World Test Championship 2023: The Ultimate Battle for Test Cricket Supremacy
Cricket, the epitome of sportsmanship and skill, brings forth another enthralling edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023. This prestigious tournament, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), is the pinnacle of Test cricket, showcasing the best teams in the world and providing a platform for intense battles and captivating performances. In this article, we will explore the World Test Championship 2023 in detail, including its format, participating teams, points system, schedule, key highlights, and the ultimate quest for cricketing glory.
Introduction to the World Test Championship 2023
The World Test Championship 2023 marks the second edition of this grand tournament. Designed to bring context and significance to Test cricket, it spans over a two-year cycle, encompassing numerous Test matches played between August 2021 and June 2023. The championship culminates with a highly anticipated final, where the top two teams will clash in a battle for cricketing supremacy.
Purpose and Format of the WTC 2023
The primary purpose of the World Test Championship 2023 is to celebrate and promote Test cricket as the pinnacle format of the game. The tournament features the top nine Test-playing nations, competing against each other in a league format. Each team plays six series, with three at home and three away, accumulating points based on their performances in each match. The top two teams with the highest percentage of points earned at the end of the league stage will advance to the final.
Participating Teams in the WTC 2023
The World Test Championship 2023 brings together nine of the finest Test-playing nations, each eager to prove their mettle on the grand stage. The participating teams include Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. These teams represent the epitome of cricketing excellence and add an element of competitiveness and diversity to the tournament.
Points System and Calculation
The points system in the World Test Championship 2023 is designed to reward teams for their performances in each Test match. A win earns a team 120 points, a tie grants them 60 points, and a draw results in 30 points. The points are calculated based on the total number of matches won, lost, or drawn, as well as the series result. In case of a series draw, points are shared between the teams. The team with the highest percentage of points earned at the end of the league stage will secure a place in the final.
World Test Championship (2021-2023) – Points Table
| Position | n | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | NR | Points | PCT | n |
| 1 | Australia | 19 | 11 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 152 | 66.67 | ||
| 2 | India | 18 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 127 | 58.8 | ||
| 3 | South Africa | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 100 | 55.56 | ||
| 4 | England | 22 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 124 | 46.97 | ||
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 12 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 64 | 44.44 | ||
| 6 | New Zealand | 13 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 60 | 38.46 | ||
| 7 | Pakistan | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 64 | 38.1 | ||
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 54 | 34.62 | ||
| 9 | Bangladesh | 12 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 11.11 |
Schedule and Venues of the WTC 2023
The World Test Championship 2023 features a meticulously crafted schedule, with matches being played at various renowned cricketing venues around the world. The ICC, in collaboration with the participating cricket boards, ensures a balanced distribution of matches, considering factors such as weather conditions, player workload, and historical significance of the venues. The schedule provides an exciting mix of home and away series for each team, adding to the thrill and unpredictability of the tournament. The 2023 ICC World Test Championship is the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship of Test cricket. It started on 1 August 2021 with the first Test of the 2021 Ashes series, and will finish with the Final at the Oval, London, England, on 12 June 2023.
Highlights from the WTC 2023
Here are some of the key moments from the 2023 ICC World Test Championship:
- India’s win over Australia in Chennai: India’s win over Australia in Chennai was one of the most memorable matches of the tournament. India chased down a target of 387 runs in the final session of the final day, with Cheteshwar Pujara scoring a century.
- New Zealand’s win over England in Auckland: New Zealand’s win over England in Auckland was another memorable match. New Zealand bowled England out for 124 runs in the first innings, and then chased down the target of 125 runs in just 11.3 overs.
- Australia’s win over South Africa in Perth: Australia’s win over South Africa in Perth was a dominant performance. Australia bowled South Africa out for 162 runs in the first innings, and then scored 546 runs in their first innings. South Africa were bowled out for 182 runs in their second innings, and Australia won by an innings and 222 runs.
Here are some of the key facts and figures from the 2023 ICC World Test Championship:
- Total number of matches: 122
- Most runs scored: Marnus Labuschagne (2350)
- Most wickets taken: Ravichandran Ashwin (142)
- Highest team score: 682/6 (120 overs) – India vs England, Chennai, February 2023
- Lowest team score: 36 all out – Bangladesh vs West Indies, Chattogram, November 2023
- Most successful bowler: Pat Cummins (38 wickets)
- Most successful batsman: Marnus Labuschagne (1287 runs)
The Road to the Final
2023 ICC World Test Championship Final between India and Australia:
The 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final was the final match of the 2021–23 ICC World Test Championship, a Test cricket tournament contested by the top ten Test-playing nations. The match was played between India and Australia at the Oval, London, England, from 7–12 June 2023.
