Reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is no easy feat; it’s a reward for relentless consistency across multiple series, formats, and conditions. In this unforgiving arena, every session, every over, and every run carries weight. Unlike traditional Test series, where individual wins are standalone achievements, the WTC’s league format transforms Test cricket into a marathon of precision. Often, it’s just one poor session, a mistimed declaration, or even a rain-marred draw that makes the difference between making the final and being left to watch from the sidelines.
Over two WTC cycles, we’ve witnessed heart-wrenching near-misses where teams failed to make the final, not due to poor form across the board, but because of small missteps that proved costly in hindsight. Here’s a look at 5 teams who were inches away from the WTC Final but fell short due to minor slip-ups.
5. India – WTC 2021 Cycle: The Slow Over Rate Fine
Final Standing: 2nd (Still qualified, but almost missed out)
Key Slip-Up: Penalised for slow over-rate in England series.
While India made the 2021 final, they barely edged past Australia, and a small yet critical error nearly cost them. During the tour of Australia and England, India were docked points for slow over rates, most notably at the Oval. The rule penalised teams heavily, docking 2 points per over short. India lost four critical points, and if not for their 3-1 series win at home vs England, they could have easily missed out. It serves as a reminder: in the WTC format, discipline in time management is as important as on-field skill.
4. Sri Lanka – WTC 2023 Cycle: One Final Hurdle in New Zealand
Final Standing: 5th
Points %: 44.44%
Key Slip-Up: Last-ball loss vs New Zealand in Christchurch.
Sri Lanka’s campaign was built on smart cricket, beating Pakistan away and Bangladesh at home. Heading into the final Test series in New Zealand, they were in contention for the final. In the first Test at Christchurch, they needed a win to stay alive in the WTC race. Rain shortened the game, but Sri Lanka still fought hard, only to lose on the final ball of the match as Kane Williamson dove in for a desperate last-ball single. That single moment effectively ended their WTC final dream. One missed run-out, one slower over rate, that’s all it took to crash out.
3. Pakistan – WTC 2023 Cycle: The Home Series Nightmare
Final Standing: 5th
Points %: 38.1%
Key Slip-Up: Losing all 3 home Tests against England and failing to beat New Zealand.
Pakistan were well-positioned in mid-2022 but suffered a historic whitewash at home to England. Bazball completely dismantled their traditional strength on dead Rawalpindi and Multan tracks. What followed was even more frustrating: two draws against New Zealand at home, both matches where Pakistan could have forced wins but let the moments slip. A more aggressive declaration or sharper fielding might have given them the extra 12-16 points needed. Had they won even two of those five Tests, they would’ve been well within reach of the final.
2. South Africa – WTC 2023 Cycle: Collapse in Australia Ruined Momentum
Final Standing: 3rd
Points %: 55.56%
Key Slip-Up: Heavy defeats in Australia (0-2) after a strong start.
South Africa was a prime contender for the 2023 final after starting strong with wins over India, the West Indies, and Bangladesh. But their hopes were shattered by a brutal tour of Australia in late 2022. Two crushing defeats and a draw meant they picked up just 4 out of 36 points. The failure to post decent first-innings scores in Brisbane and Melbourne proved fatal. Even one win in that series or holding on for a draw in Melbourne would’ve put them in a strong position to challenge India for the second final spot.
1. England – WTC 2021 Cycle: A Poor Series in India Cost Them Dearly
Final Standing: 4th
Points %: 61.4%
Key Slip-Up: 3-1 series loss in India with batting collapses on spinning tracks.
England began the inaugural WTC cycle strongly, defeating South Africa and the West Indies. But a disastrous 3-1 defeat in India in early 2021 was the turning point. Joe Root’s side started with a stunning win in Chennai, only to falter as the spin duo of Ashwin and Axar Patel ran riot. That series loss significantly dented their points percentage, especially since the new COVID-adjusted rules favoured Percentage of Points over total points. A better performance in just one more Test, say, turning the third Test into a draw, could have put England in the final instead of India.
READ MORE:
