top of the table at 75%, but they still have some work to do before they are certain of qualifying: if they lose each of their remaining seven matches in this cycle, their percentage will drop to 47.37.

That said, Australia do have an opportunity to seal their qualification before they embark on what could be a potentially difficult tour of India: if they win all three home Tests against South Africa, they will finish with a minimum percentage of 63.16 even if they lose all four against India. That will ensure a top-two finish, as only India can finish higher.

What are South Africa's chances of qualifying?
South Africa are currently second on the points table, with two series to play - three Tests in Australia, and two at home against West Indies next year. If they win their home Tests but lose all of their away Tests, they will drop to 53.33. Hence, they need at least one win in Australia: a 1-2 series defeat followed by a 2-0 series win will lift them to 60%, which will keep them in contention.

Are Sri Lanka still in it?
Sri Lanka are currently on 53.33%, with just two away Tests in New Zealand to go in this cycle. If they win both, their score will rise to 61.11; if the series finishes 1-1, it will drop marginally to 52.78. Thus they will probably need two wins to stay in contention.

What about England, West Indies, New Zealand?
Despite England's fantastic run under Ben Stokes, with eight wins in their last nine Tests, England are not in the race. They only have one Test remaining in the current cycle, and even if they win that, they will end up on 46.97%. That's because they had a wretched first half of a campaign: in their first 12 Tests of this cycle, they lost seven, drew four, and won only one.

West Indies can finish with a maximum of 50%, while the New Zealand can go up to 48.72% if they win their last four Tests.

 

[MP2011]

So 2 amongst Australia, India and SA then?

 

[Ab Fan]

So 2 amongst Australia, India and SA then?

It should be India and Australia qualifying in finals.

 

[James]

Argh.

A couple more wins under Joe Root’s captaincy along with fewer lazy over rate penalties (12 points deducted!!!!) and England could be looking at a World Test Championship Final at The Oval here, which is one of their stronger venues.

Still, jumping up from an embarrassing 9th (last) place, to 5th and a comfortable mid table finish in less than a year is a very decent effort from Stokes and McCullum there’s no doubt about it.

 

[MP2011]

It should be India and Australia qualifying in finals.

Makes sense.

No way it should be played in England. ICC will be very biased if it allows the final to be played in England.

 

[Front Foot Pull]

Makes sense.

No way it should be played in England. ICC will be very biased if it allows the final to be played in England.

ICC has already announced the venues for next 2 WTC finals.

2023 finals - oval, london
2025 finals - lord's, london.

yes, a bit unfair to host 2 consecutive finals in ENG. but they are banking on the popularity of test cricket in ENG, just in case two neutral teams make the finals i guess.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2785808#:~:text=The%20World%20Test%20Championship%202023,Zealand%20and%20India%20in%202021.

 

[MP2011]

Blatantly biased decision by ICC as expected.

So test cricket isn't popular in India or Australia, right?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

It should be India and Australia qualifying in finals.

Doubt it. India is a team in decline. No Shami or Bumrah available and our pace bowling bench strength is exposed

 

[Advaith]

Doubt it. India is a team in decline. No Shami or Bumrah available and our pace bowling bench strength is exposed

If India can manage 2-9 against Bangladesh then it's advantage India ..

 

[James]

Blatantly biased decision by ICC as expected.

So test cricket isn't popular in India or Australia, right?

Attendances in Australia have sometimes looked pretty atrocious of late.

India would have a great attendance but the reason isn’t bias, nobody can argue ICC is biased against India in this sense because they have huge power.

England is always a bankable choice for the ICC because of the likely half decent attendance, usually a good contest between bat and ball, and ease for broadcasters with it sitting inside the meridian time zone.

 

[daytrader]

World Test Championship: The road ahead for teams chasing final berth

Pakistan's loss to England in the second Test in Multan has left the race for next year's World Test Championship final wide open.

Heading into the final stages of the cycle, here's how your team is positioned.

First - Australia - 70% of possible points
Remaining series: South Africa (home, three Tests), India (away, four Tests)

After claiming maximum points from two Tests against the West Indies, Australia have arguably their biggest tests ahead of them in the World Test Championship cycle.

Not only will South Africa provide a stiffer opposition than Kraigg Brathwaite's side earlier in the summer, Pat Cummins' men will likely need a strong showing during next year's tour of India. A win or two or even gritty draws could keep them in the top two, though they have not won a Test series in India since 2004, and face a buoyant current crop led by Rohit Sharma.

The team are also sweating on the fitness of Josh Hazlewood, who will miss at least one match against the Proteas, and will want an uptick in form from opening batter David Warner.

Second - South Africa - 60% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (away, three Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)

A 2-1 series loss to England away from home saw the Proteas lose top spot on the World Test Championship standings, although they still remain in a strong position to reach next year's final.

