With India developing as a strong contender for the World Test Championship 2023-25 final, four teams face an uphill battle. This extensive examination examines their challenges and the scant optimism that remains.
Introduction: The World Test Championship and the Race for the Final
The World Test Championship (WTC) has transformed Test cricket, adding a much-needed competitive edge to the longest version of the game. It has ensured that every Test match counts, bringing significance and intensity to bilateral series. The WTC 2023-25 cycle has been no different, with nine of the world’s finest cricketing nations slugging it out for victory.
At the core of this competition is the goal to reach the final, a peak of Test cricket that puts the two best-performing teams head-to-head. Thus far, there have been two WTC cycles, with New Zealand and Australia emerging winners in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Both finals highlighted the stamina, skill, and strategic brilliance required to triumph in Test cricket.
As we near the halfway point of the 2023-25 cycle, the race to the final is heating up. India, Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have positioned themselves as major contenders. However, for some teams, the path has been significantly more challenging. Four teams—West Indies, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and England—now find themselves on the verge of being eliminated from the final race.
Their uneven performances and squandered opportunities have left them with little hopes of making it to the final. To continue their fight, these teams would need not just victories but a miracle. In this post, we will take an in-depth look at the problems of these four clubs, their present standing in the WTC table, and what went wrong in their campaigns.
West Indies: The Glory Days Are Gone
A Legacy Diminished
West Indies cricket once instilled dread in the hearts of opponents. The 1970s and 80s saw them dominate the world with a team that had luminaries like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall, and others. Fast forward to the present day, and the situation is quite the reverse. The West Indies have fallen from their earlier greatness, with a succession of disappointing performances that have seen them dwell at the bottom of the WTC table.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the WTC 2023-25 points table with a low Points Percentage (PCT) of 18.52%, West Indies’ chances of making it to the final are nearly non-existent. Having played nine matches, they have won just one, lost six, and drawn two, illustrating their struggle to compete against top teams in the Test arena.
Analysis of Their Performance in WTC 2023-25
West Indies’ campaign in this cycle has been marred with inconsistency. In Test cricket, consistency is vital, and West Indies have failed to deliver on that front. Their batting has been one of the weaker links, with no hitter able to provide solidity in the top or middle order. Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood have had bursts of brilliance, but ultimately, their efforts have fallen short.
Moreover, their bowling attack, which previously frightened opponents, now seems weak. The once-feared West Indian fast bowling assault now relies on pacers like Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, who have been unable to reliably break past the defenses of the opposition. While there have been isolated flashes of brilliance, the general execution of their bowling schemes has been weak.
Key Matches and Turning Points
One of the turning factors for West Indies was their dismal defeat at home against South Africa. Losing a home series in conditions that should have favored their fast bowlers highlighted their weakness. The loss severely weakened their morale and placed them on a downward spiral.
The tie against Zimbabwe in early 2024 was another match where they failed to capitalize on their talents. A draw against a lower-ranked team not only harmed their points but also raised questions about their ability to close off games.
Remaining Fixtures and Their Challenges
West Indies still have four Test matches left in the WTC cycle, two against Bangladesh and two against Pakistan. Even if they manage to win all four matches, their PCT would only improve to 43.59%, well below the minimum percentage to qualify for the final.
The Road Ahead
For West Indies, the road ahead is not simply about recovering their WTC campaign but also about constructing a Test team that can compete consistently. Their immediate focus should be on cultivating young talent and building a team that can survive the rigors of Test cricket. While their aspirations of making the WTC final are all but dead, the lessons learnt from this campaign could pave the path for future success.
Pakistan: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Inconsistent Performances
Pakistan, a team noted for its unpredictability, has lived up to that reputation in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, but not in the way their fans had wanted. Pakistan’s campaign has been defined by lost opportunities and lackluster performances, particularly in home circumstances where they were expected to dominate.
Currently placed eighth on the WTC points table with a PCT of 25.93%, Pakistan’s path to the final is riddled with hurdles. Having played nine matches, they have won only three and lost six, a poor result for a team that once promised so much.
Key Series and Failures
One of Pakistan’s most major failures occurred in their home series against Bangladesh, where they fell 2-0. This result stunned the cricketing world, since Pakistan were widely favored to win on their own ground. The defeat to Bangladesh was followed by a loss in the first Test against England, significantly diminishing their chances.
Pakistan’s bowling, normally their strength, has been unpredictable. Shaheen Afridi has been a standout performer, but the absence of regular support from the rest of the bowling attack has hurt Pakistan. Similarly, the batting order has been unstable, with elite players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan unable to provide match-winning performances consistently.
