Ben Stokes Slams World Test Championship Format as ‘Utterly Confusing’

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England Test captain Ben Stokes has openly criticized the structure of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), calling it "utterly confusing" and acknowledging that his team does not prioritize the tournament. Stokes made these comments ahead of England's opening Test against New Zealand in the Thorpe-Crowe Trophy.

Thorpe-Crowe Trophy series is a part of the WTC cycle. England, currently ranked sixth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 40.79, has already been eliminated from the race for the 2023-25 final.

Despite finishing fourth in the previous cycle, England is yet to secure a spot in the championship final across three editions. "In all honesty, the World Test Championship, it is a bit confusing, it's one of those where, you know, we don't really look at it, I don't look at it," Stokes said during a media interaction.

"It's one of those where over a long period of time, if you're playing really good cricket, you're getting results that you want, you'll end up finding yourself there in the final and in the mix." Stokes emphasized England's focus on taking things "game by game, series by series," which he believes does not align with the long-term nature of the WTC.

"If you end up finding yourself in the position where you happen to be in that World Test Championship final, then it's great, but it's a real weird one knowing that you're playing for something over a long period of time," he added.

Under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England has adopted an aggressive, result-oriented approach to Test cricket, often referred to as "Bazball." Since taking over as captain, Stokes has led England in 29 Tests, winning 17, losing 11, and drawing just one.

While this philosophy has drawn both praise and criticism, it has helped England become one of the most entertaining teams in Test cricket. England's packed schedule also adds to the challenge of prioritizing the WTC. "We play a lot more cricket than anyone else does," Stokes noted.

He emphasized the team's focus on immediate goals rather than a two-year-long tournament. Currently, England is touring New Zealand for a three-match Test series. On the opening day of the first Test, New Zealand posted 319/8, thanks to Kane Williamson's 93, while England's Shoaib Bashir claimed four wickets.