Their away series against Australia will be crucial to the fortunes of both sides, though history is on the Proteas side, having won the last three series between the teams in Australia. South Africa's pace artillery should enjoy Brisbane and the new life in the Melbourne wicket for the Boxing Day Test, and another series win would put Dean Elgar's men in pole position.

South Africa host West Indies for two Tests next year that would likely determine the final places.

Third - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)

While Sri Lanka are seemingly well-placed to reach the World Test Championship final, they will require everything to go their way if they are to qualify for the decider.

Just one series remains for Sri Lanka - 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 need help from the unfancied sides further down the table just to finish in the top two.

Fourth - India - 52.08% of possible points
Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, two Tests), Australia (home, four Tests)

Rohit Sharma's side are in Bangladesh for two Test matches beginning on Wednesday, and a positive result during that series will leave the upcoming battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as potentially one of the biggest for many years.

India do have an excellent recent record at home against Australia and will be confident of doing enough to win that series and qualify for a second consecutive World Test Championship final.

While a potential India/Pakistan final has been extinguished by Pakistan's home series defeat to England, the result knocks out one competitor in India's race to the final, and the Australia-South Africa series means the top two could eat away at each other's points.

It means that India should also have a clear idea of just what they need come the home series against the Aussie.

Fifth - England - 44.44% of possible points
Remaining series: Pakistan (away, one of three Tests remaining)

England had been all but eliminated before their away trip to Pakistan, though they've managed to spoil the party for Babar Azam's side and recent results suggest the next World Test Championship Cycle could be theirs.

At one stage stuck at the bottom of the table, England gave themselves too much to do after an unsuccessful Ashes series at the start of this year, though the rebuild is well and truly on with Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's simple game plan backed by a capable team.

Sixth - Pakistan - 42.42% of possible points
Remaining series: England (home, one of three Tests remaining), New Zealand (home, two Tests)

Pakistan are now languishing in sixth place on the current standings, with their campaign dashed by England's swift approach. Even with a third Test win against England and a clean sweep against New Zealand, the side are realistically out of the race.

The side have shown glimpses for the next cycle, merely 10 minutes away from holding on to a draw in Rawalpindi, and only falling to a 26-run defeat in Multan, clawing back despite the English batting barrage.

We'll see more of Abrar Ahmed after his stunning debut, as well as 27-year-old Saud Shakeel who made the most of his opportunity, making half-centuries in three of four innings across the first two England Tests.

Seventh - West Indies - 40.91% of possible points
Remaining series: South Africa (away, two Tests)

The West Indies had hopes deep into their Championship campaign, only to fall in a disappointing collapse in Australia, losing 2-0 in the Frank Worrell Trophy. It means that their only impact in the competition would be to spoil South Africa's campaign on the road, though the Proteas will be red-hot favourites to claim maximum points.

Distancing themselves from the bottom of the table with a series win over England and a clean sweep against Bangladesh, there were several positive signs in the campaign for skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, even if it felt like a solo charge with the bat.

Brathwaite's 948 runs at 49.89 is by far and away the most by a West Indies player in the cycle, though there were positive signs shown by Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who averages 40 across his first four Test innings, all against a fierce Australian attack.

The bowling load has been carried by several members of the group, though the depth may be tested in South Africa after numerous injuries plagued their Australian tour.

Eighth - New Zealand - 25.93% of possible points
Remaining series: Pakistan (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)

It’s been a death by a thousand cuts for the 2021 champions, who fell to Bangladesh at home, saw Ross Taylor bow out of the international game, and had their captain Kane Williamson sidelined with elbow trouble.

The Black Caps can only finish with the best percentage of 48.72%, well short of what's needed to feature in next year's final.

Ninth - Bangladesh - 13.33% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, two Tests)

Bangladesh are a leading light in One Day International cricket, though the longest format has not been the Tigers' forte, with shaky batting preventing any World Test Championship push.

Batters in the team occupy just two of the top-40 run-scorers in the cycle, with Litton Das (883 runs at 49.05) and Mushfiqur Rahim (539 at 49.00) the only players to make any mark in the competition.

The side have not won a Test match at home in the competition thus far, though did surprise New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.

Bangladesh will be looking to surprise when they host India from December 14.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

Updated after India's win against Bangladesh in the 1st Test

 

[MenInG]

Latest standing after Australia's win in the 1st Test vs SA

 

[dravidthewall]

Southafrica slips to 3rd...they need to win atleast one test against australia to stay in hunt. Rest is easy tour to them against westindies

 

[daytrader]

World Test Championship: How your team can reach the final

Australia's commanding victory over South Africa inside two days in Brisbane had major ramifications on the World Test Championship standings and a host of teams are now eyeing off second place on the table.

India moved in front of Sri Lanka and the Proteas and up to second place courtesy of their emphatic 188-run triumph over Bangladesh in Chattogram and are now in the box seat to join Australia at next year's World Test Championship decider at The Oval.

There is still plenty to play for though, with Sri Lanka all of a sudden back in the picture in a big way and Pakistan still in with a shot if they can prevail in their ongoing Test against England in Karachi.

