Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2

The finalists for the ICC World Test Championship (2019-2021) were determined based on the Percentage of Points (PCT) earned, not the absolute number of matches won. This system was adopted to ensure fairness given the varying number of matches played by different teams due to COVID-19 disruptions.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The finalists were decided by the Percentage of Points (PCT) earned from total points contested, not by the number of matches won.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: New Zealand was ranked ahead of England due to a higher PCT (70.0% vs 64.1%), even though England won more matches (11) than New Zealand (7) during the tournament cycle.

📝 Short Notes: ICC World Test Championship

• Format: The ICC World Test Championship is a league competition for Test cricket, featuring the top nine Test-playing nations competing over a two-year cycle.
• Points System (2019-2021): Teams earned 120 points for a win, 60 for a draw, 40 for a tie, and 0 for a loss in each Test series.
• Percentage of Points (PCT): PCT = (Points Won / Points Contested) × 100. This metric was used for rankings to account for unequal matches played.
• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic led to series cancellations and postponements, making PCT the fairest ranking criterion instead of absolute points or wins.
• Inaugural Final (2021): New Zealand defeated India at Southampton to become the first World Test Champions.
• Qualified Teams (2019-2021): India (PCT 72.2%) and New Zealand (PCT 70.0%) qualified for the final.