Nathan Lyon Advocates for Three-Match Series in WTC Final to Enhance Fairness

New Delhi, Sept. 4 — Australian senior spinner Nathan Lyon has proposed a significant change to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final format, advocating for a three-match series to be held in three different countries. This suggestion comes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the 2025 WTC Final will be played as a single match at Lord’s in London on June 11.

Lyon's call for a revised format aims to add fairness and comprehensiveness to the final. "A single match does not do justice to a tournament of this magnitude. Over a two-year period, a team must demonstrate consistent performance to qualify for the final. Therefore, having a three-match series would allow for a more accurate reflection of a team's capabilities," Lyon told the ICC.

He explained his proposal, stating that having matches in England, India, and Australia would expose teams to varied conditions, providing a more thorough test of their skills. "One match can be a fluke, but a series allows a team to showcase its strength over a longer period. Playing in different conditions would be beneficial," Lyon added.

The current WTC format has seen two successful iterations since its inception in 2019, with each final being a single match. The 2025 final is set to continue this tradition at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Lyon also addressed logistical concerns, suggesting that alternative venues may be needed if the Melbourne Cricket Ground is unavailable during August. "We need to consider different grounds if Melbourne is not an option," he said.

Currently, Lyon’s Australia team is positioned second on the WTC points table, while Rohit Sharma's India holds the top spot. The possibility of a final showdown between India and Australia remains high, mirroring the previous edition’s anticipated clash.