A total of five sides can still feature in the World Test Championship final and here is what needs to happen for your team to make it.

First - Australia - 76.92% of possible points

Remaining series: South Africa (home, two Tests), India (away, four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 84.21%

Australia are in the box seat to qualify for their first World Test Championship final, with Pat Cummins' side currently holding a healthy lead at the top of the standings.

Fresh from a dominant performance in the first Test against South Africa, Australia have two more matches at home against the Proteas in Melbourne and Sydney ahead in which they will be confident of performing well in given their current rich vein of form.

Four Tests in India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February and March next year will be Australia's final assignment this period, but they may almost have their place in the final wrapped up prior should everything go their way on home soil.

Second - India - 55.77% of possible points

Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, one Test), Australia (home, four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 68.06%

Even with a host of key players on the sidelines through injury, India cruised to an easy victory over Bangladesh away from home and will be keen for a series sweep in the second Test in Mirpur.

India will be hoping veteran skipper Rohit Sharma will recover from his thumb injury in time to feature in this clash and a positive result against Shakib Al Hasan's side will have the Asian side well placed for a top-two finish.

They will need to produce some good results during their series against pacesetters Australia if they are to make it back-to-back appearances in the World Test Championship final though, so there is still plenty of cricket that India must navigate through.

Third - South Africa - 54.55% of possible points

Remaining series: Australia (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 69.77%

Losing a Test match inside two days is never good news and South Africa suffered a further blow after their six-wicket loss to Australia when they dropped out of a top-two place and were replaced by India in second spot on the World Test Championship standings.

The good news for Dean Elgar's side is they still have an opportunity to reclaim their place inside the top two, but they must hit back quickly during their ongoing series in Australia.

South Africa do have the luxury of two matches at home against the West Indies in February and March, but they will want to make sure they don't leave themselves with too much to do by the time that series comes around.

Fourth - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points

Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 61.11%

One of the big winners from recent Tests has been Sri Lanka, who have had their chances of an inaugural appearance in the World Test Championship final improved without even playing a match.

Regardless of other results between now and next year's final, Sri Lanka are still going to have to win all their remaining Test matches this period to have any hope of featuring.

Just one series remains for Sri Lanka - 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 be hoping Australia can continue on their winning ways and they can sneak into second place with two wins over the Kiwis.

Fifth - England - 44.44% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: Pakistan (away, one of three Tests remaining)
Best possible percentage finish: 46.97%

While England are one of the form teams of the current World Test Championship period, poor results early in the period means they can no longer qualify.

They can end Pakistan's hopes with a victory in the third and final Test of the ongoing series in Karachi, with that match currently hanging in the balance.

Sixth - Pakistan - 42.42% of possible points

Remaining series: England (home, one Test remaining), New Zealand (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 54.76%

The equation is simple for Pakistan if they want to make it to the World Test Championship final, with Babar Azam's side requiring wins in all their remaining matches to have any chance of a top-two finish.

If they can pick up a victory in Karachi then Pakistan will be hoping Australia can continue on their winning ways and cause South Africa and India to tumble down the standings over the coming months.

But it will take everything to go right for Pakistan if they are to make it through and progress to next year's decider at The Oval.

Seventh - West Indies - 40.91% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: South Africa (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 50%

Just two Tests remain for the West Indies, with their recent 2-0 series loss to Australia leaving Kraigg Brathwaite's side with no chance of progressing.

Eighth - New Zealand - 25.93% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: Pakistan (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 48.72%

While New Zealand still have four 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 for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka during their upcoming series.

Ninth - Bangladesh - 12.12% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: India (home, one Test)
Best possible percentage finish: 19.44%

It's been a very disappointing campaign for Bangladesh thus far, with the Asian side all but certain to finish on the bottom of the standings.

Their final match of the current period comes in Mirpur against India and they will be hoping to reverse the result from the first Test of the series in Chattogram.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

Australia's commanding victory over South Africa inside two days in Brisbane had major ramifications on the World Test Championship standings and a host of teams are now eyeing off second place on the table.

India moved in front of Sri Lanka and the Proteas and up to second place courtesy of their emphatic 188-run triumph over Bangladesh in Chattogram and are now in the box seat to join Australia at next year's World Test Championship decider at The Oval.

There is still plenty to play for though, with Sri Lanka all of a sudden back in the picture in a big way and Pakistan still in with a shot if they can prevail in their ongoing Test against England in Karachi.

A total of five sides can still feature in the World Test Championship final and here is what needs to happen for your team to make it.

First - Australia - 76.92% of possible points

Remaining series: South Africa (home, two Tests), India (away, four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 84.21%

Australia are in the box seat to qualify for their first World Test Championship final, with Pat Cummins' side currently holding a healthy lead at the top of the standings.

Fresh from a dominant performance in the first Test against South Africa, Australia have two more matches at home against the Proteas in Melbourne and Sydney ahead in which they will be confident of performing well in given their current rich vein of form.

