WTC 2023-25: Top contenders to lift the title

The World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle reached its conclusion in the recent final between Australia and India. The Kangaroos came out on top as the Indians had to suffer a 209-run defeat at the Oval, London. While India will need some time to rethink their plans, there’s no respite for the Aussies. The WTC 2023-25 cycle kicks off with the ongoing Ashes Series. Here are the three likely contenders to win the title in this cycle.

3. India 

India has a relatively better record when it comes to bilateral series. There is less doubt that they have a great chance of qualifying for the final for the third time in a row. They have been the most consistent side in the previous two WTC cycles but have been unlucky in the finals. They kick off their WTC 2023-35 cycle with a two-match series against West Indies away from home. This could be the cycle for India to finally win the Test mace. A change in captaincy is also on the cards and it finally could be the third-time lucky moment for the Men in Blue.

2. Australia

One can never write off the current winners. Australia has created one of the best Test teams in the world of the modern era. The top three ranked Test batters are all Australians and the recent WTC 2021-23 final was a great showcase of their prowess. Led by the star pacer Pat Cummins Australia boasts the best pace bowling lineup in Tests at the current time. The depth in the squad and the ability to replace players without affecting their game plan is what makes this team so dangerous. Aussies will surely be likely contenders to make it two in a row.

1. England

The world of Test Cricket has seen a revolution like no other and the English like to call it ‘Bazball’. Named after the new England head coach, Brendon McCullum, the New Zealander has completely altered the way England now plays Test Cricket. Fearless fast run-scoring and bold decision-making are pillars of this new way of playing the red-ball game. What’s even surprising about this method is that its unconventional ways have been bringing results for the team. The series against New Zealand is a prime example. In the first test of the Ashes 2023, the effectiveness of Bazball was again on the show. Its effectiveness in turning subcontinent tracks only remains to be seen. Overall, this new effective strategy may see England being the favourites to clinch the mace for this cycle.