The World Test Championship is a league competition among the world’s top nine full members that gives more context and meaning to the longest format of cricket. First introduced in 2019, the inaugural cycle saw New Zealand win the title after beating India in a dramatic final at Southampton. The 2023-25 edition saw Australia claim the trophy after a series whitewash of India.

The 2024-25 cycle is now underway and will see the world’s best teams compete to be crowned champions at Lord’s on Wednesday. It has come at a time of increasing concern that Test cricket might become the preserve of the big three powerhouse nations, but this year’s final will mark just the third WTC final and second for a team outside the traditional triumvirate of England, Australia and India.

But it is not yet clear how the WTC will evolve over the next two years, and critics are pointing to a number of flaws in the tournament’s structure. Wisden’s Almanack even called this week’s final “a shambles masquerading as a showpiece”. With this in mind, AFP Sport looks at three key points that emerge from this week’s clash of the world’s best.