The World Test Championship is a structured competition to determine the best team in the longest form of the game over a two-year cycle. It is designed to add significance to bilateral Test series in a world dominated by T20 and ODI tournaments, and will reward teams for winning, drawing or losing Test matches. It will also promote and nurture the game, just like the ICC’s World Cups do for ODI and T20 cricket.

The nine full members of the ICC participate in the competition, which has been launched to increase relevance for Test cricket and give it the same status as the ODI and T20 World Cups. The format is based on a league table with points awarded for each match in a series, and a tie is worth six points. A win is worth 12 points, while a defeat is worth zero. A team can earn bonus points for exceeding a required over rate in a match, but will be deducted one point for each over they bowl under-par.

Australia will take on South Africa at Lord’s in a final that has the potential to be a cricket classic. Both sides are ranked equal in the rankings, having played each other four times in 2023-25, and the Proteas are unbeaten in their home series against Australia since late last year. A win for the Shubman Gill-led side would be a major statement of intent. Australia has a formidable team that has been well-prepared for this final through IPL, county cricket and practice sessions at home, while South Africa will be hoping to end a 27-year drought without a major trophy.