Crowe-Thorpe Trophy
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy remains one of the most respected Test cricket contests between England and New Zealand, named in honour of two iconic figures, Martin Crowe and Graeme Thorpe. Fans across India still connect deeply with their legacy from the 1980s and 1990s, when their skill and passion shaped modern cricket. The trophy carries strong historical and emotional value, and every England-New Zealand Test series under this banner brings high-intensity battles that cricket lovers worldwide follow closely. This tradition has only grown stronger in recent years, especially as the series now forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The latest edition, played from June 4 to June 29, 2026, added another strong chapter to this England-New Zealand rivalry, with the series once again contributing to the ICC World Test Championship. Hosted in London and Nottingham, the contest delivered competitive cricket throughout, ultimately seeing New Zealand lift the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy with a 2-1 series win. Their all-round discipline, especially in pressure moments, stood out across the tour and helped them secure the title in challenging English conditions. For Indian fans following WTC standings and Test cricket trends, this edition offered a clear reminder of New Zealand’s growing consistency in the longest format, making them the current holders of the prestigious trophy.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
Introduction
The world of international cricket is always changing, with exciting matches, evolving rivalries and celebrations of cricketing heroes. Within this landscape, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy has become a meaningful addition to the Test calendar, honoring the long‑standing connection between England and New Zealand. Created as a tribute to two great cricketers, the late Martin Crowe of New Zealand and the late Graham Thorpe of England, the trophy adds a symbolic layer to a rivalry that has been part of the sport’s history for nearly a century.
The introduction of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy elevated the anticipation surrounding England vs New Zealand Test cricket, giving each series a clear identity and a renewed sense of purpose. Every meeting between the two sides now carries an added narrative, blending tradition with a modern expression of respect and sportsmanship. The trophy itself reflects this spirit, crafted from the bats Crowe and Thorpe used during their century‑scoring duels in the 1990s and inlaid with jade or pounamu, creating a cultural and emotional link between the two nations. As each new England vs New Zealand cricket series approaches, interest naturally grows around potential outcomes and the various ways fans engage with the contest, including Crowe-Thorpe Trophy betting.
Since its debut edition in New Zealand in 2024‑2025, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy has continued to shape a fresh chapter in the History of Crowe-Thorpe Trophy cricket. Designed by Māori artist David Ngawati, the trophy stands as a lasting symbol of the legacy of Crowe and Thorpe and the competitive balance that defines this matchup. With every new series, the event strengthens its place in the Test cricket landscape, drawing attention from supporters in both countries and from global audiences who follow the rivalry’s evolution and the growing Cricket betting Crowe‑Thorpe Trophy interest surrounding it. This blend of art, heritage, and fierce competition sets a compelling stage for bettors and fans, all while reinforcing IndiaBetMaster.com’s reputation as a trusted source. We also invite you to explore this article in Hindi (क्रो-थोर्प ट्रॉफी हिंदी समीक्षा) for insights on match stats, key performances and betting tips, making the Cricket betting Crowe‑Thorpe Trophy narrative even richer and easier to follow.
Best Online Betting Sites in India - July 2026
Current Season
The 2026 Crowe-Thorpe Trophy took place from 4 June to 29 June 2026, with the final Test held at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. New Zealand won the three‑match series 2-1 to claim the trophy.
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy has quickly become one of the most intriguing bilateral contests in the Test calendar, blending tradition, rivalry and modern WTC stakes. The 2026 edition, originally previewed as a marquee red‑ball event, ultimately delivered on that promise and unfolded as one of the most closely followed England-New Zealand series of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. With both teams navigating new combinations and long‑term planning for the 2025‑2027 WTC race, the series carried competitive weight far beyond its three‑Test structure, especially for Indian fans who track long‑session betting trends and tactical shifts across extended tours.
The scheduling framework that had been announced well in advance remained intact, but once the matches were played, the narrative shifted from anticipation to outcome. Lord’s opened the series and produced a strong start for England, who secured a 115‑run victory to take an early lead. The momentum changed sharply at The Oval, where New Zealand levelled the series with a commanding win, showcasing their adaptability in English conditions. The decider at Trent Bridge then became the defining chapter of the tour, with New Zealand sealing the trophy through a composed and disciplined performance that earned them the 2-1 series triumph. For a young trophy still building its legacy, this result marked a significant moment, as New Zealand claimed their first Crowe‑Thorpe title.
