Australia overcame India in the WTC final in June last year. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon considered the World Test Championship to be the Test cricket equivalent of a World Cup, emphasizing its significance as the highest competition in the long format of the game.
Nathan Lyon, an Australian spinner, has proposed an ambitious plan to expand the ICC World Test Championship Final into a three-match series across various countries.
Despite acknowledging the challenges and scheduling issues, Nathan Lyon is convinced that a multi-match final would more accurately capture the authentic essence of Test cricket. As opposed to depending solely on the outcome of a single match, which frequently determines the outcome in a single session.
Nathan Lyon also commended the World Test Championship for its unique two-year format, which he feels sets it apart from other cricket competitions by requiring teams to perform consistently over a long period.
It’s not like a competition. Nathan Lyon stated, as cited by the ICC, “You can’t just be making it to the semi-finals and losing two games or whatever.”
“You’ve got to be consistent over the two years of the cycle,” he stated.
One thing I’d like to see is maybe a three-match series for the World Test Championship Final. That might get a little better because, in a three-match series, you might lose a Test match in one session, which might give teams a chance to recover and win 3-0 by demonstrating their supremacy. That will be difficult because we’re already strapped for time, but that’s one thing I would modify,” Lyon remarked.
“Obviously, the timing changes everything, but you could potentially go on in England, one in India, and one in Australia, so you have all different conditions.” Just putting it out there, I don’t think we’re going to be on the MCG in the middle of August,” he said.
Lyon emphasized that every match in the two-year cycle remains competitive and significant because the World Test Championship structure eliminates the possibility of “dead rubbers” in individual series.
He thought back to that memorable game earlier this year in Brisbane against the West Indies, where Australia lost by a tight margin mostly because of an incredible bowling effort by Shamar Joseph.
Australia now sits second in the standings, barely behind India, and this setback is their sole home loss in the current World Test Championship cycle.
“Yes, that’s right. To put it simply, the World Test Championship is the ultimate event in Test cricket. When you lead a three-match series 2-0 or whatever, it’s frequently said to be a dead rubber. But I feel like there’s no more dead rubber. They’re never dead rubbers, in my opinion, but there are always points available these days. The ICC reported that he said, “Look at us last year; losing against the West Indies at the Gabba hurt us a fair bit.”
“But then I would go to New Zealand and win away from home, which is one of the biggest challenges in Test cricket,” Nathan Lyon continued.
Lyon emphasized the World Test Championship’s importance as the premier event in the game’s extended format, comparing it to the Test cricket version of the World Cup.
It’s enormous, but in my opinion, the World Test Championship is a real major World Cup, much like the World Cup. “You have to be good for the lot when you’re going up against the best for extended periods of time over a two-year period,” he said.
Test cricket has experienced a newfound surge of interest because of the World Test Championship (WTC). The cricketing world awaits with bated breath, as the final matchups are sure to be exciting. Amidst all the hype, Nathan Lyon, one of Australia’s most well-known cricket players, has made an intriguing idea for the WTC Final. If put into action, his suggestion might alter the final test’s dynamics. But just what was Lyon suggesting? Let’s explore his ideas and how they might affect the game.
Nathan Lyon: The Master of Spine
One of the best off-spinners in contemporary cricket history, Nathan Lyon, has been instrumental in Australia’s success in Test matches. He is admired all around the world for his ability to bowl extended periods, adjust to different circumstances, and confound batsmen with sharp turn and bounce. Lyon has taken almost 400 wickets in Test cricket, so his knowledge of the game is invaluable.
The WTC Final’s Current Format
Following a demanding two-year cycle, the two top-ranked teams square off in the World Test Championship final. In a match impacted by rain, New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural World Tour of Cycling final in 2021. Given how inconsistent Test cricket is, one complaint levelled about the WTC final format is that it may not be possible to identify the world’s top team in a single match.
Lyon’s Recommendation: Top-Three Series
Lyon makes a novel but insightful suggestion: the World Team Cup final ought to be contested as a best-of-three series as opposed to a single game. According to his logic, Test cricket is meant to be played throughout a series, giving teams the chance to bounce back from inconsistent outings. One game is insufficient, especially in a final, in Lyon’s words. The game of test cricket involves tactics and adaptations, which work best in a series.
The Best-of-Three Series: Why?
Lowers Flukes: Weather, tosses, or a particularly outstanding innings can all have an impact on a test match. The influence of these factors would be lessened in a best-of-three series, guaranteeing that the victor is actually the greatest squad.
Permits Adjustments: Teams frequently improve after learning from their mistakes in the opening game in a series. That kind of chance isn’t presented by a single match.
Improved Spectacle: Three matches in the final would provide fans with more cricket and a higher level of engagement and excitement.
The Difficulties of Putting Lyon’s Advice Into Practice
While Lyon’s proposal makes sense, putting a best-of-three WTC final into practice would present serious difficulties.
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Problems with Scheduling
Given that a test cricket match lasts five days, the format is already laborious. A best-of-three game would need to be played over the course of several days—possibly up to fifteen. Fitting it into the international schedule would be difficult because of this; it is already full of bilateral series, T20 leagues, and other events.
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Player Exhaustion
Players in test cricket endure a physically and psychologically taxing game. Player fatigue may arise from a best-of-three match, particularly following an extended WTC cycle. Workload balance for players would become crucial.
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Obstacles in Logistics
It could be a logistical challenge to host a series of finals in an impartial location. Costs could increase if organizers were to consider the teams’ lodging, transport, and practice facilities.
The Potential Impact of the Best of Three on Strategies
Lyon’s recommendation would significantly alter teams’ strategies for the WTC final.
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Rotation of the Squad
Teams would need to rotate their players more carefully to prevent injuries and exhaustion if cricket matches lasted up to 15 days. As a result, bench strength would become essential, providing squad management and selection with a fresh perspective.
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Modifications to the tactics
After every game, teams would have the chance to modify their tactics. The contest would be more intriguing if a team lost the first game and then returned with alternative strategies for the second and third games.
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Mental resilience
A best-of-three series would test the mental toughness of teams and players. The capacity to bounce back from a setback and maintain peak performance would become even more crucial.
In summary
Nathan Lyon concept of a best-of-three WTC final is intriguing and deserving of consideration. The concept of a more thorough exam for the world’s top Test team is appealing, notwithstanding the difficulties. For the time being, cricket fans may relish the thrill and uncertainty of the present one-off WTC final format, although the controversy will persist.
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