Four Tests in India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February and March next year will be Australia's final assignment this period, but they may almost have their place in the final wrapped up prior should everything go their way on home soil.

Second - India - 55.77% of possible points

Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, one Test), Australia (home, four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 68.06%

Even with a host of key players on the sidelines through injury, India cruised to an easy victory over Bangladesh away from home and will be keen for a series sweep in the second Test in Mirpur.

India will be hoping veteran skipper Rohit Sharma will recover from his thumb injury in time to feature in this clash and a positive result against Shakib Al Hasan's side will have the Asian side well placed for a top-two finish.

They will need to produce some good results during their series against pacesetters Australia if they are to make it back-to-back appearances in the World Test Championship final though, so there is still plenty of cricket that India must navigate through.

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 - South Africa - 54.55% of possible points

Remaining series: Australia (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 69.77%

Losing a Test match inside two days is never good news and South Africa suffered a further blow after their six-wicket loss to Australia when they dropped out of a top-two place and were replaced by India in second spot on the World Test Championship standings.

The good news for Dean Elgar's side is they still have an opportunity to reclaim their place inside the top two, but they must hit back quickly during their ongoing series in Australia.

South Africa do have the luxury of two matches at home against the West Indies in February and March, but they will want to make sure they don't leave themselves with too much to do by the time that series comes around.

Fourth - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points

Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 61.11%

One of the big winners from recent Tests has been Sri Lanka, who have had their chances of an inaugural appearance in the World Test Championship final improved without even playing a match.

Regardless of other results between now and next year's final, Sri Lanka are still going to have to win all their remaining Test matches this period to have any hope of featuring.

Just one series remains for Sri Lanka - 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 be hoping Australia can continue on their winning ways and they can sneak into second place with two wins over the Kiwis.

Best possible percentage finish: 46.97%

While England are one of the form teams of the current World Test Championship period, poor results early in the period means they can no longer qualify.

They can end Pakistan's hopes with a victory in the third and final Test of the ongoing series in Karachi, with that match currently hanging in the balance.

Sixth - Pakistan - 42.42% of possible points

Remaining series: England (home, one Test remaining), New Zealand (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 54.76%

The equation is simple for Pakistan if they want to make it to the World Test Championship final, with Babar Azam's side requiring wins in all their remaining matches to have any chance of a top-two finish.

If they can pick up a victory in Karachi then Pakistan will be hoping Australia can continue on their winning ways and cause South Africa and India to tumble down the standings over the coming months.

But it will take everything to go right for Pakistan if they are to make it through and progress to next year's decider at The Oval.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam participated in an optional net session ahead of Pakistan's semi-final against New Zealand in Sydney.

Seventh - West Indies - 40.91% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: South Africa (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 50%

Just two Tests remain for the West Indies, with their recent 2-0 series loss to Australia leaving Kraigg Brathwaite's side with no chance of progressing.

Eighth - New Zealand - 25.93% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: Pakistan (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 48.72%

While New Zealand still have four 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 for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka during their upcoming series.

Ninth - Bangladesh - 12.12% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: India (home, one Test)
Best possible percentage finish: 19.44%

It's been a very disappointing campaign for Bangladesh thus far, with the Asian side all but certain to finish on the bottom of the standings.

Their final match of the current period comes in Mirpur against India and they will be hoping to reverse the result from the first Test of the series in Chattogram.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan drop further

 

[Front Foot Pull]

PAK has 2 matches remaining (v nz) in this WTC and the maximum they can reach is 48%. they are now out of contention from the WTC Finals.
hoping of AUS to give SA the same treatment.

 

[MenInG]

After India's 3-wicket win over BD in 2nd Test

 

[par]

If Aus beat SA in the remaining 2 matches, all India have to do to play in the final is win 2 matches or win 1 match and draw 2 matches against Aus.

 

[Sarwar89]

If Aus beat SA in the remaining 2 matches, all India have to do to play in the final is win 2 matches or win 1 match and draw 2 matches against Aus.

If South Africa wins 2nd test and draws 3rd test while they whitewash west indies at home and India wins 3-1 v Australia i think still Proteas will qualify somehow.

Proteas have 4 tests left they need to win 3 out of 4 with 1 draw

While india has 4 tests left they need to win 3-0 or 4-0 in that scenario. If Aus beats SA 2-1 then india needs 3-1 or even 2-1 scoreline ll work v Aus

 

[par]

If South Africa wins 2nd test and draws 3rd test while they whitewash west indies at home and India wins 3-1 v Australia i think still Proteas will qualify somehow.

Proteas have 4 tests left they need to win 3 out of 4 with 1 draw

While india has 4 tests left they need to win 3-0 or 4-0 in that scenario. If Aus beats SA 2-1 then india needs 3-1 or even 2-1 scoreline ll work v Aus

Yes. That's why I said if Aus beat SA in the remaining 2 matches.

