The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently announced the venues for the final of the World Test Championships. The apex cricket body has announced the venues for two cycles of the tournament – 2023 and 2025 as well. The ICC informed that the 2023 final will be played at The Oval. The Lord’s Cricket Ground, which was expected to host this year’s final will host the 2025 cycle as well.

In the current cycle, Australia leads the points table with 84 points as well. The Pat Cummins-led side has won 6 matches, lost 1 and drawn three also. In second place, there is South Africa with 72 points, having won 6 matches so far. The Dean Elgar-led team has drawn 0 and lost 4 matches till date as well. Notably, the first-ever WTC final was played in Southampton between India and New Zealand, where the Kane Williamson side beat India and became champions in the rain-affected game.

“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,” said ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice.

He further added: “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 and 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.”

However, the exact dates of either of the matches have not been confirmed yet. The race to the finals is likely to intensify in the later stages of the tournament when Australia visit India in 2023 as well. India, however, are in the fourth position and they are expected to do well in the competition and challenge for the final two slots as well.