The series generated gate receipts in the estimated range of GBP 25 to 35 million (~ INR 260 to 365 crores), consistent with ECB revenue patterns for multi‑Test summers. These figures align with England’s strong red‑ball commercial base, which remains one of the most stable in world cricket. Corporate hospitality demand was also high, particularly at Lord’s and The Oval, where premium seating often sells out months in advance.
Broadcast and streaming performance followed predictable trends. Sky Sports and NOW carried the series in the UK, while Indian audiences accessed the matches through Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar, continuing the ICC’s broadcast cycle. England home Tests typically attract between 8 and 12 million cumulative viewers in India across TV and digital platforms, depending on match competitiveness and timing. Given the tight nature of the 2026 series and the decisive final Test, number of viewership is estimated fell within or slightly above this range. Afternoon IST sessions, which align well with Indian betting‑interest patterns, contributed to steady engagement throughout the tour.
The series unfolded during a vibrant English summer that also featured the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, creating a festival‑like cricket atmosphere across London and Nottingham. This overlap boosted tourism and footfall around major cricketing districts, with local councils reporting increased activity in hospitality zones near the stadiums. For Indian fans, the combination of heritage venues, predictable playing conditions and the tactical depth of a three‑Test series offered a familiar narrative that blends tradition with modern WTC significance.
The series benefited from strong digital engagement, particularly on social platforms where short‑form highlights and session‑by‑session updates generated millions of impressions. ICC and ECB digital channels reported heightened interaction during the Trent Bridge decider, reflecting the growing global appetite for real‑time Test cricket content. This mirrors trends seen in India, where Test cricket clips often outperform expectations when the matches involve high‑stakes WTC implications.
As of mid‑2026, the next edition of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy has not yet been formally scheduled. Given the ICC’s long‑term WTC structure, the next England-New Zealand Test series is expected to fall within the 2027‑2029 cycle, though final dates and venues will be confirmed once the ICC and ECB release their updated calendars.
Ongoing July 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 15, 2027 | LIVE |
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ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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County Championship FC | April 3, 2026 – September 27, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's One-Day Cup List A | April 11, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's T20 County Cup T20 | April 29, 2026 – August 29, 2026 | LIVE |
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T20 Blast T20 | May 22, 2026 – July 18, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's T20 Blast T20 | May 22, 2026 – July 17, 2026 | LIVE |
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Inter-Provincial Trophy (IP20) T20 | June 2, 2026 – July 29, 2026 | LIVE |
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Sobers-Tissera Trophy Tour | June 3, 2026 – July 7, 2026 | |
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup T20I | June 12, 2026 – July 5, 2026 | |
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Major League Cricket (MLC) T20 | June 18, 2026 – July 18, 2026 | LIVE |
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Inter-Provincial Cup (IP50) List A | June 30, 2026 – July 23, 2026 | LIVE |
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Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) T20 | July 1–14, 2026 | LIVE |
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Global T20 Canada (GT20) T20 | July 16, 2026 – August 2, 2026 | |
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Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 | July 17, 2026 – August 8, 2026 | |
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The Hundred (Men) T20 | July 21, 2026 – August 16, 2026 | |
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The Hundred (Women) T20 | July 21, 2026 – August 16, 2026 | |
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One-Day Cup List A | July 21, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | |
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Global Super League (GSL) T20 | July 23, 2026 – August 1, 2026 | |
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Pakistan vs West Indies Tour | July 25, 2026 – August 6, 2026 |
Ongoing July 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 15, 2027 | LIVE |
|
ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
|
County Championship FC | April 3, 2026 – September 27, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's One-Day Cup List A | April 11, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's T20 County Cup T20 | April 29, 2026 – August 29, 2026 | LIVE |
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T20 Blast T20 | May 22, 2026 – July 18, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's T20 Blast T20 | May 22, 2026 – July 17, 2026 | LIVE |
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Inter-Provincial Trophy (IP20) T20 | June 2, 2026 – July 29, 2026 | LIVE |
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Sobers-Tissera Trophy Tour | June 3, 2026 – July 7, 2026 | |
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup T20I | June 12, 2026 – July 5, 2026 | |
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Major League Cricket (MLC) T20 | June 18, 2026 – July 18, 2026 | LIVE |
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Inter-Provincial Cup (IP50) List A | June 30, 2026 – July 23, 2026 | LIVE |
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Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) T20 | July 1–14, 2026 | LIVE |
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Global T20 Canada (GT20) T20 | July 16, 2026 – August 2, 2026 | |
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Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 | July 17, 2026 – August 8, 2026 | |
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The Hundred (Men) T20 | July 21, 2026 – August 16, 2026 | |
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The Hundred (Women) T20 | July 21, 2026 – August 16, 2026 | |
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One-Day Cup List A | July 21, 2026 – September 20, 2026 | |
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Global Super League (GSL) T20 | July 23, 2026 – August 1, 2026 | |
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Pakistan vs West Indies Tour | July 25, 2026 – August 6, 2026 |
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Previous Seasons
England and New Zealand share a Test rivalry that stretches back to 1929‑1930, long before the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy was introduced. Decades of tight two‑match series, shifting home‑and‑away dominance, and iconic performances from legends such as Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, Graham Gooch and Martin Crowe shaped the competitive edge that the modern trophy now represents. The Crowe-Thorpe era simply formalised a contest built on nearly a century of hard, high‑quality Test cricket between the two sides.
