In 2025, Test cricket came across the usual questions about its relevance, time and attention spans but the format responded in the only way it knows how, through gripping contests. Test matches held over the continents and under different conditions provided the spectators with the same drama, tension, and depth of narrative that shorter formats fail to do. Amongst the iconic rivalries and the battles that decided the championship, these five Tests took the fans back to the reasons why the longest format is still there. So here is the list of top 5 test matches that proved the format is still alive:
Australia vs England – Third Ashes Test, Adelaide
Australia sealed the Border-Gavaskar series in Sydney, claiming victory by six wickets while chasing down 162 against India. This win gave them a 3–1 lead overall, reclaiming the trophy after a strong finish. Key breakthroughs came from their bowlers – Scott Boland stood out – with sharp spells that shifted momentum early. Then it was Travis Head and Beau Webster steadying things, building just enough through calm partnership play. Their efforts didn’t just secure the match; they punched Australia’s ticket to the World Test Championship final, wrapping up what had been an intense contest.
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India vs Australia – Fifth Test, Sydney
Chasing down 162 wasn’t drama-filled – Australia reached it with six wickets to spare. Victory in Sydney sealed the Border-Gavaskar series at 3-1 against India. It was Boland again, sharp with the ball on familiar turf, picking key moments apart. Head stood firm early; Webster matched him, calm through pressure patches. Their stand didn’t dazzle, just delivered. With that win, the urn returned south. More than pride, there was a prize: qualification for the World Test Championship decider.
Sri Lanka vs Australia – Second Test, Galle
Australia has claimed victory in the second Test match in Galle, winning over Sri Lanka by chasing a target of 488 with nine wickets remaining and thereby taking the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy with a series victory of 2-0. The visitors not only posted an enormous total in the first innings, but also brought down the small target with mostly skilful batting supported by disciplined bowling which proved their dominance in the tough Asian conditions.
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Australia vs South Africa – World Test Championship Final, Lord’s
Victory found its way to South Africa when they chased down 282 at Lord’s, edging past Australia in the World Test Championship decider with five wickets still intact – ending decades without an ICC men’s silverware. Aiden Markram stood tall, anchoring the innings with a commanding hundred shaped under strain. Support came through resilient stands that weathered tense moments, thread by thread. Earlier, their attack had clipped Australian momentum, holding tight throughout each session, never letting go.
England vs India – 2nd Test
At Edgbaston, the Indian cricket team came up with a historic performance, beating England by 336 runs and taking Test win at the venue for the first time. After India had scored 587 and 427/6 declared, the bowlers ran through the English batsmen and limited them to 407 and 271. Shubman Gill was splendid as the captain and as a batsman, while the performance of Akash Deep with 10 wickets was a clear indication of India’s superiority. The win was characterized by a mix of batting with the intention of playing for a draw and bowling with strict discipline leading to a memorable and commanding victory in just five days.
