The ICC World Test Championship is a prestigious tournament that determines the best Test cricket team globally. Since its inception, several teams have competed fiercely for the title. This list highlights all the champions who have claimed the trophy, showcasing the elite performers in Test cricket history and their remarkable achievements in the sport’s longest format.
A Look at All ICC World Test Championship Winners
New Zealand (2019-21)
New Zealand won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, held from 2019 to 2021. The tournament faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to cancellations of several series. Consequently, the ICC decided to determine the finalists based on win percentage rather than total points.
Under the leadership of Kane Williamson, New Zealand played five series during the tournament. They won seven matches and lost four out of 11, finishing with a win percentage of 70.0%. This placed them second on the points table, just behind India, who topped with a 72.20% win rate.
The final took place at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, where New Zealand convincingly defeated India by eight wickets. After bowling India out for 217 in the first innings—highlighted by Kyle Jamieson’s five-wicket haul—New Zealand posted 249 runs to take a slim lead. In the second innings, they dismissed India for just 170, setting a modest target of 139. Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 52 guided New Zealand to a comfortable victory.
Australia (2021-23)
Australia emerged as champions of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23, maintaining strong form throughout the two-year cycle. Led by Pat Cummins, they kicked off their campaign with a dominant 4-0 Ashes series win against England at home in 2021-22.
Australia went on to secure test series victories over Pakistan, the West Indies, and South Africa, while a series against Sri Lanka ended in a draw. Near the end of the tournament, in March 2023, they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23 to India.
Despite that setback, Australia finished at the top of the points table with a win percentage of 66.67%, winning 11 matches, losing only three, and drawing five out of 19 tests. India held the second spot with a 58.80% win rate.
In the WTC final at the Kia Oval in London, Australia avenged their recent Border-Gavaskar defeat against India. Posting a massive first innings total of 469 runs—powered by centuries from Steve Smith (121) and Travis Head (163)—they then bowled India out for 296. Declaring at 270/8 in their second innings, Australia set a daunting target of 444 runs. India succumbed under pressure, being all out for 234. Australia won by 209 runs, becoming the first team to claim ICC titles in all three formats of international cricket.
