Test Championship will be like World Cup: Michael Clarke
Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has stated that the ICC World Test Championship will have a positive influence on the longest format of the game. The World Test Championship gets underway with the Ashes 2019 starting August 1. England take on Australia in the first Test at Edgbaston. Clarke feels that the Ashes will be a close contest. Here's what Clarke said.
Key info about the World Test Championship
Getting underway on August 1, the inaugural World Test Championship will see the top nine Test teams battling for glory. Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies will be part of the tournament. They will compete in 71 Test matches across 27 series, played over a two-year period. The final will be held at Lord's.
Winners to be crowned ICC World Test champions
The top two teams will qualify for the final to be held in June 2021. The winner will be declared as the ICC World Test champions. One expects these nine teams to give their all in this intense format, just like what we witnessed in the recently concluded 50-over World Cup. Clarke feels that the winner will be the best Test side.
I think it's great for Test cricket: Clarke
"I think it's great for Test cricket. The top two teams playing in something like the World Cup final at Lord's. The team that wins the World Cup will be seen as the best team. With Tests it will be similar" Clarke said.
Clarke has his say on the Australian team
Australia and England will be up for a gruelling battle. Clarke opined that the Aussies have talent in their ranks. "This Australian team is very talented. (Josh) Hazlewood's back in the squad, Warner, Smith and Bancroft are back. James Pattinson is fit again and he is the squad. It will be interesting to see what XI they will pick," said Clarke.
Our take on the World Test Championship
The likes of India, New Zealand, Australia and England will be aiming to win the maiden World Test Championship. It is a strong platform for these sides to showcase their consistency and come out on top. The Test Championship looks like the right step by the ICC to ignite interest in the longest format. These are interesting times indeed.
