In Test Match Cricket's entire 133 year history there has never been a World Champion. Since the introduction of the World Cup we have been able to crown one-day World Champions but cricket's premier form has never had this. Sure, we have been able to say without much doubt who the best team in the world is in the past, thanks to the dominance of the West Indies and Australia. However we do not have that situation now. Currently there are 5 teams (India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England and Australia) who are jostling for top spot, indeed in the last couple of years the no.1 world ranking has changed hands quite regularly. The first play-offs (between the top four teams) of the new Test Championship have been earmarked for 2013 and you would expect these 5 teams to be fighting tooth and nail to grab one of those spots. Could anyone say with entire confidence which team would be the one to miss out? I sure as hell couldn't.
I believe the opportunity to be crowned undisputed World Test Champions (and there cannot be a dispute about the credibility of the winner) will reignite a passion for Test Cricket that some might say is dwindling. Could New Zealand or Pakistan spring a surprise and push for a play-off place? The extra incentive sure will make teams push harder for wins. Crowds at Test Matches are very poor in some places (New Zealand for example) and this might just be the thing that can turn it around, especially if teams are pushing to be in the play-offs. Test Matches should now mean more to both the players and the fans. Do you think the Australians would have cared one iota about dropping to fifth in the rankings after losing 2-0 to India, even though it meant dropping below England? No, they won't have cared, but under the new format that drop to fifth would have meant losing out on a play-off place, now THAT they definitely would care about!
One of the biggest plusses about the Test Championship is that it will mean no more dead games. Even if a series is wrapped up every win will count. Obviously the points system has not been announced yet but there should now be an extra incentive to push for wins, hopefully the days of 600 plays 700 will be gone and we will see more result pitches.
There are still some kinks that need ironing out; how will all the teams play the same amount of games against everyone else home and away? Will iconic series such as the the Ashes have to be shortened? Will the play-offs be played over 2 legs (home and away) or at a neutral ground? Should the Final be timeless, extended to 6 days or replayed, in the event of a draw?
These minor issues can be resolved quite easily and once that is done, the serious business of unveiling the first ever World Test Champions can begin. My prediction? I believe India will emerge triumphant thanks to their great batting strength, but it's so close I can't even pick a runner-up! I can hardly wait for the World Test Championship Final 2013, let the games begin!
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