Introduction to the World Test Championship Final
Thursday 15 May 2025 10:54 am
Holders Australia face South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June
Australia or South Africa stand to win a record £2.7m in next month’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s after the International Cricket Council more than doubled prize money.
The runners-up in the one-off match in north London on 11-15 June will bank £1.6m, which is more than the £1.2m the winners of the first two editions received.
The move is an attempt to breathe fresh life into a competition that has been derided as “a shambles” and faces increasing competition from lucrative T20 leagues.
Statement from the ICC Chair
“We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition,” said ICC chair Jay Shah.
“The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads – a true celebration of cricket.
“I am sure spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now.
“On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match.”
World Test Championship Labelled a ‘Shambles’
South Africa finished their campaign strongly to claim a place in the Lord’s final against defending champions Australia, whose defeat of India in January ended the favourites’ hopes.
India will still receive £1.1m for finishing third in the table, with England picking up £720,000 for their fifth place. Bottom team Pakistan will bank £360,000.
The World Test Championship, which operates on a two-year cycle, was created to elevate the five-day format but has received a mixed response.
Influential publication Wisden lambasted the competition last month, with editor Lawrence Booth calling it “a shambles masquerading as a showpiece”.
He added: “The ICC cannot allow the championship to continue as if designed on the back of a fag packet.
“Double its length to four years, like football and rugby, and ensure the top nine in the rankings all play each other, home and away, over series of at least three Tests.”
History of the World Test Championship
The World Test Championship was first introduced in 2019, with the aim of promoting the five-day format of the game. However, the competition has faced criticism for its format and scheduling.
The championship currently features the top nine Test-playing nations, with each team playing six series over a two-year period. The top two teams in the standings then compete in a final.
Despite its criticisms, the World Test Championship has provided some exciting cricket, with several closely contested series and matches.
Impact of the World Test Championship
The World Test Championship has had a significant impact on the world of cricket, with many teams and players benefiting from the competition.
The championship has provided a platform for teams to compete against each other in a meaningful way, with the added incentive of a significant prize purse.
However, the competition has also faced criticism for its scheduling, with some teams having to play a large number of matches in a short period of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to claim the prestigious title and the record prize money.
Despite the criticisms of the competition, the World Test Championship has provided some great cricket and has helped to promote the five-day format of the game.
As the cricket world looks forward to the final, it will be interesting to see how the competition evolves in the future and whether the ICC can address the criticisms and make the championship even more successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the finalists in the World Test Championship?
A: The finalists in the World Test Championship are Australia and South Africa.
Q: What is the prize money for the winners of the World Test Championship?
A: The winners of the World Test Championship will receive a record £2.7m.
Q: What is the format of the World Test Championship?
A: The World Test Championship features the top nine Test-playing nations, with each team playing six series over a two-year period. The top two teams in the standings then compete in a final.
Q: What are the criticisms of the World Test Championship?
A: The World Test Championship has faced criticism for its format and scheduling, with some teams having to play a large number of matches in a short period of time.
