World Test Championship – What You Need to Know

If you love five‑day cricket but get confused by points tables and bonus rules, you’re in the right spot. The World Test Championship (WTC) is ICC’s way of turning every test series into a race for a final showdown. Below we break down the basics, tell you what’s coming up, and show how to follow the action without getting lost.

How the points system works

Each series, big or small, earns a set number of points – 12 for a two‑match series, 24 for a three‑match series, and so on. That means a win in a two‑match series is worth more than a win in a longer series, keeping the stakes high every time. A draw splits the points between the teams, while a tie gives each side half the points for a win. Bonus points used to exist, but the current system sticks to the simple split of total series points.

Teams climb the table by adding points from every series they play. At the end of the cycle – usually two years – the top two finishers meet in a one‑day final at a neutral venue. The winner lifts the WTC trophy and claims the title of the world’s best test side.

Upcoming series and where to watch

Right now the championship is in its second cycle, and a handful of key series are shaping the race. Australia is touring England for the Ashes, a classic that can swing the table dramatically. Meanwhile, India is hosting South Africa, and New Zealand is facing the West Indies. Each of these matches carries the same 12‑point bundle, so a clean sweep can catapult a team up the rankings.

To catch the games, most broadcasters in India stream the action on Disney+ Hotstar, while the UK leans on Sky Sports. If you prefer free options, check if your local sports channel carries the live feed, or use the ICC’s official app for highlights and live scores.

Beyond the big series, the WTC also affects how teams plan their squads. Players know that a win against a lower‑ranked side still nets the same points, so you’ll see sides rotating bowlers or testing new batsmen more often. This makes every match a chance for fresh talent to shine.

What’s the impact on rankings? Since the points are shared across all series, a team that loses a three‑match tour can fall faster than one that sneaks a draw in a two‑match series. That’s why you’ll see sudden jumps in the table after a surprise result – a win against a top side can take you from the middle of the pack straight into the top two.

Fans often wonder if the final will be held in a traditional cricket ground or a neutral venue. The ICC usually picks a location with good facilities and a big fan base, like Lord’s or the Sydney Cricket Ground, but they can also opt for a newer stadium if it promises better broadcast infrastructure.

Lastly, staying updated is easy. Follow the ICC’s official Twitter handle, subscribe to a cricket news newsletter, or check this tag page regularly. We pull the latest headlines, match reports, and analysis relevant to the World Test Championship so you never miss a beat.

Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or just getting into five‑day cricket, the WTC adds clear stakes to every test. Keep an eye on the points table, cheer for your side, and enjoy the drama that only test cricket can deliver.