World Test Championship final should ideally be a 3-match series in the long run, says Ravi Shastri

It would be ideal if the World Test Championship (WTC) is concluded with a three-Test series as opposed to a one-match final, India head coach Ravi Shastri has said. India are set to face New Zealand in the first-ever WTC final at the Ageas Bowl from June 18 to 22.

“Ideally, in the long run, if they want to pursue this Test championship, a best of three final would be ideal. As a culmination of two and a half years of cricket around the globe. We have got to finish it as quickly as possible due to the FTP (future tours program) that will start all over again,” Shastri said in a virtual press conference ahead of the team’s departure to England.

Shastri said that India have earned their right to play in the final, not just because of their famous series wins in Australia but due to the way they have pulled themselves out of difficult situations in other series as well.

“The guys have earned their stripes. This team has not suddenly blossomed overnight. When you start being on top of the highest level and competing against the best, you have the ability to pull yourself out of tough situations. Over the last two years there have been many times when this side has been able to pull themselves out of big problems, not just in Australia or England,” said Shastri.

The former India captain also said that the WTC final is the biggest match as it is a culmination of a competition that has taken place over the course of two years and because it is Test cricket.

“It’s the first time you have a WTC final. When you look at the magnitude of the game, it’s going to be the biggest. It’s a format that tests you. Teams have played each other around the world and earned the rights to play in the final,” he said.