When the ICC introduced the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019, it was more than just a tournament; it was a bold reimagination of how the purest form of the game should be celebrated. No longer would Test cricket be confined to bilateral series of vague consequence. The WTC brought context, competition, and a coveted prize to the traditional five-day format. From New Zealand’s historic rise to Australia’s ruthless dominance and South Africa’s potential resurgence in 2025, each cycle has delivered gripping cricket, strategic masterclasses, and unforgettable performances.
Let’s take a deep dive into each WTC cycle from 2019 to 2025, spotlighting the winners, standout players, and unforgettable moments that shaped Test cricket’s new era.
WTC 2019–2021: New Zealand’s Historic Crown
- Final Date: 18–23 June 2021
- Venue: Rose Bowl, Southampton
- Winner: New Zealand
- Runner-up: India
- Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets
The Final Showdown
After a two-year grind featuring point-based league matches across continents, it was New Zealand and India who emerged at the top of the table. The final, originally set for Lord’s, was moved to Southampton due to COVID-19 regulations. Rain washed away major portions of the early days, but when play resumed, it turned into a battle of grit and bowling supremacy.
Star Performers
- Kyle Jamieson: The towering Kiwi seamer was the MVP, picking up 7 wickets in the match, including a five-for in the first innings, and dismissing Virat Kohli in both innings.
- Kane Williamson: Calm and composed, the skipper anchored the chase with a gritty 52 off 89* balls in the second innings.
- Devon Conway and Ross Taylor added crucial runs that helped New Zealand cross the finish line.
Legacy
This win marked New Zealand’s first ICC title in over two decades, and they were lauded for their consistency, calm demeanour, and sharp planning across the WTC cycle.
WTC 2021–2023: Australia’s Commanding Triumph
- Final Date: 7–11 June 2023
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Winner: Australia
- Runner-up: India
- Result: Australia won by 209 runs
The Clash of Titans
Australia and India locked horns once again in an ICC final, with India aiming for redemption and Australia hoping to claim their first WTC title. The Oval pitch offered early bounce and carry, and the Australians made full use of it.
Star Performers
- Travis Head: The southpaw played one of the finest counterattacking innings in WTC final history, a blazing 163 off 174 balls that broke India’s spirit.
- Steve Smith: True to his Test match mettle, Smith carved out a classy 121 in the first innings, stitching a crucial 285-run stand with Head.
- Pat Cummins and Scott Boland: The pace duo wreaked havoc, with Boland removing both Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession on Day 5 to seal the win.
Impact
Australia’s win was a masterclass in temperament and execution. With this victory, they became the first nation to hold all three ICC titles simultaneously: the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and the WTC.
WTC 2023–2025: The Final Frontier at Lord’s
- Final Date: 11–15 June 2025
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Finalists: Australia vs South Africa
- Result: To Be Decided
The Build-Up
The 2023–25 cycle has been a breath of fresh air, with underdog narratives and tactical surprises. While Australia managed to maintain their supremacy and cruise to yet another final, the real story has been the resurgent South African side, defying expectations and booking their maiden WTC final berth.
Players to Watch in the Final
- Australia:
- Marnus Labuschagne: Top run-getter of the cycle, with an average nearing 60.
- Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins: The pace duo will be vital at Lord’s, where seamers have historically dominated.
- Usman Khawaja: The experienced opener brings calm at the top.
- South Africa:
- Kagiso Rabada: Leading wicket-taker of the cycle, with searing spells in overseas Tests.
- Temba Bavuma: The skipper has grown into his role, leading with bat and brain.
- Marco Jansen: The left-arm pacer has been a revelation with both bat and ball.
Stakes and Prize Money
This time, the ICC has doubled the prize money:
- Winners: $3.6 million
- Runners-up: $2.16 million
Will Australia become back-to-back champions, or will South Africa lift their first-ever ICC trophy in the longest format? The answer will be revealed at the Home of Cricket.
Final Thoughts
The WTC has changed the way fans and cricketers alike view Test cricket. It has added structure, meaning, and prestige to the bilateral Test series. From New Zealand’s underdog heroics, to Australia’s ruthless reign, and now South Africa’s rise, each chapter has contributed to a richer, more competitive narrative in red-ball cricket. With the 2025 final around the corner, the WTC continues to prove that Test cricket, far from being outdated, is still the ultimate format of the game, where legends are made and legacies are forged.
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