Upcoming Matches and Scenarios
Pakistan still has five matches left in the WTC cycle, including: – One Test versus England
- Two Tests against South Africa
- Two Tests versus West Indies
To stand any hope of making it to the final, Pakistan would need to win all five of their remaining matches. Even so, their PCT would not top 60%, making it exceedingly improbable that they will qualify for the final.
What Went Wrong?
The inconsistency in both batting and bowling has been Pakistan’s undoing. While individual performances have been impressive, the absence of team effort has hampered their chances. Pakistan’s inability to win critical matches, especially at home, has also been a significant reason in their poor showing.
Hope for the Future
Pakistan’s chances of making the WTC final are minimal, but the focus should now move to preparation for future events. They have a talented pool of players, and with the appropriate methods and mental tenacity, they might return stronger in the next WTC cycle.
Bangladesh: The Underdogs Battling Against the Odds
A Mixed Bag of Performances
Bangladesh entered the WTC 2023-25 cycle as underdogs, and while they have shown moments of brilliance, they have struggled to maintain momentum. Currently placed eighth on the points table with a PCT of 34.38%, Bangladesh faces an uphill task to stay in contention for the final.
Recent Success and Setbacks
Bangladesh’s most important achievement in this cycle was their 2-0 series triumph against Pakistan. This win fuelled hopes that Bangladesh may perhaps challenge the top teams in the WTC. However, their subsequent series loss to India brought them back to reality. With eight matches played, they have won three and lost five, a record that demonstrates their instability.
Remaining Matches
Bangladesh still has four matches to play in the WTC 2023-25 cycle:
- Two Tests versus West Indies
- Two Tests against South Africa
Even if Bangladesh wins all four of their remaining matches, their PCT would only improve to 56.25%, which is unlikely to be enough for a position in the final.
Challenges and Key Players
One of Bangladesh’s major issues has been their inability to compete successfully outside of subcontinent settings. Their batting lineup, while formidable in home circumstances, has struggled on seamer-friendly pitches. Players like Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim have shown promise, but the team needs depth in both batting and bowling.
The Path Forward
While Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the final are remote, the team should focus on developing for the future. With a good pool of young players coming through, Bangladesh has the potential to be a force in future WTC cycles. Improving their performance in foreign conditions will be vital to their development as a Test squad.
England: The Powerhouse Missing Its Spark
An Inconsistent Campaign
England, one of the most successful Test teams in cricket history, finds itself in a precarious position in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Despite playing more matches than any other squad, England’s inconsistency has cost them dearly. Currently placed sixth on the points standings with a PCT of 43.06%, England’s chances of reaching the final are dwindling dramatically.
Key Series and Moments
England’s season started with a high, winning the Ashes 3-1 against Australia. However, their performance since then has been inconsistent at best. A series loss against India and a drawn series against New Zealand have left them struggling to maintain pace with the top teams in the WTC.
One of England’s main shortcomings has been their failure to adapt to varied conditions. While they have fared well at home, their efforts abroad have been mediocre. The batting order has been erratic, with players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes carrying the responsibility of the squad. The bowling attack, led by veterans like James Anderson and Stuart Broad, has been excellent in favorable conditions but has struggled on flatter grounds.
The Road Ahead
England has played 13 matches thus far and has five remaining:
- Two Tests versus Sri Lanka
- Three Tests versus New Zealand
To have any chance of making the final, England would need to win all five of their remaining matches. Even then, their PCT would only improve to around 60%, making it impossible for them to qualify.
What Went Wrong?
England’s campaign has been hampered by inconsistency in both batting and bowling. While they have the capability to compete at the highest level, their failure to string together consistent performances has cost them dearly. Injuries to important players like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood have also hurt their bowling assault.
Looking to the Future
For England, the focus should now move to rebuilding for the future. With a new crop of players like Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Sam Curran coming through, England has the potential to be a powerhouse in future WTC cycles. However, they will need to address their inconsistency and improve their play in away situations.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time and the Odds
For West Indies, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and England, the dream of reaching the WTC final is vanishing fast. While miracles do happen in cricket, the odds are significantly stacked against these teams. Their uneven performances, both home and away, have left them with low odds of qualifying for the final.
Each of these teams now has a vital decision: battle for a miraculous comeback or focus on rebuilding for the future. Regardless of the conclusion, the WTC has once again demonstrated that Test cricket is as competitive and fascinating as ever. As the tournament progresses, spectators can expect more drama, more surprises, and more unforgettable moments.
The WTC 2023-25 cycle has already witnessed spectacular highs and terrible lows, and as we enter the final stages, the excitement will only rise. While these four teams may be practically out of the race, their performances in the remaining rounds will still have a huge impact on the WTC standings and the road to the final.
