The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced that the final of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 will be held at The Oval in June 2023 whereas the final of the next cycle, that is for cycle 2023 to 2025, will be held at the ‘Home of Cricket’, Lord’s.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, while the ICC did not announce the final for the World Test Championship final 2023, it is expected that it will be held before the men’s Ashes series which begins on June 16 in Birmingham.
With this decision, the ICC has now about it all three finals of the WTC to England despite the country facing constant rain threat which has affected far too many important cricket matches in the past, including the inaugural final of the 2019-2021 cycle between India and New Zealand.
The inaugural final between India and New Zealand was held at Southampton owing to the venue’s ability to host players in a nearby hotel, providing the organisers a lot of help and comfort in organising the contest during peak coronavirus pandemic.
At present, Australia are at the top of the points table in the World Test Championship followed by South Africa at second, Sri Lanka at third, Pakistan at fifth while India at the fourth spot. All these teams have some more Test cricket left before the final two positions are decided.
India, the last time’s finalists, are yet to host Australia for a four-Test series early next year while they will be making a tour for Test matches to Bangladesh. South Africa, who were at the top spot until they lost an away series to England, will be making a trip to Australia while they will host West Indies at home.
Australia have a total of 9 more Tests left in this cycle, and given the brand of cricket they have played under Pat Cummins, they are a strong candidate for their maiden appearance in the WTC final.
ICC CEO Geoff Allardice said in a statement,
”We are delighted to be hosting next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval which has such a rich legacy and an amazing atmosphere, which is ideal for such an important fixture on the calendar. Following that we will then take the 2025 Final to Lord’s which will provide a fitting backdrop to the ultimate Test.”