Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship : 1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won. 2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2019–21) ranked teams by percentage of points earned from matches played, adopted after COVID disrupted schedules — not by number of matches won.
• Statement 1 is wrong: finalists (India and New Zealand) were decided on percentage of available points.
• Statement 2 is wrong: New Zealand (70.0%) finished ahead of England (61.4%) on percentage; England had actually won more matches (11 vs 7) but played more too.
• New Zealand beat India in the final at Southampton in June 2021.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: percentage of points, not wins, decided finalists.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: England won more matches; NZ led on percentage.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.