While Test Cricket may not be the most popular format of cricket with the relatively recent action-packed One-Day matches and T20 formats being introduced, the ICC (International Cricket Council) had managed to bring back the five-day origins of the sport with the inaugural World Test Championship, which has been proven a massive success, exponentially increasing the popularity of Test Cricket in the modern generation, myself included. 

The Championship, held across three years, works by teams registering points per match won. The number of points won per match depends on the number of matches in the test series, a series being the number of matches a team plays against another team at one time.  

2 matches = 60 points per match  

3 matches = 40 points per match  

4 matches = 30 points per match 

5 matches = 24 points per match 

Therefore, per series, 120 points were up for grabs. 

The ICC has recently confirmed the two talented cricketing teams that have booked themselves a place in the World Test Championship Final, those being India and New Zealand.  

India, their last series being against England at home, have managed to rack up 520 points on the table as of 6th March 2021, where they were victorious in the final match (by an innings and 25 runs) and so their 6th series win since the start of the competition. As well as this, the Indian Cricket Team have also regained their throne as number 1 on the Test Cricket rankings, so that is another cause for celebration.  

New Zealand had played their last test match against Pakistan at home during January, so they are to enjoy a good rest from Test Cricket before the final. Even so, the Kiwis (as they are lovingly called by their fans) should be in good spirits, having thrashed the Men in Green in a 2-0 whitewash. However, having also played many T20 and ODI games in between, a thing to fear is that the New Zealanders may not be as familiar with the format as they were before. 

The final is set to be played in on June 18th 2021 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. 

What do I think of this matchup? 

I feel both teams should feel quite confident, having won all of their series coming up to this moment (5 and 6, respectively). However, the Indian team should feel intimidated by their opponents, seeing as they have a less-than-perfect reputation against the Men in Black; granted, these losses were in shorter formats, but New Zealand have more-than-adept Test players. 

In the long run, due to the abundance of world-class cricketing superstars involved in the match, I think the World Test Championship Final will be a thrill to watch. 

I wish both teams the best of luck. 

Disclaimer: This article may be an opinion article and be subject to bias; it also may not reflect the views of The Curious Times.