Past Crowe-Thorpe Trophy Editions
- 2026 Series
The 2026 Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, played from 4 June to 29 June 2026 across Lord’s, The Oval and Trent Bridge, marked the second edition of this growing England-New Zealand rivalry. New Zealand claimed the trophy 2-1, overturning England’s early lead with strong performances in the final two Tests. The decisive match in Nottingham saw New Zealand complete a composed victory to secure the series, giving them their first Crowe‑Thorpe title. The three‑Test structure remained part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, adding competitive weight to each session and drawing steady interest from fans following long‑form cricket and gentle betting trends around momentum shifts. With England winning at Lord’s and New Zealand responding emphatically at The Oval before sealing the contest at Trent Bridge, the 2026 edition delivered a balanced and high‑quality red‑ball contest that strengthened the identity of this young trophy.
- 2024-2025 Series (Inaugural Season)
England’s inaugural Crowe-Thorpe Trophy triumph in 2024-2025 came during their November-December 2024 Test tour of New Zealand, a three match series played across Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton. Running from 28 November to 17 December 2024, the contest delivered tight, high stakes cricket, with England sealing the trophy 2 1 after winning in Christchurch and Wellington before New Zealand hit back in Hamilton. The final Test ended with New Zealand winning by 423 runs, but England had already secured the series and the first ever Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, a result that quickly drew interest from fans tracking Test cricket betting angles around this new rivalry. The series formed part of the ICC World Test Championship structure and set the tone for future editions, including the next scheduled meeting in England in 2026.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | New Zealand | England | New Zealand won 2-1 (3 Tests) | England |
| 2024-2025 | England | New Zealand | England won 2-1 (3 Tests) | New Zealand |
* Refers only to Test cricket encounters
History and Structure
When it was first created in November 2024, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy was meant to make the Test cricket matches between England and New Zealand more official and fun. The prize will be named after Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe as a proper honor to two famous and respected bowlers who brought their skill and passion to the world stage.
Martin Crowe, a stylish and creative batter, was a mainstay of the New Zealand team for more than ten years, leading them to many honors as captain. Graham Thorpe was a tough and technically sound left-handed batter who was an important part of England's hitting lineup for many years. He was known for his ability to win games. Both players were great examples of what their cricketing countries were all about.
The award is a one-of-a-kind piece of sports collectibles. It was made by artist David Ngawati and includes bats that both Crowe and Thorpe used to hit hundreds in Test games between New Zealand and England in 1994 and 1997. This real link to their accomplishments on the field gives the prize a very personal and symbolic meaning. Adding jade or pounamu, a stone with cultural significance in New Zealand, makes it even more connected to the host country.
The artist says that the shape of the award represents the "pinnacle or highest mountain", which is the top level of cricketing performance. The base, on the other hand, represents the players' families, clubs, and communities, which are important to their success. The fact that Sir Alastair Cook called the award "brilliant" shows how well-thought-out and important the design is.
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy is set up so that it will be played for every time England and New Zealand play a Test match. The prize will be given to the team that wins most of the games in a certain series. If the series ends in a tie, the prize will go to the team that won the last tournament. This system makes sure that every Test series between these two countries is extra important because they are fighting for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy. Deb Crowe, Martin Crowe's sister, and Michael Atherton, a former England captain, unveiled the award before its first named edition. This added to the emotional and historical weight of this new cricket honor.
