The World Test Championship is a new initiative to add context and excitement to the game’s longest format. It spans two-year cycles, with nine of the full ICC member nations playing each other home and away in series of varying lengths. It uses points to rank teams and includes a penalty for slow over-rates. It has prompted interest and provoked discussion. It has not solved the issue of scheduling, but it has made a valuable contribution to enhancing the significance and appeal of test cricket in an era dominated by franchise cricket.
Defending champions Australia are currently top of the table. The Pat Cummins-led team whitewashed the West Indies in their first series of the new cycle and they have a healthy lead over South Africa, who are second. The Proteas were criticised by some before the final for having an easier route through this cycle, having played only 12 tests and not faced England or Australia.
The rankings are determined by the number of Tests won, with teams awarded points for victories and a deduction for losing or drawing a match. This gives a greater emphasis on winning more Tests and is a fairer way of comparing the strengths of different teams. It is also an incentive for smaller countries to improve their performance and compete more effectively with the bigger nations.