Ben Stokes Questions Relevance of World Test Championship Ahead of India Series

As England gears up for a Test series against India, captain Ben Stokes raises concerns about the World Test Championship's relevance. He questions the need for the championship format, emphasizing that Test cricket's value remains unchanged over the years. Stokes believes that every Test series is significant, regardless of the championship. With both teams in transition, the upcoming matches promise to be competitive, especially as India seeks to overcome past challenges against England. This clash is set to be a pivotal moment for both sides.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 11:08 IST

England's Struggles in World Test Championship

Despite its rich cricketing heritage, England has disappointingly failed to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final. This situation has left Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, feeling frustrated with the two-year-long format of the championship.

During a press conference before the upcoming Test series against India, Stokes voiced his uncertainty regarding the significance of the World Test Championship. He questioned whether Test cricket was any different in the past and raised concerns about how a single Test match could determine the fate of a team that has fought hard over the last two years. When asked if he believed Test cricket was declining or if the WTC had revitalized it, Stokes, a staunch supporter of the format, remarked,

Stokes' Perspective on Test Cricket

“There was nothing wrong with Test cricket before. You ask all the players which is the best format, and they will say, Test cricket. And now we’ve got the WTC. That’s what it is all about now. There was nothing wrong with Test cricket before WTC started.”

Stokes further clarified that he does not particularly favor the WTC championship. He emphasized that whether it was 20 years ago or today, winning a Test series—be it a five-match or a three-match series—has always held equal importance. He stated,

“Because every series is massive. Whether it’s a three-match series, a two-match series, a five-match series, they mean the exact same now as what they meant 20 years ago. You want to win it. We never needed a WTC to put more onus on Test cricket, because I’ve always put Test cricket at the top. And I’m sure if you ask everyone else who loves Test cricket, they’ll say the same.”

Upcoming Challenges for Both Teams

Both England and India are currently navigating a transitional phase in their teams. The England squad announced for the series features significantly less experience compared to the youthful Indian lineup. Although the Indian team, missing key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, may seem vulnerable, Stokes recognizes that the competition will be fierce.

As India prepares to face England in Leeds on June 20, they have much to prove. With a young captain and a controversial coach who faced a humiliating defeat in the Border-Gavaskar series, India aims to break a long-standing jinx against England since 2007. Meanwhile, Stokes and his team will be looking to demonstrate that their aggressive style of play, known as 'Bazball,' is here to stay.