WTC Final venues (Source: AFP)
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) officially kicked off on August 1, 2019. The first cycle of the tournament began with the 2019 Ashes series between England and Australia.
The WTC final is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar. It brings together the top two teams in the championship, showcasing the pinnacle of Test cricket.
For the uninformed, the Oval in London has been confirmed as the venue for the next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final 2025-27 cycle. It will be held from Wednesday, June 9 to Sunday, June 13 2027.
Why do World Test Championship (WTC) Finals only take place in England?
The apex body of world cricket, the International Cricket Council, had announced in 2025 that England would host the finals for the next three editions of the coveted tournament, in 2027, 2029, and 2031. Thus, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been tasked with selecting the venue for each title clash.
That is why one aspect that often raises questions among cricket enthusiasts is the consistent hosting of the WTC final in England.
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One of the key factors that makes England the preferred host for the WTC final is the country’s rich cricketing heritage and the historical significance of Test cricket within the country. Moreover, England is widely regarded as the birthplace of cricket and has a deep-rooted tradition in the sport.
It has been noted that, since the scheduling of the WTC cycle is such that the only country likely to have the least weather intervention in June is England. Notably, Australia’s cricket season runs from October to March.
In the case of India, Test cricket isn’t the most popular format, and if India doesn’t play the final, then there would be bare minimum footfall even if top cricketing nations play the summit clash.
That being said, in this article, let’s take a look at the different venues that have hosted the WTC Finals.
1) WTC Final 2021 Venue: Rose Bowl, Southampton (New Zealand vs India)
The inaugural World Test Championship final, between India and New Zealand, was held in a bio-secure bubble at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18 to 22, 2021.
In a rain-marred final, which pushed the game into the reserve day, New Zealand thumped India and made history by winning the first-ever WTC final. Kyle Jamieson, who took seven wickets in the match, kept the Indian batters in check throughout.
Lastly, led by Kane Williamson (52*) and veteran Ross Taylor (47*), they chased the target of 139 with ease, as New Zealand listed the first-ever WTC mace, etching their name in Test history.
2) WTC Final 2023 Venue: The Oval, London (Australia vs India)
The title clash for the 2023 edition was played at The Oval, London, between Australia and India.
The Pat Cummins-led Australia won the match by a whopping 209 runs to win the second edition of the World Test Championship, marking their maiden win of the Championship. Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his match-defining century.
3) WTC Final 2025 Venue: Lord's, London (South Africa vs Australia)
The 2025 WTC Final between South Africa and Australia took place at Lord’s Cricket Ground, a.k.a. ‘Home of Cricket’ in London.
In the championship fixture from June 11 to June 14, 2025, it took New Zealand only four days for Temba Bavuma-led South Africa to end Australia’s reign as the Test Champions and secure their first ICC trophy since winning the ICC Knockout Trophy (now Champions Trophy) in 1998.
4) WTC Final 2027: The Oval, London (Scheduled for June 9–13, 2027)
As England continues to hold hosting rights for the next three WTC finals (2027, 2029, and 2031), the ECB on Thursday confirmed The Oval in London will host the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final from June 9–13, 2027.
This will be the second time that The Oval hosts the Championship Final, having previously staged the showpiece in 2023, when Australia defeated India to lift the mace.
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