By Despite Lord’s historic grandeur and visual appeal as the “Home of Cricket,” the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final has sparked criticism and dissatisfaction among many members of the red-ball cricket fraternity. The reasons are varied and extend beyond the on-field play.
Pitch Quality and Double Standards* The opening day at Lord’s saw 14 wickets fall for just 255 runs, a scenario often denounced on subcontinental surfaces. Fans and commentators noted out the apparent double standard: although rank turners in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are frequently criticised and even examined by the ICC for being “poor” pitches, Lord’s was not subjected to the same scrutiny, despite having similar bowler-friendly conditions.
The WTC competition has received criticism for its problematic structure. Not all clubs compete against each other, and the number of matches is unequal, resulting in a distorted league table and issues regarding the legitimacy of the finalists. The lack of a consistent, balanced schedule damages the championship’s reputation and, as a result, the relevance of its final, regardless of the venue.
On-Field Play: Chaotic Rather Than Classic* The match was hotly contested, but the cricket itself was described as chaotic, with collapses, lost catches, and an inconsistent pitch for bowlers. Instead of showcasing the greatest of Test cricket, the game has at times resembled a lottery, with both teams experiencing collapse.
Perception vs. Reality: The Lord’s “Aesthetic” The crowded stands and historic surroundings of Lord’s provided a visual treat while also serving as a reminder of Test cricket’s ongoing popularity.However, the aesthetic value has not compensated for the game’s fundamental flaws or the tournament format. Many people believe that the prestige of Lord’s is being utilized to hide flaws in the WTC’s format and conflicting standards applied to different conditions.
Summary Table: Key Criticisms
| Issue | Description |
| Pitch Quality | 14 wickets fell on Day 1; similar Asian pitches are criticized, but Lord’s escapes scrutiny |
| WTC Format Flaws | Uneven schedule, not all teams play each other, undermining the final’s legitimacy |
| On-Field Quality | Chaotic play, collapses, not a showcase of sustained Test excellence |
| Perceived Bias | ICC and media treat English conditions differently from Asian ones |
| Aesthetic vs. Substance | Lord’s setting is iconic, but it masks deeper problems with the event and format |
The dissatisfaction surrounding the WTC final at Lord’s stems less from the venue itself than from what it represents: chronic double standards in pitch assessment, a broken championship structure, and a final that has failed to meet the aspirations of red ball cricket purists. The event has emphasized the need for a more egalitarian, transparent, and competitive approach to Test cricket’s world championship.
