Two-tier Test format likely before India's tour of England: Report

NEW DELHI: When Australia faces South Africa in the World Test Championship final, it will mark the end of the current format, which is set to be relaunched as a two-tier system ahead of India’s tour of England later this summer.

In a bid to create a “fairer competition”, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson, head of the ICC’s strategic growth committee, recently held talks with the apex body’s chairman Jay Shah and the two will lead the plan.

With just five months left for the next cycle to start with England hosting India at Headingley from June 20, Thompson acknowledged the urgency of the matter.

“It is fully understood that the current structure does not work in the way it should and we need to find a fairer, better competition, but at this stage no recommendations have been put forward,” Thompson told Telegraph Sport.

“We have five months to work on this, step back and look at what the structure should be going forward. The World Test Championship should be fairer and more competitive. It is going to change to ensure it always encourages the best teams to reach the final and encourages other nations that want to play Test cricket, to play Test cricket.

“We will protect, grow and ensure the integrity of Test cricket because the format is crucial to the DNA of the game.” The current model has drawn criticism for its inconsistencies.

Teams do not play every other nation within the two-year cycle, and an excess of two-Test series has skewed standings.

Political constraints mean India and Pakistan do not face each other, impacting the integrity of the competition. Agencies

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