The World Test Championship is the premier competition for tests organised by the ICC. It uses a league and final format, and features nine teams. The current champions are South Africa, who won the 2023-25 cycle by beating Australia in a thrilling final at Lord’s.
The tournament replaced the ICC Champions Trophy, and was designed to rejuvenate interest in test cricket in the era of T20. However, the concept drew criticism from commentators like Greg Chappell and Graeme Smith for its postponement until 2017. The final also included two home series against Pakistan and England, which were not included in the old ICC Champions Trophy cycle, and was the first time that no one-off test matches featured in the competition.
Despite a rocky start in the cycle with a home loss to Bangladesh and defeat by India (followed by a fractious 2-1 win in Australia), the Proteas regained their form to reach the final. They beat New Zealand, Sri Lanka and a woeful West Indies (with Brian Lara amassing a ludicrous 624 at the Wanderers) to finish top of the table, before overcoming a weakened Australia in their last game to clinch their first WTC title.
The final was a lopsided affair, with Steyn, Philander and Morkel reducing the Aussies to 188 on the first day before a 91 from Kallis and eighties from Amla and de Villiers put the Proteas in control. Clarke tried to rally, but a nerveless 4th innings from Bavuma saw the Proteas seal the win and the ultimate prize of the Test mace.
