Test series
When you follow Test series, a set of five‑day matches between two national cricket teams that decide rankings and championship points. Also known as Test cricket series, it forms the backbone of World Test Championship, the league‑style competition that awards points for every match in the cycle and is governed by International cricket, the global framework set by the ICC that regulates all formats of the game. The Test series calendar is crafted by each country's cricket board, balancing home advantage, player workload, and commercial considerations.
Why Test series matter today
Every Test series demands strategic depth, because teams must adapt over 20 overs across five days, manage bowlers’ fatigue, and exploit pitch changes. That need for strategy influences player selection – Mitchell Starc’s decision to sit out the Champions Trophy was driven by his focus on the upcoming World Test Championship final, showing how Test series priorities can reshape a player’s calendar. Likewise, Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement sparked debate about whether cricketers can reverse such moves, highlighting the personal stakes attached to a long‑term Test series commitment.
Another key link is that the World Test Championship dictates the timing of many series, rewarding consistency while penalising gaps in performance. When a series ends in a draw, points are split, which can shift a team’s position on the league table and affect qualification for the championship final. That dynamic requires teams to plan rotations, invest in spin resources for sub‑continental tours, and fine‑tune batting techniques for swinging conditions.
Below you’ll find a curated mix of stories that illustrate these connections: from Starc’s injury‑driven absence and Ashwin’s retirement saga to rain‑affected matches that turned playoff chances, plus standout performances that reshaped series narratives. Each article adds a piece to the puzzle of how modern Test series operate within the broader international cricket ecosystem. Scroll on to explore the articles that break down tactics, player decisions, and the ever‑shifting schedule that defines today’s longest format of the game.
