India, Aug. 13 -- The World Test Championship gave Test cricket a new lease of life at a time when the format was under scrutiny for being less exciting, with questions being raised over its future. With the WTC title at stake, bilateral series have gained a more competitive edge, with teams now battling not just for series wins but also for a place in the race for an ICC title. As the fourth WTC cycle gets underway, the ICC may need to take further significant steps to ensure the longest format remains relevant and continues to attract younger and newer audiences.

Meanwhile, the proposed WTC expansion to include all 12 full member nations is set to receive a thumbs-down, HT learns. The idea was suggested by an ICC working group headed b...