The thrilling World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa significantly enhanced the standing of five-day cricket. However, many top analysts believe the competition’s format requires an overhaul. South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets at lunch on the fourth day of a fluctuating contest at Lord’s, where bowlers initially dominated. Over the first two days, 24 wickets fell, but the game shifted as the pitch eased and batsmen took control. This match showcased classic Test cricket, rivalling the excitement of any limited-overs game. Yet, the overall structure of the WTC remains confusing, with its lack of uniformity and unbalanced points system. Criticism arose over how South Africa reached the final without facing Australia or England during the two-year qualifying period. “It’s very hard for the average cricket fan to understand who’s the best team in the world and how exactly the top two teams make it to the final,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan, now a television pundit. The finalists are determined by a table of Test results, with points awarded for wins and draws. The two teams with the highest percentage of available points advance to the final, which in 2027 could again be held at Lord’s or in India, according to International Cricket Council officials. A major discrepancy existed in South Africa playing only 12 Tests, compared to 19 for Australia and India, and even more for England, who played 22. “I can’t remember if I’ve ever even given any real time to specifically thinking about the World Test Championship to be honest because it’s utterly confusing,” added England captain Ben Stokes. Countries can decide the number of Tests they play, and in South Africa’s case, there is less enthusiasm for Test cricket due to financial losses. In the next cycle, starting on Tuesday when Bangladesh begins a two-Test series in Sri Lanka, the new champions will play 14 Tests. This includes a three-Test series against both Australia and England, but only two against India. Five-Test series are now only reserved for matches between Australia, England, and India. “The fixture list is uneven; not everyone plays everyone else, and some have an easier ride than others,” wrote Michael Atherton last week. “Everyone knows the WTC in its present guise is flawed, and that solutions, with so many competing interests, are fiendishly difficult,” added the former England skipper. (With inputs from Reuters)