Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon has proposed a significant change to the World Test Championship (WTC) format, advocating for the final to be played as a three-match series rather than a single Test.
Lyon suggests that such a format would more accurately determine the world’s best Test team by exposing the finalists to varying conditions across different continents.
The Australian Cricketer believes that playing matches in England, Australia, and India would offer a more comprehensive assessment of the teams’ capabilities.
“A three-match series would provide an opportunity for teams to demonstrate their dominance or recover from an initial setback,” Lyon told the ICC.
He acknowledged the logistical challenges, particularly the difficulty of scheduling a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in mid-August, but emphasized that diverse conditions are crucial for a fair contest.
Despite his suggestions for improvement, Lyon also praised the current WTC structure, which ensures that every Test match is meaningful.
Reflecting on Australia’s loss to the West Indies at the Gabba last year, he highlighted how even a single defeat can significantly impact a team’s standing in the championship.
Lyon’s comments come as anticipation builds for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India and Australia will face off in a five-Test series in Australia from November 2024 to January 2025.
India has held the upper hand in recent years, winning consecutive series in Australia and performing strongly on home soil.