The Crowe Thorpe Trophy cricket tournament began as a way to honor their accomplishments and make a regular match between two teams that were becoming more and more competitive. Since it began, the event has had a number of different forms, but the general structure has stayed mostly the same: it is made up of Test matches between England and New Zealand, and the team that wins the most matches gets the prize.
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy is part of a growing trend in international cricket to name bilateral series after famous players from each country that plays. Other examples include the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for Australia and India, the Richards-Botham Trophy for the West Indies and England, and the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy for Australia and New Zealand. This custom not only honors the greats of cricket but also gives these important rivals a depth of history and ritual.
Final Thoughts
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy has added a meaningful new layer to the long cricketing relationship between England and New Zealand, blending tradition with a modern tribute to Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe. Its design, its symbolism and the story behind it give the contest a depth that goes beyond a standard Test series, turning each meeting between the two sides into a celebration of shared history and competitive spirit. As rivalry continues to evolve, the trophy has quickly become a fixture that players value and supporters follow closely.
For fans who enjoy engaging with the series on a deeper level, the Crowe- Thorpe Trophy also opens the door to thoughtful cricket betting opportunities. Understanding team strengths, recent form, venue conditions and historical matchups can help shape informed decisions across the various betting markets available for England vs New Zealand Test cricket. Exploring reliable platforms, comparing odds and approaching each wager responsibly remain essential steps for anyone interested in Crowe-Thorpe Trophy betting, especially as the event grows in profile with every new edition.
Ultimately, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy stands as more than a prize. It represents respect for two icons, a renewed chapter in a storied rivalry and a reason for global cricket fans to look forward to every future England vs New Zealand Test series. With each edition adding new moments and new narratives, the competition promises to remain a compelling fixture in the Test calendar for years to come.
Bet on the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy
The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, the celebrated bilateral rivalry between England and New Zealand, continues to attract sharp attention from both fans and bettors alike. With its deeply rooted history, intense Test-level battles, and unpredictable momentum shifts, this series offers one of the most strategic cricket betting opportunities worldwide. For Indian punters, the competition stands out not just for its sporting value, but also for the tactical edge it provides to seasoned bettors looking to bet on match outcomes, innings totals, or individual performances.
What makes the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy especially interesting for betting is the way it blends classical Test match unpredictability with modern analytics. Changes in team leadership, home conditions, and player rotations often impact odds in ways that well-informed bettors can take advantage of. Have you ever wondered whether Test cricket is too slow for betting thrills? On the contrary, the depth and duration of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy matches give bettors ample time to analyze play, watch trends unfold, and place live wagers with a calculated edge.
The legality of online betting in India is often a topic of concern, but clarity is growing. While state-wise laws still govern much of gambling activity, online cricket betting on international sportsbooks remains accessible and legal in practice, as long as you bet with platforms that are not based in India. IndiaBetMaster.com provides a reliable cricket betting guide for Crowe Thorpe Trophy followers, ensuring you're not only betting smartly but also lawfully.
This event is less frequent than other series, but when it returns, it arrives with high intensity and value for dedicated punters. From ball-by-ball live bets to long-term series forecasts, everything is within reach if you follow the game and plan your bets accordingly. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy is an excellent series to bet on with preparation, timing, and the right platform.
How to Bet on the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy Online
- Choose a Reputable Betting Site: Choose reputable sites that offer a wide range of cricket betting options. These sites are great for betting on the England vs. New Zealand Trophy cricket match because they offer live betting, good prices, and easy-to-use platforms. Make sure the site has a license and safe ways to pay.
- Understand the Markets: When you bet on the Crowe Thorpe Trophy, it's important to know about the different famous betting markets that can make your experience better. An Outright Series Winner market is one of the most popular ones. In this market, you guess which team will win the series, usually with a score (like England 2-1 or New Zealand 1-0). This bet requires you to think about the teams' general strength and form across a number of games, which makes the betting more smart.
- Research Team Form & Conditions: Look at recent games, player injuries, and the state of the field. For instance, England's bold hitting might not work well against New Zealand's precise bowling when the ball is moving.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Be strict with your money. Use deals like free bets or better chances to increase the amount of money you could win.
Always check to see if online betting is allowed in your area, and only use sites that have a good name for safety and paying out.
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