What is the World Test Championship (WTC)?
The World Test Championship (WTC) is a major Test cricket competition organized by the ICC. Its purpose is to take Test cricket to new heights and maintain excitement in this format. This championship is no less than a battlefield for every team, where every match matters.
What is the situation in the current cycle of WTC?
There are 15 Test matches left in the 2023-25 cycle, and so far no team has been able to secure its place in the final. Every team has its own maths, and their success sometimes depends on the performance of other teams.
1. South Africa’s position
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 59.26%
- Remaining matches: Sri Lanka (1 home), Pakistan (2 home)
Road to final:
- If all matches are won: If South Africa wins all the three remaining matches, then its percentage will be 61.11%.
- If loses: South Africa’s position can be affected by the results of other competing teams like Sri Lanka and India.
2. Sri Lanka’s position
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 50.00%
- Remaining matches: South Africa (1 away), Australia (2 home)
Road to final:
- Overall performance: If Sri Lanka wins all three matches, it can reach 61.54%.
- Dependant position: If it loses one more match, it will have to depend on the results of others.
3. New Zealand’s position
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 50.00%
- Remaining matches: England (2 home)
Road to the final:
- Full journey: If New Zealand wins both its matches, it can go up to 57.14%.
- Difficulty: It will have to wait for the results of many other teams.
4. India’s position
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 61.11%
- Remaining matches: Australia (4 out)
Road to the final:
- Three wins necessary: India will have to beat Australia 3-0. This can take their percentage to 62.28%.
- Second situation: Due to poor performance of other teams, India can reach the finals even with fewer wins.
5. Australia’s situation
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 57.69%
- Remaining matches: India (4 home), Sri Lanka (2 away)
Path to final:
- Four wins and one draw: This will take Australia above 61%.
- Dependence on Sri Lanka: Australia will have to clean sweep Sri Lanka.
6. Pakistan’s position
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 33.33%
- Remaining matches: South Africa (2 away), West Indies (2 home)
Road to the final:
- Win all four matches: 52.38% chance of reaching.
- Low chance: They need to take advantage of the results of other teams as well.
7. England’s position
What percentage of points and how many matches are left?
- Points percentage: 43.75%
- Remaining matches: New Zealand (2 away)
Road to the final:
- Mathematical probability: England will need to win all the matches and other teams will perform poorly. – Reality: Their chances are almost over.
8. Key possibilities for the final
Classic match between India and Australia?
- The result of the series between Australia and India will directly affect the final.
- Both teams have their own strong equations.
South Africa’s strength:
- Their performance in the home series will be very important.
9. Which teams are out?
Bangladesh and West Indies:
- Both these teams have no chance of reaching the final.
10. Summary of possibilities for the final
- Every team still has a chance, but everyone’s situations are different.
- India, Australia and South Africa are the main contenders.
Conclusion: What will be the WTC final?
The World Test Championship final is like a thrilling movie, where the story is changing at every turn. India, Australia, and South Africa are currently at the forefront, but the performance of every team matters in the race for the final.
FAQs
1. What is the World Test Championship (WTC)?
This is the flagship competition of Test cricket organized by the ICC.
2. When will the WTC final be held?
The final will be played in mid-2025.
3. Which teams are the main contenders for the WTC final?
India, Australia, and South Africa.
4. What is England’s chance of reaching the WTC final?
England’s chance is almost over.
5. How does the current point system of WTC work?
The result of each match is converted into points and calculated on the basis of percentage.