Four Test series to Look forward in 2019

The popularity of T20 cricket is increasing more than ever, with almost all front-line countries hosting their own domestic T20 leagues. But that is not stopping the growth of Test cricket.

The game is blessed with a set of fans who follow Test cricket very keenly in this T20 era. The ICC is also set to launch the ICC Test Championship right after the limited overs World Cup. Nine Test playing nations will participate in this tournament. Each team will play three home series and three away series against eight other teams.

The Top two teams who end up with most points will clash for the ultimate title set to take place in 2021 in England. In each series, a maximum of 120 points are up for the grabs as per the table below.

The Test Championship certainly excites cricket fans across the globe. Such a tournament will definitely enhance the visibility of Test cricket among young cricket fans who have fallen for the shorter version of the game.

No doubt, the limited overs World Cup will take the center stage in 2019. However, there are some finger licking Test series to look forward to this year. Let us have a look at 5 of them:

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#1. The Ashes:

The Ashes

Australia are all set to travel to England to play the five-match Ashes series. The Ashes Urn is currently with the Aussies after they beat the English side 4-0 in the 2017-18 Home Season.

Australia is yet to win a Test Series against England in England since 2001. Australia have lost four consecutive Ashes in England in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2015. Australian cricket is in an all-time low after the infamous Newlands Test. Currently, they are on the verge of first-ever series defeat at home against India.

However, the return of stalwarts David Warner and Steve Smith should boost the confidence of the Aussies ahead of the Ashes. On the other hand, England will look to continue their dominance at home.

It was Sri Lanka who last beat England in England in 2014. Since then, no team has come close to winning a Test series in England in nine attempts so far. It will also be the first Ashes under the ICC Test Championship window which makes it even more exciting.

#2. South Africa tour of India:

India vs South Africa 2015

India is set to host South Africa in a three-match Test series at home later this year. Team India will be high on confidence after a convincing overseas show in 2018. Entertainment is guaranteed when these top two sides take each other on.

The visitors will have a tough task as India have remained unbeaten in their last 10 home series. The absence of superman AB de Villiers and wretched form of Hashim Amla will make it even more difficult.

India came very close to winning the series last year in SA. The last time South Africa toured India, the hosts trounced them by a margin of 3-0. This will be a big series for both India and South Africa under the ICC Test Championship and hence both the teams would like give their 100% to make it count. This makes it an interesting series to look forward

#3. New Zealand tour of Australia:

Australia beat New Zeland 2-0 in 2016

Australia will host New Zealand in their 2019 home season. The Kiwis are set to play three Tests and three ODIs on this tour. These two sides have produced some amazing matches in the past.

The visitors have won only one Test series against Australia in Australia which came way back in 1985 when they beat the home side 2-1 in the three-match series. Since then they have toured Australia nine times and managed to draw thrice and lost the others.

Kane Williamson is building a strong Test side ever since he took up leadership from Brendon McCullum. He will definitely love to make history when they tour Australia this time. On the other hand, the home side will be hoping for a resurrection after the 2018 debacle.

Cricket Australia might schedule one Day Night Test in the series. Australia have never lost a Test series against New Zealand since 1990 and would like to keep this record intact.

#4. England tour of South Africa:

South Africa vs England in 2017

The English Team will tour South Africa to play four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. South Africa beat England 2-1 in the five-match series in 1999. Surprisingly, England have never lost a Test series in South Africa since then. They have played three Test series after the 1999 loss, winning two and one ending in a draw.

The South African team would definitely want to improve their home record against the English side. Interestingly, South Africa have also won their away tours of England in 2008 and 2012. The English team has never lost a four-match Test series against South Africa in South Africa.

All the above Test series will be played under the ICC Test championship window and hence all the teams will play hard to gain initial momentum. For sure, Test cricket fans are guaranteed for another exciting year of high intensity and competitive cricket.