Test cricket has always been the sport’s truest examination of skill, patience, and mental strength. For decades, fans and players debated who the real kings of Test cricket were until the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) added a final to settle those debates once and for all. Since its inception in 2019, the WTC has given the red-ball format a dramatic climax, with an ultimate showdown to crown the undisputed champion of Test cricket every two years.
Across three gripping cycles, the WTC finals have delivered breathtaking moments, stunning performances, and new heroes. From New Zealand’s maiden global title to Australia’s tactical brilliance and South Africa’s historic triumph in 2025, let’s relive the journey of the winners of the ICC World Test Championship era.
3. New Zealand – WTC 2019–21 Champions
The inaugural WTC Final was held under overcast skies at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, in 2021. The occasion? Historic. The execution? Immaculate. New Zealand etched their name into the history books with a resounding 8-wicket win over India.
Kyle Jamieson was unplayable, snaring Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in both innings. Kane Williamson played a masterclass in the chase, remaining unbeaten alongside Ross Taylor in the second innings. It was not just a win, it was New Zealand’s first ICC title in over two decades.
In many ways, this was the WTC’s most emotional triumph, gritty underdogs toppling cricketing giants through patience, pace, and precision.
New Zealand – WTC 2019–21 Key Stats
| Player | Matches (Cycle) | Runs/Wkts | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Jamieson | 6 | 36 wkts | Finished the chase in Final |
| Kane Williamson | 9 | 918 runs | 52* in Final |
| Tim Southee | 10 | 56 wkts | 5/32 vs India |
| Ross Taylor | 10 | 703 runs | Finished the chase in the Final |
| Tom Latham | 9 | 680 runs | Solid opening stands |
2. Australia – WTC 2021–23 Champions
The 2023 WTC Final at The Oval was supposed to be a closely fought contest between the world’s two top-ranked sides, India and Australia. But what unfolded was a clinical demolition by the Aussies, who won by 209 runs.
Travis Head, with his counter-attacking century (163), blew the match wide open in the first innings. Alongside Steve Smith and Pat Cummins, Australia stamped their superiority in all departments. Their bowlers, including Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, choked India in both innings.
This win was significant; it proved that Australia’s dominance wasn’t confined to white-ball formats. They were Test champions in every sense of the word.
Australia – WTC 2021–23 Key Stats
| Player | Matches (Cycle) | Runs/Wkts | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Head | 13 | 900 runs | 163 in Final |
| Steve Smith | 12 | 845 runs | 121 vs Sri Lanka |
| Pat Cummins (C) | 13 | 47 wkts | 5-wkt haul in Final |
| Nathan Lyon | 14 | 60 wkts | 8-wkt match vs India |
| Usman Khawaja | 11 | 880 runs | Double century vs Pakistan |
1. South Africa – WTC 2023–25 Champions
After years of being tagged as “chokers” in ICC tournaments, South Africa rewrote their narrative with a sensational victory in the WTC 2023–25 Final at Lord’s. Facing a formidable Indian side, the Proteas brought back memories of their golden era by dominating in all departments.
Kagiso Rabada was the destroyer-in-chief, claiming match-defining wickets with reverse swing and bounce. Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a gritty century, while Temba Bavuma’s leadership stood out as calm, calculated, and charismatic.
This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. The Proteas proved they could conquer the biggest stage in the longest format, and they did it with flair, fire, and fierce discipline.
South Africa – WTC 2023–25 Key Stats
| Player | Matches (Cycle) | Runs/Wkts | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 12 | 53 wkts | 7-wkt haul in the final |
| Aiden Markram | 11 | 850 runs | 134 in WTC Final |
| Dean Elgar | 9 | 610 runs | Consistent top-order presence |
| Marco Jansen | 10 | 38 wkts | All-round impact |
| Temba Bavuma (C) | 12 | 540 runs | Inspirational captaincy |
Final Thoughts
The World Test Championship has done more than crown champions it has revived the relevance of Test cricket in a world driven by T20s. Every edition has told a different story: New Zealand’s emotional high, Australia’s dominance, and South Africa’s redemptive glory. The WTC has created modern legends, inspired future generations, and reminded us all that Test cricket, in all its grit and glory, still reigns supreme.
Final Summary: WTC Champions Table
| Edition | Winner | Runner-Up | Venue | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | New Zealand | India | Southampton | Kyle Jamieson |
| 2021–2023 | Australia | India | London (Oval) | Travis Head |
| 2023–2025 | South Africa | India | London (Lord’s) | Kagiso Rabada |
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