 

[MenInG]

India's 2-0 series triumph over Bangladesh was confirmed on Sunday and it has helped them solidify their second place in the ICC World Test Championship standings.

Bangladesh fought hard but Ravichandran Ashwin and Shreyas Iyer showcased their class with the bat, as India won by three wickets in Mirpur.

This helped them consolidate their position behind Australia in the World Test Championship standings, leaving them in a good position to feature in back-to-back finals.

Here, we take a look at the scenario in which sides could qualify for the final.


First - Australia - 76.92% of possible points

Remaining series: South Africa (home, two Tests), India (away, four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 84.21%

Australia are in the box seat to qualify for their first World Test Championship final, with Pat Cummins' side currently holding a healthy lead at the top of the standings.

Fresh from a dominant performance in the first Test against South Africa, Australia have two more matches at home against the Proteas in Melbourne and Sydney ahead in which they will be confident of performing well in given their current rich vein of form.

Four Tests in India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February and March next year will be Australia's final assignment this period, but they may almost have their place in the final wrapped up prior should everything go their way on home soil.


Second - India - 58.92% of possible points

Remaining series: Australia (home, four Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 68.06%

Even with a host of key players on the sidelines through injury, India sealed a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh away from home.

Bangladesh put up more of a fight after the 188-run defeat in the first Test but India proved to be the superior side with a three-wicket win in the second Test, taking their point percentage to 58.92.

They will need to produce some good results during their series against pacesetters Australia if they are to make it back-to-back appearances in the World Test Championship final though, so there is still plenty of cricket that India must navigate through.


Third - South Africa - 54.55% of possible points

Remaining series: Australia (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 69.77%

Losing a Test match inside two days is never good news and South Africa suffered a further blow after their six-wicket loss to Australia when they dropped out of a top-two place and were replaced by India in second spot on the World Test Championship standings.

The good news for Dean Elgar's side is they still have an opportunity to reclaim their place inside the top two, but they must hit back quickly during their ongoing series in Australia.

South Africa do have the luxury of two matches at home against the West Indies in February and March, but they will want to make sure they don't leave themselves with too much to do by the time that series comes around.


Fourth - Sri Lanka - 53.33% of possible points

Remaining series: New Zealand (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 61.11%

One of the big winners from recent Tests has been Sri Lanka, who have had their chances of an inaugural appearance in the World Test Championship final improved without even playing a match.

Regardless of other results between now and next year's final, Sri Lanka are still going to have to win all their remaining Test matches this period to have any hope of featuring.

Just one series remains for Sri Lanka - 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 be hoping Australia can continue on their winning ways and they can sneak into second place with two wins over the Kiwis.


Fifth - England - 46.97% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: Nil
Best possible percentage finish: 46.97%

While England are one of the form teams of the current World Test Championship period, poor results early in the period means they can no longer qualify.

They put an end to Pakistan's hopes with a victory in the third and final Test in Karachi and will surely be one of the favourites heading into the next World Test Championship period.


Sixth - West Indies - 40.91% of possible points

Remaining series: South Africa (away, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 50%

Just two Tests remain for the West Indies, with their recent 2-0 series loss to Australia leaving Kraigg Brathwaite's side with little chance of progressing.

If they did manage to defeat South Africa 2-0 in their remaining two Test matches then they could sneak into second place should other results fall their way.


Seventh - Pakistan - 38.89% of possible points

Remaining series: New Zealand (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 47.62%

If Pakistan can win their final two Test matches this period - they host New Zealand in a quickfire series that commences later this month - they can finish with a win-percentage as high as 47.62 percent.

That could be enough for them to finish in front of seven other sides and claim second place on the final standings, but this is what also needs to occur:

- Australia will be their best ally as they will require Pat Cummins side to continue on their winning ways against South Africa and then next year against India
- They will need Bangladesh to do them a favour and cause a huge upset by defeating India in their ongoing Test series in Mirpur
- They will need New Zealand to defeat Sri Lanka in both of their Test matches in March next year
- They will require the West Indies to defeat South Africa in one of the two Tests away from home next year and then hope the second match ends as a draw (this would ensure both sides finish lower than Pakistan on the standings)


Eighth - New Zealand - 25.93% of possible points (out of contention)

Remaining series: Pakistan (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests)
Best possible percentage finish: 48.72%

While New Zealand still have four 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 for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka during their upcoming series.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2987322?sf174032580=1

 

[MenInG]

Latest standings after Australia's win in the 2nd Test

 

[jnaveen1980]

SA relies on India vs OZ series. Srilanka has a shot. But it is a NZ series which is harder.

 

[MenInG]

After the draw between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi (1st Test)

 

[jnaveen1980]

wow Last year finalist is near the bottom. Just above Bangladesh. Last year they fluked to final and got helpful conditions besides better preparation. Australia stupidly lost the final spot due to over-rate.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highest runscorers in Test cricket in 2022 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/LeeFr9f5aa">pic.twitter.com/LeeFr9f5aa</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1609147365562241024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

After Australia's series win vs SA

 

[daytrader]

SCG draw proves a World Test Championship boost for India, Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka were the big winners from an ICC World Test Championship perspective as the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa petered out to a tame draw in Sydney on Sunday.

