The venue of the World Test Championship 2023 cycle final has been moved from Lord’s Cricket Ground to The Oval. The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially announced the venue change in a statement on Wednesday, September 21.
Previously, Lord’s was supposed to host the finals, but now they have been handed over the hosting rights for the next cycle of 2025. ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice, put out a statement announcing the venue shift.
“We are delighted to host next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval. It has such a rich legacy and an amazing atmosphere. It is ideal for such an important fixture on the calendar,” ICC said in a statement.
“Following that we will then take the 2025 Final to Lord’s which will provide a fitting backdrop to the ultimate Test.
“Last year’s final between New Zealand and India in Southampton was an engrossing encounter. I am sure fans the world over would be looking forward to the next WTC final at The Oval. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board, Surrey County Cricket Club, and Marylebone Cricket Club for their support,” it added.
However, the date of the final has not been declared yet but will be released soon.
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Teams eyeing the ICC World Test Championship final
Southampton hosted the inaugural World Test Championship’s final in 2021. India and New Zealand were the finalists. The Black Caps managed to get past India and emerged as winners of the inaugural season.
Australia are currently at the top of the points table with 84 points in the ongoing competition, followed by South Africa with 72 points. India rank fourth in the points table. They need to win all their matches to have a chance of a final berth and all of that depends on the next series against Australia in 2023.
Defending champions New Zealand had a below-average cycle. England defeated them in the last series. The Kiwis now stand in second-to-last position in the points table. The contest will intensify further as the final stage of the tournament closes in.
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