Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship:
- The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.
- New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2021)
Answer:
Neither 1 nor 2
Notes: The correct answer is
[D] Neither 1 nor 2. The inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2019–2021) underwent a significant change in its points system due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Statement 1 (Incorrect): Initially, the finalists were to be decided by total points. However, because many matches were cancelled due to the pandemic, the ICC shifted the criteria to the percentage of points (PCT) earned from the matches played. This ensured that teams were not penalized for being unable to complete their scheduled series. Winning more matches did not guarantee a higher rank if a team also lost or drew a higher proportion of games.
- Statement 2 (Incorrect): New Zealand qualified for the final ahead of England primarily because of a higher PCT, not necessarily more match wins. In the final standings, England actually won more matches (11 wins) than New Zealand (7 wins). However, England played 21 matches while New Zealand played only 11. Consequently, New Zealand’s point percentage was 70.0%, while England’s was 54.1%, placing New Zealand higher in the table.
The final was eventually played between India and New Zealand at Southampton, where New Zealand emerged as the inaugural champions.