The Proteas' batters finally showed some fight at the SCG and Australia's imposing bowling attack failed to take advantage as the rain-affected match ended without a whimper.

It meant Australia must wait until their upcoming series against India away from home to book their place in the World Test Championship final, with the current leaders missing the chance to cement their spot.

The Proteas' batters finally showed some fight at the SCG and Australia's imposing bowling attack failed to take advantage as the rain-affected match ended without a whimper.

It meant Australia must wait until their upcoming series against India away from home to book their place in the World Test Championship final, with the current leaders missing the chance to cement their spot.

The Proteas' batters finally showed some fight at the SCG and Australia's imposing bowling attack failed to take advantage as the rain-affected match ended without a whimper.

It meant Australia must wait until their upcoming series against India away from home to book their place in the World Test Championship final, with the current leaders missing the chance to cement their spot.

But South Africa's chances will also be dependent on other teams, with victories in both those Tests against the Caribbean side required and a host of other results going their way the only hope for Dean Elgar's side following a disappointing tour of Australia.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

The volume of runs scored in the World Test Championship has seen plenty of bowlers given the treatment. But a host of the game’s biggest names have bucked that trend, with five bowlers taking 50 or more wickets in WTC23.

Here we run through the five top wicket-takers as the World Test Championship heads towards this summer’s final.


Nathan Lyon, Australia – 61 wickets

Australia’s primary spinner has got through a mountain of work so far in the World Test Championship, racking up 680 overs in 26 innings and taking 61 wickets in the process.

Lyon has kept things pretty tight, with an economy rate of 2.56, and has a Championship average of 28.63.

Time and again the 35-year-old justifies his status as one of the world’s lead spinners.

Australia's Nathan Lyon has taken bucket-loads of wicketsAustralia's Nathan Lyon has taken bucket-loads of wickets


James Anderson, England – 58 wickets

England’s 40-year-old star keeps on providing quality returns. His form in English conditions remains unparalleled, but away from home, he is producing world-class performances time and again.

On England’s tour of Pakistan, it was an Anderson masterclass with the veteran returning the leanest economy rate (2.20) and the best average (18.50) of all the front-line bowlers to feature on either side.

Anderson’s 58 WTC23 wickets have come in 15 matches at an average of just 20.37.

World Test Championship: How your team can reach the final


Kagiso Rabada, South Africa – 55 wickets

South Africa’s spearhead has taken big wickets throughout the World Test Championship cycle.

The strike-bowler may have gone for runs – his economy stands at 3.77 – but his short and sharp bursts have yielded 55 wickets in 11 matches.

His strike rate of 36.9 is only bettered by Australia’s seam specialist Scott Boland among all of the bowlers used in the Championship.


Ollie Robinson, England – 53 wickets

Thirteen of Ollie Robinson’s total 14 Test caps have come in the latest edition of the World Test Championship, and it’s fair to say he’s made an immediate impact on the international game.

Robinson has taken 53 wickets in those 13 Tests, with an average of 20.75 which is virtually unheard of for a player with such limited international experience.

England may have unearthed the leader of their attack for when Anderson and Stuart Broad finally hang up their boots.


Pat Cummins, Australia – 50 wickets

Australia’s skipper is the top-ranked bowler in Test cricket and also takes a place in the top ten of the all-rounder charts, so it’s hardly surprising that he’s made a big impact on the World Test Championship.

Cummins has taken 50 wickets in his 13 Championship Tests. His average of 20.12 is the best in this top-five list, while his economy of 2.61 is among the best of all of the quick bowlers used in the competition.

The Australia captain lies just one wicket ahead of his compatriot Mitchell Starc in the list.

The following five players make up the remainder of the top ten:

Mitchell Starc, Australia – 14 Tests, 49 wickets, 25.69 average, 2.98 economy

Jack Leach, England – 16 Tests, 48 wickets, 39.77 average, 2.99 economy

Jasprit Bumrah, India – 10 Tests, 45 wickets, 19.73 average, 2.70 economy

Stuart Broad, England – 11 Tests, 43 wickets, 28.32 average, 3.22 economy

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan – 8 Tests, 41 wickets, 18.19 average, 2.87 economy

The final of the World Test Championship is rapidly approaching, with only three more series to be played before this summer’s final at The Oval in London in June.

Australia are in pole position at the top of the table, with India currently in second spot and set to face them in the final as things stand. But Sri Lanka and South Africa aren’t out of the running just yet, especially with the top two set to face off in a four-test series through February and March.

ICC

 

[jnaveen1980]

At one point Pakistan was in far more favorable position than India. Many Indian fans prepared themselves for not making the final. Now they have a realistic chance albeit it is a tough assignment.

