The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has brought a new life to Test cricket. Since its introduction in 2019, this championship has turned every Test match into a high-stakes contest. South Africa’s recent victory in 2025 has again highlighted the importance of this tournament. This detailed article explains how the points system works, which teams have won so far, and how teams qualify for the final.
How Does the ICC World Test Championship Points System Work?
The ICC introduced the World Test Championship to make Test cricket more competitive and meaningful. Every match played under this championship contributes to the teams’ standings. The points system ensures fairness across series of different lengths and formats.
Match-Based Points Allocation
The ICC assigns points for each match, not for entire series. This approach makes every Test match important, whether part of a long or short series. The current points system in the 2023-25 cycle functions as follows:
- Win: 12 points
- Tie: 6 points
- Draw: 4 points
- Loss: 0 points
For example, when a team wins a match, it earns 12 points. If both teams tie, they receive 6 points each. A draw awards 4 points to each team. A loss gives no points.
Over-Rate Penalties
The ICC enforces strict penalties for slow over rates. If a team fails to bowl the required number of overs in the allocated time, it loses 1 point for each over short. This rule encourages teams to maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary delays during matches.
Percentage of Points (PCT) System
Because teams do not play the same number of series or matches, the ICC uses the percentage of points system (PCT) to rank teams fairly. The PCT calculates as:
PCT = (Points Earned / Total Points Available) × 100
For example, if a team has played 10 matches (120 points available) and earned 90 points, its PCT becomes 75%. This system ensures that teams with different schedules compete on an equal platform.
The PCT system encourages teams to win consistently and manage every Test carefully because even a drawn match can affect the standings significantly.
Which Teams Have Won the ICC World Test Championship So Far?
Since its launch, the ICC World Test Championship has produced some thrilling finals and crowned three different champions.
2021: New Zealand
New Zealand won the inaugural WTC final in 2021. The final took place in Southampton, England, between New Zealand and India. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and calm batting secured an eight-wicket victory. This triumph marked New Zealand’s first major ICC trophy in men’s cricket, and captain Kane Williamson lifted the WTC mace proudly.
2023: Australia
Australia won the second edition of the WTC in 2023. The final occurred at The Oval in London, where Australia faced India again. Australia’s powerful batting, led by Travis Head’s century, and a strong bowling performance overwhelmed India. Australia won the final by 209 runs and added another ICC trophy to their rich history.
2025: South Africa
South Africa captured the latest WTC title in 2025. The final took place at Lord’s in London, where South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets. This win ended South Africa’s 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, their last being the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy. Aiden Markram’s century and Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding bowling led South Africa to a historic victory. Captain Temba Bavuma guided the team with his leadership and contributed crucial runs despite an injury.
How Does a Team Qualify for the ICC Test Championship Final?
The WTC follows a clear structure that leads teams from the league stage to the grand final. Each team’s journey depends entirely on its performance throughout the two-year cycle.
League Stage
Nine Test-playing nations participate in the WTC league stage. These teams include Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. Each team plays a mix of home and away series against six of the other eight teams.
Because the number of matches and series varies for each team, the ICC uses the PCT system to rank teams fairly.
Accumulating Points
Teams earn points in every match based on wins, ties, or draws. They also lose points for slow over rates. Every point gained or lost directly affects their position on the table.
For instance, in the 2023-25 cycle:
- South Africa won 8 out of 12 Tests and finished with a PCT of 71.44%.
- Australia won 13 out of 19 Tests and secured a PCT of 67.54%.
Both teams maintained consistent performances across different conditions and series lengths to secure their places in the final.
Top Two Teams Qualify
At the end of the league stage, the top two teams with the highest PCT qualify for the WTC final. The ICC schedules the final at a neutral venue to ensure fairness. In 2025, Lord’s hosted the final between South Africa and Australia.
The Grand Final
The WTC final runs for five days, with one extra reserve day if rain or bad weather interrupts play. The team that wins the final lifts the WTC mace and claims the ICC Test Championship title. The ICC awards prize money to both the winner and the runner-up. In 2025, the champions earned $3.6 million, while the runners-up received $2.16 million.
Why the WTC Points System Matters
The ICC World Test Championship points system has changed how teams approach Test cricket. Every Test now carries significance, which adds excitement for players and fans alike.
Encourages Consistency
Teams can no longer afford to relax in dead rubbers or one-sided series. Every match influences the overall standings. Teams focus on maintaining winning streaks and minimizing draws and losses.
Maintains Competitive Spirit
Even weaker teams find motivation to fight harder, knowing that every win boosts their PCT. Stronger teams remain cautious to avoid slipping in rankings due to poor performances or over-rate penalties.
Ensures Global Interest
Fans worldwide stay engaged throughout the two-year cycle. The possibility of seeing their teams qualify for the final keeps them invested in every match, even if it involves two neutral teams.
Highlights Test Cricket’s Value
By creating a clear pathway to an official world champion, the ICC has elevated Test cricket’s importance. The WTC brings prestige to a format that many feared might decline in the face of T20’s growing popularity.
Conclusion
The ICC World Test Championship has revolutionized Test cricket by adding context, stakes, and excitement to every match. The simple yet effective points system rewards teams for consistency, discipline, and excellence. New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa have each written their names into WTC history with hard-fought victories.
As teams prepare for the next WTC cycle, fans can expect more intense competition, thrilling finishes, and unforgettable moments. The WTC has succeeded in making every ball, session, and match matter. The race for the mace continues, and every Test cricket lover will eagerly follow the journey.
