ICC To Move WTC Final Out Of Lords Cricket Ground. Image Credits: AFP/X
In a significant development, the 2027 World Test Championship Final could be moved from Lord’s Cricket Ground, despite the venue being expected to host the showpiece match because of growing concerns over the quality of the pitch.
Notably, England possesses the rights to host WTC finals until 2031. The inaugural final was held at the Southampton Bowl, while The Oval hosted the 2023 event.
In 2025, Lord’s hosted the WTC final between Australia and South Africa. However, in 2027, things could be changed.
The Oval is likely to host the WTC 2027 finals
The issue comes from the recent England vs New Zealand Test at Lord’s, which lasted 166 overs, less than two full days of play. It produced 40 wickets and had 24 dismissals through bowled or LBW.
The uneven bounce and difficult batting conditions forced the ICC to rate the pitch “unsatisfactory”, giving Lord’s its first ICC demerit point under the pitch grading system.
Now, the WTC Final is considered one of Test cricket’s biggest matches, and the ICC wants the final played on a surface that provides a fair contest, lasts 5 days and upholds the reputation of Test cricket.
Hence, according to reports, the ICC may move the WTC 2027 finals to The Oval. It once hosted the 2023 finals and is considered a reliable Test venue with better recent pitch conditions.
That being said, if the WTC final indeed moves to The Oval, Lord’s would still host Test matches. London could end up hosting multiple England Tests in 2027, but traditional venues outside London may miss out.
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Lord’s owners admit criticism
Interestingly, the Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord’s, accepted the criticism around pitch conditions.
But it also pointed out that most recent international pitches at Lord’s were rated highly, and preparing the square has become challenging because of a heavy international schedule.
Lord’s cricket director Rob Lynch described the pitch as one of the most examined surfaces in world cricket.
Overall, the ECB will have the final say in the scheduling of the WTC final in 2027, which is still 12 months away.
Who could make it to the WTC 2027 final?
As per current WTC standings, Australia and South Africa could qualify for the WTC 2027 final. The Aussies are table toppers with 87.50 PCT, while the defending champions are placed second at 75 PCT.
However, the Proteas have played only 4 Tests, while Australia have already played 8 games. Hence, Temba Bavuma and co. will have plenty of opportunities to close the gap.
India slipped to the sixth spot with just 4 wins in 9 games, while England stand at the seventh place with 4 wins in 11 Tests. Needless to say, both teams will have to produce a miracle to rise up the ranks.
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