 

[MP2011]

At one point Pakistan was in far more favorable position than India. Many Indian fans prepared themselves for not making the final. Now they have a realistic chance albeit it is a tough assignment.

Yeah, I read those threads. Since they had scheduled 3 back to back home series, it was deemed as easy for them to qualify for the WTC finals.

 

[Ab Fan]

This tournament has proved that Pakistan are the nicest opponents in the history of test cricket. Everyone takes home advantage to fullest and try to win more games at home. Pakistan on other hand plays at home to negate that advantage and has one of the worst records among top 8 teams at home conditions.

They are the nicest teams of all-time with the nicest cricketers like Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen and Imam to name a few.

 

[MenInG]

Runs have flowed throughout the World Test Championship cycle, with seven players passing a thousand runs as their teams jostle for the top two spots and a place in this summer’s final.

Here are the top five WTC23 run-scorers with three series and eight Tests still to play ahead of the big showdown at The Oval in London in June.

Joe Root, England – 1915 runs

England’s campaign is over, with only a mathematical chance of them reaching the final on home turf. But it will take something extraordinary for Joe Root not to finish as the top run-scorer in this iteration of the competition.

England’s batting talisman and the former captain has scored a world-leading eight hundreds in the Championship, hitting 1915 runs in 40 innings and averaging 53.19.

Babar Azam, Pakistan – 1527 runs

Pakistan’s captain has been the rock on which his team’s WTC23 campaign has been built, racking up 1527 runs in 14 matches.

Babar has reached triple figures four times, registering a further ten half-centuries in his 26 total innings – a remarkable record that sees him average 61.08 in the competition.

Jonny Bairstow, England – 1285 runs

The summer of his life saw Jonny Bairstow surge up the run-scorers chart in 2022.

Bairstow has racked up six centuries in 15 matches, averaging 51.40 and scoring at a strike rate just shy of 70.

England will not play again in the WTC23, and Bairstow’s injury issues mean he is likely to be out until at least the start of the English summer in any case. But his record in the past two years will live in history as one of the game’s great purple patches.

Usman Khawaja, Australia – 1275 runs

The return of Khawaja to the Australian side has been an unqualified success.

The top-order batter has churned out big knock after big knock for his team, scoring five centuries and averaging a phenomenal 79.68.

Khawaja had to stay patient for another run in the Test team, but the left-hander’s form since his recall in 2021 shows why you should never write off top-level cricketers.

Marnus Labuschagne, Australia – 1265 runs

Labuschagne’s status as one of the game’s top run scorers shows no sign of abating, with the Australian continuing his breakthrough form into the latest cycle of the World Test Championship.

The Aussie has hit five centuries in the Championship, averaging close to 60. And with Labuschagne churning out the runs, Australia’s spot at the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Test Rankings appears secure.

The following five players round out the top ten:

Steve Smith, Australia – 1107 runs, 23 innings, 55.35 average.

Litton Das, Bangladesh – 1024 runs, 22 innings, 46.54 average.

Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan – 992 runs, 23 innings, 47.23 average.

Travis Head, Australia – 973 runs, 20 innings, 54.05 average.

Ben Stokes, England – 971 runs, 32 innings, 32.36 average.

The final of the World Test Championship is rapidly approaching, with only three more series to be played before this summer’s final at The Oval in London in June.

Australia are in pole position at the top of the table, with India currently in second spot and set to face them in the final as things stand. But Sri Lanka and South Africa aren’t out of the running just yet, especially with the top two set to face off in a four-test series through February and March.

England and West Indies have a mathematical chance as well, but will need several results to go their way if they are to make it to the final in June.

ICC

 

[Bhaijaan]

It would be nice to play another WTC final although we are clearly not who we used to be. A lot of the players have aged and out of their primes, some new batters have yet to really settle into their roles and the bowling line up also has aged and we don’t have a good idea what XI we are going to be fielding. But then again, we tend to exceed expectations when odds are heavily stacked against us. Let’s see if we can pull off surprises in the coming few months. Expectations aren’t much.

 

[Ab Fan]

It would be nice to play another WTC final although we are clearly not who we used to be. A lot of the players have aged and out of their primes, some new batters have yet to really settle into their roles and the bowling line up also has aged and we don’t have a good idea what XI we are going to be fielding. But then again, we tend to exceed expectations when odds are heavily stacked against us. Let’s see if we can pull off surprises in the coming few months. Expectations aren’t much.

No Indian batter in top 10 leading run scorer list, only one Indian bowler in top 10 wickets list but we are on verge of getting qualified to finals. That's a team effort led by our keeper bat

 

[jnaveen1980]

It would be nice to play another WTC final although we are clearly not who we used to be. A lot of the players have aged and out of their primes, some new batters have yet to really settle into their roles and the bowling line up also has aged and we don’t have a good idea what XI we are going to be fielding. But then again, we tend to exceed expectations when odds are heavily stacked against us. Let’s see if we can pull off surprises in the coming few months. Expectations aren’t much.

