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
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The finalists for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2019-2021) were determined by the percentage of points earned (PCT) from the total possible points in the series they played, not by the absolute number of matches won.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England based on their PCT (70.0% for NZ vs 61.4% for England), not because they won more matches. In fact, during the 2019-2021 cycle, England (11 wins) won more matches than New Zealand (7 wins).
Therefore, neither statement 1 nor 2 is correct.