India won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 296 runs in their first innings, with Cheteshwar Pujara top-scoring with 77 runs. Australia responded with 469 runs in their first innings, with Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with 128 runs. India were then bowled out for 270 runs in their second innings, with Pat Cummins taking 5 wickets. Australia chased down the target of 146 runs in the fourth innings with 8 wickets in hand, to win the match by 8 wickets and be crowned the 2023 ICC World Test Champions.
Here are the team squads for the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final:
India
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Aajinkya Rahane
- SK Bharat (wicketkeeper)
- Shardul Thakur
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Shami
- Umesh Yadav
Australia
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Steve Smith
- David Warner
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Travis Head
- Usman Khawaja
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Nathan Lyon
- Cameron Green
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
Here are some of the key players to watch out for in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final:
India
- Virat Kohli: The Indian captain is one of the best batsmen in the world, and he will be looking to lead his team to victory.
- Cheteshwar Pujara: The Indian batsman is known for his solid defense, and he will be looking to anchor the Indian innings.
- Ravindra Jadeja: The Indian spinner is one of the best in the world, and he will be looking to spin a web around the Australian batsmen.
Australia
- Marnus Labuschagne: The Australian batsman is in the form of his life, and he will be looking to continue his good form in the final.
- Steve Smith: The Australian captain is one of the best batsmen in the world, and he will be looking to lead his team to victory.
- Pat Cummins: The Australian fast bowler is one of the best in the world, and he will be looking to take wickets and help his team win the final.
The 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final is a must-watch for any cricket fan. It is a clash between two of the best teams in the world, and it promises to be a thrilling contest.
The Ultimate Showdown for Cricketing Glory
The final match of the World Test Championship 2023 will be a culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. The top two teams will lock horns in a battle for cricketing glory, where every ball, every run, and every wicket will hold immense significance. The final will serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Test cricket and the pursuit of excellence.
The Significance of the WTC 2023
The World Test Championship 2023 holds immense significance for the world of cricket. It not only determines the best Test team in the world but also celebrates the heritage, tradition, and integrity of Test cricket. The tournament highlights the beauty and challenges of the longest format of the game, captivating fans and inspiring future generations of cricketers.
The Future of the World Test Championship
As the World Test Championship evolves, the ICC remains committed to refining and improving the tournament based on feedback from players, fans, and stakeholders. The future editions will continue to elevate the status of Test cricket, showcasing the finest talents, fostering healthy competition, and strengthening the bond between nations through the spirit of the game.
FAQs
Q: How is the World Test Championship different from other cricket tournaments? The World Test Championship is unique as it focuses exclusively on Test cricket, the longest format of the game. It aims to bring context, significance, and competitiveness to Test matches, ultimately determining the best Test team in the world.
Q: Who are the participating teams in the World Test Championship 2023? The World Test Championship 2023 features the top nine Test-playing nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
Q: How are points calculated in the World Test Championship 2023? Teams earn points based on the result of each Test match. A win earns 120 points, a tie grants 60 points, and a draw results in 30 points. The team with the highest percentage of points earned at the end of the league stage qualifies for the final.
Q: Where will the final of the World Test Championship 2023 be held? The venue for the final match of the World Test Championship 2023 is yet to be announced. The ICC will select a prestigious cricketing venue to host this grand showdown.
Q: What is the significance of the World Test Championship? The World Test Championship celebrates Test cricket as the ultimate format of the game. It brings context, excitement, and competitiveness to Test matches, determining the best Test team and preserving the rich heritage of the sport.
Q. Which ball will be used in the India vs Australia World Test Championship final?
The India vs Australia World Test Championship final will be played using Grade 1 Dukes ball.
Q. When will India vs Australia World Test Championship final take place?
The India vs Australia World Test Championship final 2023 will take place between June 7 and 12.
Q. Where will India vs Australia World Test Championship final take place?
The India vs Australia World Test Championship final 2023 takes place at Kennington Oval Stadium in London, England.
Q. What time will the India vs Australia World Test Championship final begin?
The India vs Australia World Test Championship final will begin at 3:30pm IST (11am local time).
Q. Will there be a reserve day for India vs Australia World Test Championship final?
Yes, the India vs Australia World Test Championship final will have a reserved day on June 12.
Q. Where to watch the India vs Australia World Test Championship final live in India ?
The India vs Australia World Test Championship final will be shown live on Star Sports and streamed live on Disney+Hotstar.