Yuvraj Singh on World Test Championship final: Why have only one Test?

India players celebrate the wicket of England’s Dom Bess on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Ahmedabad earlier this month. Pic/Getty Images

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has suggested a radical route to determine the World Test Championship winner. Instead of playing a single match to determine the winner, Yuvraj wants the finalists to play three Test matches for the champion team to be decided.

India qualified for the World Test Championship final after beating Australia 2-1 in their backyard and England 3-1 at home. The final will be played at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton later this year.

Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj felt a lot it at stake in the final as the two best Test teams have reached this stage after a nearly two-year cycle. "Any team can have a bad match, but they can improve and showcase their talent in three matches for the final. If the World Test Championship can take almost two years, then why not have three more matches to determine the winners?" Yuvraj told mid-day.

India created history in Australia by breaching the fortress at The Gabba in the final Test with an attack comprising rookies. During the tour, India kept losing players with injuries at certain stages, but every replacement player managed to do the job for the team.

The Test series wins against Australia and England were achieved despite losing the first match [at Adelaide and Chennai].

The percentage change in the WTC table put table-toppers India in a tight spot for qualification when international cricket resumed post COVID-19 break. Beating Australia was necessary to keep the qualification hopes alive. It was crucial to win at least two Tests against England. India eventually won three against them.

The swashbuckling southpaw supported the ICC's decision to play the WTC final at a neutral venue. "The venue for such important match should be held in a neutral country," he said.

Yuvraj felt India and New Zealand have good balance in their teams. "India are playing a good brand of cricket. I hope we will fight hard and beat the Kiwis," Yuvraj signed off.