The ICC’s World Test Championship has drawn some harsh criticism, with Wisden cricket editor Lawrence Booth recently decrying this week’s final as a “shambles masquerading as a showpiece”. But that is perhaps not the best way to approach this one-off, winner-takes-all contest. Rather than focusing on the inadequacies of its format, this should be seen as an opportunity for the ICC to address the bigger questions about the future of red-ball cricket.

While the huge jump in prize money – it now tops the US$4m (A$6.15m) awarded for winning the 2023 ODI World Cup – certainly indicates a desire to prioritise Test cricket, a lot more needs to be done. And it appears that some members of the governing body’s board are prepared to go as far as introducing a two-tier structure, starting with the 2027 cycle.

The ECB’s reluctance to embrace this idea stems from the fact that they are afraid of being placed in a division with Australia and India, who would be their strongest rivals. And if the idea were to be implemented, it could also see England’s summer matches at home and abroad suffer from reduced crowds, as well as potentially being pushed back. The ICC has established a working group, led by former New Zealand batsman Roger Twose, to explore options and it is expected to make its formal recommendations soon. Meanwhile, let’s celebrate the final being held at Lord’s, which will be a fittingly grand showcase for such an important moment in the game’s history.