The ICC Test Championship is a special tournament designed to find the best team in Test cricket, the longest format of the game. This championship started in 2019, and it quickly became a major event in the cricket world, with the ICC Test Championship winners setting new benchmarks in the sport.
Teams earn points by playing Test series over two years, with the top two teams facing off in a final.
New Zealand made history as the first-ever winner of the ICC Test Championship in 2021. Then, in 2023, Australia lifted the mace. This shows that the race to the final and the competition in this tournament are of a high standard.
This article covers the ICC Test Championship winners, highlighting their journey to the title and key moments defining each final.
ICC Test Championship Winners
Have a look here to know which teams have won this championship until now:
| Year | Winner | Runner Up | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | New Zealand | India | Southampton | NZ won by 8 wickets |
| 2023 | Australia | India | The Oval | Aus won by 209 runs |
| 2025 | TBA | TBA | The Lord’s | TBA |
The following section will give you a brief overview of the two finals played as of 2024:
1. 2021 ICC World Test Championship Winner: New Zealand
New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, showed impressive skill and control. They restricted India to 170 runs in the second innings, setting a modest target.
New Zealand’s calm and steady approach helped them chase down the target comfortably.
Kyle Jamieson stood out as the Player of the Match. His exceptional all-round performance included taking crucial wickets that kept India on the back foot and adding useful runs with the bat.
This victory was historic for New Zealand as it marked their first ICC World Test Championship title. As the inaugural champions, New Zealand achieved a memorable win that highlighted their strength and resilience in Test cricket.
2. 2023 ICC World Test Championship Winner: Australia
Source: livemint
Under Pat Cummins’ leadership, Australia displayed a commanding performance. They scored a hefty 469 in their first innings, setting a strong foundation.
Australia then put pressure on India, restricting them to 234 in their second innings, securing a decisive 209-run victory.
Travis Head was awarded Player of the Match for his remarkable batting display, scoring a century in the first innings. His performance was instrumental in establishing Australia’s early lead in the game.
This win gave Australia their first ICC World Test Championship title. For India, this final was a second setback, as they ended as runners-up once again, emphasizing Australia’s strength and India’s continuing struggle in finals.
Upcoming ICC Test Championship 2025
In the current ICC Test Championship standings, Australia leads with 62.50% points, winning 8 out of 12 matches. Then it’s India, who have won 8 out of 14 matches, holding a points percentage of 58.33%.
Sri Lanka is in third place with a 55.56% points percentage, having won 5 out of their 9 games, while New Zealand sits fourth with a 54.55% win percentage.
South Africa also remains a strong contender at 54.17%, with only 8 matches played but solid recent form.
Each of these teams, especially Australia, India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, even New Zealand stands a chance to secure a spot in the finals, depending on upcoming matches and point gains.
For Australia and India, the BGT could be critical in determining their positions and overall paths to the final. The series between New Zealand and England is also going to be crucial.
Conclusion: New Zealand Are The First Ever Winners Of ICC Test Championship
The ICC Test Championship 2025 has added a new layer of excitement and purpose to Test cricket, with teams striving to be the best in the world. New Zealand’s win in 2021 set the tone, proving that determination and skill can lead to historic achievements.
Since then, each final has offered unforgettable moments and a chance for teams to shine on the global stage.
Australia joined the list of winners in 2023 with a dominant victory, showing the competitive nature of this championship.
As more teams aim for the title, the ICC Test Championship continues to honor the Test cricket tradition while giving fans worldwide new reasons to watch and cheer. With the ICC Test Championship 2025 approaching, teams are preparing for another tough battle for the top spot in Test cricket.
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