A Test Cricket World Championship:
Highlights, facts and figures
- Until 1964/5 (with the exception of a brief period from 1905/6 to 1907) the holder of the Ashes was also World Champion
- From 1967/8 to 1970/1 England were World Champions but did not hold the Ashes. The Oval test win in 1968 was critical in their retaining the title.
- Between 1980 and 1984 two different champions emerge, depending on exactly when you calculate that the championship changes hands (at the end of a series, or when a side has an unassailable lead). Generally the former is preferred - but see "The Disputed Years" for a look at the alternative view.
- Other than England and Australia, the title has been held at various periods by South Africa, West Indies, India, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka and New Zealand have never held the full title - but New Zealand did briefly hold the "disputed" title in 1980.
- Longest period as champion - 19 years (Australia, 1934-1953)
- Shortest period as champion - 2 months (South Africa, 1996/7)
- Most successful defences - 27 (West Indies, 1980/1-1994/5)
- Details of the World Champions from 1876 to date
- Back
I would be delighted to receive comments on these ideas. Please eMail me (john.birch@ukonline.co.uk).
Compiled by John Birch, Letchworth Garden City, England