Despite the naysayers, few doubt that cricket’s world-wide appeal has never been more pronounced. Even in these dark days of T20 juggernauts and global terrorism, Test cricket’s longevity is undeniable.
But there’s a problem with the World Test Championship – and that is its insistence on staging its final in England, rather than in a neutral venue. It’s a move that has been criticised by several countries, most notably India, who were poised for an early exit from the tournament after two streak-ending series defeats in 2023-2025.
The Proteas’ triumph at Lord’s put an end to a 27-year trophy hoodoo and saw them overcome modern Goliaths Australia in an epic final at the home of the game. Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada and the rest of South Africa’s merry band of underdogs were anointed champions of the cricket world – one of the sport’s biggest ever fairytales.
But there’s still a long way to go to determine the best team in the world. South Africa’s schedule is not easy, especially on the road, where they face Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their next home series consists of three against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, England’s schedule is also tough – a three-Test tour of the West Indies and a five-Test Ashes series against Pakistan and New Zealand are not exactly cakewalks. And then there’s Australia, who have a very difficult schedule to navigate too, including a tough tour of India and South Africa. All that could make for another nail-biting finish in a thrilling competition that should keep the fires of the longest format burning.