England should play. But they screwed up early in this cycle. Outside England India is the most deserved finalists. It will be a travesty if SA or SL reach the final.

 

[Sidilicious]

England should play. But they screwed up early in this cycle. Outside England India is the most deserved finalists. It will be a travesty if SA or SL reach the final.

The only was SA or SL reach the final, is if the scoreline for the India Aus series is anything worse than 3-1, and SL blank NZ in NZ 2-0, or India lose the series against Aus and SA win their remaining games.

If India lose or draw a home series then we too don't deserve to make the final as in this cycle we drew away in England, lost away in SA, won at home in NZ, won at home in SL, won away in Ban and if we can't beat Aus then we would have lost at home too. So we haven't produced any results. You could argue that the Eng series was close and we could have won it, and the same in SA. But the fact is we haven't been able to deliver the end result.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship Final will be played between 7 and 11 June 2023, as two years of Test cricket reaches its conclusion in the Ultimate Test at The Oval in England.

The South London venue has hosted over 100 Test matches in its rich history, and in June will welcome the top two Test sides in the ICC World Test Championship standings, which will compete for the ICC World Test Championship Mace following two years of hard-fought competition.

The ICC World Test Championship Final is the pinnacle event in the Test calendar and is a week-long celebration of the longest format of the game. This Ultimate Test is the culmination of two years of intense competition in the ICC World Test Championship, spanning 61 Test matches over 24 series played to date.

While the two competing nations may not yet be known, there are a host of significant fixtures due to play out in the coming weeks to determine the Finalists, and excitement is building ahead of June’s clash.

Australia currently top the standings, with India in hot pursuit in second place, and both teams go head-to-head across a four-Test series from 9 February with a place at The Oval, and the coveted ICC World Test Championship Mace, firmly in their sights.

While six teams in total stand a chance of qualification, among the frontrunners to challenge the top two are Sri Lanka, who sit third in the standings and South Africa in fourth, who take on reigning WTC champions New Zealand and the West Indies respectively over two two-Test series during February and March.

As the drama ebbs and flows in the coming weeks, the ICC World Test Championship Final will undoubtedly present us with another absorbing encounter, where the victors will write themselves into the annals of this historical format of the game.

On the potential of securing their place at the showpiece event, Australia skipper Pat Cummins said, “The prospect of playing in the World Test Championship Final has been a big motivator for us over the last couple of years, more so now having missed out on over rates last time.

“To play at a neutral venue like The Oval adds another element for both sides who make the Final. It’s exciting and has been a goal of ours for a while now.

“We are confident we can secure a place while here in India after a really strong 12 months. The Final would be a great reward for the players and staff who have done so well.”

India’s captain Rohit Sharma looks ahead to what could be a second successive WTC Final encounter, remarking, “Leading Team India out onto the field of play at the World Test Championship Final would be special.

“We have grown and developed as a team during this competition and to be in with a chance of lifting the Mace at the Oval in June, we know we first need to overcome a tough Australia side.

“There have been so many dramatic moments in Test cricket lately, and there are undoubtedly more to come. I am excited by the prospect of booking our place at the Final and hopefully creating history later in the year.”

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne also relishes the opportunity to compete in the World Test Championship Final, adding, “Sri Lanka still has a good chance of making it to the World Test Championship Final. We have done well to be among the top contenders, and if we can complete a good Test series on the upcoming New Zealand tour, our chances of making it to the Final will look like a greater possibility.

“We are aware of the opportunity, as well as the challenges we will face in capturing this wonderful opportunity to play in the WTC Final. This competition is really good for red-ball cricket, as it ensures that every game is played at the highest level of intensity, and the teams, whether they qualify to play the Final or not, will compete to end the ongoing cycle well.”

South Africa also have a chance of qualification, and their Test captain Dean Elgar commented, “While we may have an outside chance of qualification for the World Test Championship Final, there’s no greater encouragement than the thought of playing for silverware in such a historic format at such a historic ground.

“We are hungry for success in this format, and are focused on the challenge ahead with the West Indies Test series around the corner. With so much to play for, we would love to add some more drama to an already exciting competition and qualify for the Final in June.”

More about the ICC World Test Championship can be found here.

Remaining ICC World Test Championship Fixtures

India v Australia (1st Test) – Nagpur, India, 9-13 February
India v Australia (2nd Test) – Delhi, India, 17-21 February
South Africa v West Indies (1st Test) – Centurion, South Africa, 28 February-4 March
India v Australia (3rd Test) – Dharamsala, India, 1-5 March
South Africa v West Indies (2nd Test) – Johannesburg, South Africa, 8-12 March
New Zealand v Sri Lanka (1st Test) – Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-13 March
India v Australia (4th Test) – Ahmedabad, India, 9-13 March
New Zealand v Sri Lanka (2nd Test) – Wellington, New Zealand, 17-21 March