Amid the ongoing buzz surrounding the WTC final, which saw South Africa crowned champions for the very first time, England captain Ben Stokes made a bold statement questioning the relevance of the World Test Championship in modern Test cricket. He said that Test cricket doesn’t need the WTC, as every match and series is significant in its own right and contributes to building the format’s legacy.
[TRENDING] Ben Stokes’ Statement on Test Cricket
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who is widely recognized for his fiery cricketing style, also does not hesitate to lay down his opinion with the media. Before the start of the Test series against India, Ben Stokes gave an unpopular opinion that might have triggered the members of the ICC.
According to the reports from Times of India, Ben Stokes spoke his heart out regarding the need for the World Test Championship (WTC) in keeping Test cricket alive.
He also said that he has an issue with the structure of the tournament, saying, “There was nothing wrong with Test cricket before.” He further said that Test cricket was never irrelevant in history, but it was the media and other personnel who manipulated the audience into believing that franchise cricket is entertaining than Test cricket.
He added, “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’s all about now. There was nothing wrong with Test cricket before WTC started.”
However, it is surprising to see why one of the greatest Test all-rounders is not a fan of the WTC. The question is legit, but Stokes simply answered the queries of the media, saying, “Because every series is massive. Whether it’s a three-match, a five-match series, they mean the exact same now as what they meant 20 years ago.”
Stokes believes that the player does not need WTC to put runs on the board. Having played several test matches, Stokes pointed out that he loves Test cricket most, despite WTC overshadowing the series that happens in one WTC cycle.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Build-Up to India vs England Test Series
Following the success of the WTC cycle 2023-25, India and England are gearing up for one of the most anticipated series of the new WTC cycle, starting on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.
Here is an X post:
India
vs England
Test Series 2025
Here are the full dates & venues for the much-awaited 5-match Test series in England!
pic.twitter.com/PjhN5GukTV
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) June 18, 2025
The last time India toured England for the Test series was in 2021/22, where the series ended up in a draw after England clinched the victory in the fifth Test at Edgbaston.
However, the upcoming Test series for India is all set to mark the beginning of the new era as the young and energetic Shubman Gill is set to lead from the front while Rishabh Pant charges as deputy.
With the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin from red-ball cricket, it would not be as exciting as it used to be for the fans, but a blockbuster match is guaranteed as both teams will be aiming for victory. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away from the longest format before the England Test tour, while Ashwin retired during the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Despite the absence of veteran cricketers, Ben Stokes feels that the depth in the Indian cricket team will certainly make the games more competitive and interesting from the players’ and fans’ perspective.
Writer’s Take on the Stokes’ Opinion on WTC
As a cricket enthusiast, I feel the comments made by Stokes are a bit sensitive and controversial, but titles like WTC have certainly increased the fan base of test cricket. I agree with the statement of Stokes that Test cricket was always on top even before WTC, but with the introduction of WTC, the format has been more interesting, with every team looking to win the trophy.
I wish Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill all the best for the upcoming series and hope a treat will be given to the fans who have been eagerly waiting for years.
The post ‘Nothing Wrong with Test Cricket Before WTC’: Ben Stokes on Test Format Ahead of India vs England appeared first on JeetWin Blog.
