The ECB is not keen on a two-tiered World Test Championship (WTC) in which relegation could lead to England not being in the same division as Australia or India, thus potentially depriving them of their two most lucrative rivalries.

The ICC last month formed a working group, led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose , to look into, among other things, improving the WTC ahead of the next cycle, which begins in July 2027. A two-tier system was among the most significant topics discussed at the ICC annual conference in July. Twose, NZC's representative on the ICC Board, is expected to make recommendations to the board.

Two-tier Test cricket has been debated for more than 15 years, with the ICC showing its willingness to the idea as far back as in 2009 , though Full Members have been

See Full Page