Explainer: All you need to know about World Test Championship
What's the story
The much-awaited World Test Championship was officially launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday. The tournament will start from August 1, 2019. Nine top-ranked Test teams, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the Windies would be competing in the event. The final would be played in June 2021. Here is all you need to know.
Information
71 Tests would be played over two years
As for the number of matches, a total of 71 Tests would be played across 27 series. Each team would play three home and away series. After two years, the top two teams would automatically qualify for the final, to be played at Lord's, London.
Points system
How would the points system work?
Each series will have 120 points up for grab. Two-match series: 60 for win, 30 for tie, 20 for draw. Three-match series: 40 for win, 20 for tie, 13 for draw. Four-match series: 30 for win, 15 for tie, 10 for draw. Five-match series: 24 for win, 12 for tie, eight for draw. No points would be awarded in case of a loss.
Why WTC?
Why did ICC introduce World Test Championship?
Over the years, the popularity of the longest format of the game has taken a hit. In the same light, the World Test Championship has been introduced to make Tests interesting. As the other two formats (ODI and T20I) have their respective World Cups, it was decided that the oldest format of the game should get a world championship of its own.
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Types of Tests that are part of WTC
As the red-ball cricket too has witnessed format changes, it is to be noted that only five-day Tests would be a part of the Championship, including day-night matches. However, the day-night Tests are subject to a bilateral agreement between the playing nations.
ICC's influence
How does ICC influence the WTC?
The ICC is organizing the tournament. However, until the final, the ICC's role would be to just oversee the matches and series, held by the host nation against the visiting country. The ICC would provide match officials for the series and ensure that the matches follow the regulations. The venue, ticketing, and other responsibilities lie with the host nation's board.
Test rankings
How does the WTC affect the Test rankings?
It should also be noted that only Tests, between the nine nations, would be considered for this event. The matches against nations, other than the top nine ranked teams, would not be considered for this event. As for the rankings, it would work in the usual way for all the 12 teams, while the WTC points table would work independently.
Broadcaster
Who is the official broadcaster of the WTC matches?
The broadcast duties for the matches lie with the board of the host nation. The official broadcaster of the host nation would telecast the matches. When it comes to the final, the broadcast duties would be given to ICC. As for India, Star Sports and Sony Sports Network would broadcast matches based on the host nation, while the final would be broadcast by Star.