WTC final - (Source: AFP)
On Thursday, July 23, the ICC revealed the date and venue for the World Test Championship WTC Final 2027. Notably, England have hosted the first three finals, and the Three Lions will continue as a host, but the venue has been changed.
Previously, Lord’s hosted the event in 2025, but the Mecca of Cricket has been ignored for the upcoming World Test Championship Final. Notably, the ECB released their schedule for the 2027 season.
Oval Return As WTC Final Host
Notably, The Oval, London, will host the 2027 World Test Championship Final. It will be the second time that the prestigious venue will host the final, most by any venue in WTC history.
The prestigious red-ball final will take place from June 9-13, which is less than a year from now. The ICC announced last year that the ECB have been awarded the right to host the next three finals in London in 2027, 2029 and 2031, with the ECB deciding where those matches should take place. Hence, the next three finals will take place in London.
The last time The Oval hosted a WTC final was back in 2023 when Australia beat India and won their 1st WTC title.
List of WTC final venues
As mentioned above, The Oval will host the WTC final for the 2nd time in history. The venue will host the final after 4 years.
- 2021- Rose Bowl, Southampton
- 2023- The Oval, London
- 2025- Lord’s, London
- 2027 - The Oval, London
“We are honoured to be staging the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals in England and Wales, and we’re pleased to confirm that The Oval will play host again next year. The 2023 final at The Oval was a huge hit with broadcasters and fans, and I’ve no doubt that next year’s event will be extra special again” Neil Snowball, ECB Managing Director, Competitions and Major Events, said.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan Test Matches On The Cards! Pakistan Legend Confirms Development
What Happened The Last Time Oval Hosted A Final?
The last time The Oval hosted a WTC final was in 2023 when India and Australia locked horns against each other. Australia, batting first, put 469 runs on the board. Travis Head slammed 163 (174) and took the game away from India.
India, in reply, tumbled for just 296 runs where Ajinkya Rahane was the best batter and slammed 89 (129). The match was already over by the first innings and eventually after 5 days of play Australia registered a 209 runs win over India.
Why Was Lord's Ignored For 2027 WTC Final?
England have a busy summer ahead and Lord's will be busy than ever. For the unversed, The Three Lions will host Australia for a five-match Ashes next year and Lord's will host the 2nd Test on June 30.
Notably, Lord's don't usually host more than 3 summer matches and since they have a jam-packed schedule already, the ECB picked Oval to host the 2027 WTC final.
Also Read: The Ashes 2027 Schedule Released As ECB Announces All Fixtures For Home Summer
.jpg?type=mq "Ajinkya Rahane picks his white-ball dream team")
