WTC format inevitably flawed, feels David Gower

Former England captain David Gower believes the World Test Championship (WTC) format is ‘inevitably flawed’ because it does not offer an event contest among the teams.

According to him, while the tournament adds some context to the teams that are vying for the top spots, it has very little to offer to teams struggling at the bottom.

“The WTC is inevitably flawed — be it the percentage system or the points lost for over-rates… The obvious flaw in the format is that it’s not an even contest. It’s not even if all the top sides don’t play each other,” Gower told The Hindu. “It depends on where you play, how you play and who you play. Whatever you try to do mathematically, it’s never going to be right…”

Each WTC cycle runs for two years, where teams play six series in that period — three at home and three away — with 12 points awarded for winning a match, six for a tie and four for a draw. But then, as teams play a different number of Tests across their six series, the table is ranked by percentage of points won.

“To be fair, it gives added context to the teams who, at the end of the two-year cycle, are somewhere in the top four and vying for the top two. If you’re down at No. 9, no one (cares about) what goes on,” Gower said.

While India, Australia and England have been the biggest advocates of Test cricket, several smaller boards have struggled to get the format going.

“Unless maybe, the ICC, can think of — I know it wouldn’t go down well in India — redistributing the funds, that can help out the poorer nations. And, not just an odd boost, but should happen year by year. If you want Test-playing nations to still be in business, then they need help,” added Gower.