England has drawn the Test series against India 2–2. It was intense. It was dramatic. And now, it’s shaping a major stand in world cricket. The ICC is pushing for a two-tier system in the World Test Championship (WTC), but England is drawing the line; they’re not having it.

Why? Because they fear being relegated and losing the big matches that matter most.

🏏 England Fights Back Against “Test Cricket Relegation”

The ICC is considering a new two-tier system for Test cricket. Top teams like India, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand would stay in Group I, playing each other in an elite series. Teams that underperform, like England, if their form dips, would be demoted to Group II, facing weaker opponents like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

England’s cricket board says no way.

Chairman Richard Thompson made it clear: “If we were to suffer a decline, we would not want to be relegated to the second division and not be able to play Australia or India. That should not happen.”

💸 It’s Not Just Pride, It’s About Money

Test cricket is expensive. But series like The Ashes and India vs England bring in massive revenue. Broadcast deals, sponsorships, and packed stadiums depend on these marquee matchups.

If England drops to Group II, those games could vanish. Fewer big tours. Less exposure. Less income.

One expert said, “England isn’t just protecting pride, they’re protecting their financial future.”

📉 Why England Is Scared of Relegation

Let’s be real—England’s Test form has been shaky.

• In WTC 2019–2021: Finished 4th—missed the final.
• In WTC 2021–2023: Finished 4th again—missed the final.

Under a two-tier system, two bad cycles could mean demotion. And once you’re down, climbing back up gets harder.

The recent 2–2 draw with India? It shows both promise and fragility. England chased 371 in one Test and scored 669 in another, but lost the final match by just six runs. That’s how close the line is between glory and collapse.

⚖️ Is the “Baseball Approach” to Blame?

England’s aggressive, high-risk “Bazball” style brought excitement and big scores. But it also led to collapses and inconsistency. Fans loved the thrill. Critics questioned the sustainability.

Now, with the two-tier debate heating up, the question is:
Can England keep up with the elite and survive a promotion-relegation system?

Many say no. One fan tweeted, “Bazball wins hearts, but does it win titles? That’s the real test.”

Final Thoughts: Will the ICC Listen?

England isn’t alone. Other top teams are watching closely. If the ICC pushes the two-tier model, it could spark a global debate on fairness, tradition, and money in Test cricket.

But for now, one message is loud and clear:
England will not accept relegation.

The Ashes. The rivalries. The history. They’re not letting go.

Watch the Debate Unfold

🎥 Click here to watch Richard Thompson’s full statement on Test cricket reform.
🏏 Relive England’s 669-run thriller and the dramatic 6-run loss at The Oval.