Lord's Proteas v England World Test Championship

South Africa quicks Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje did the damage on the opening day of the first Test at Lord’s on Wednesday. Photo: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

World Test Championship final stays in England 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 will be played at The Oval in London.  

Lord's Proteas v England World Test Championship

South Africa quicks Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje did the damage on the opening day of the first Test at Lord’s on Wednesday. Photo: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock/BackpagePix

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 will be played at The Oval in London.  

The 2025 edition to take place at Lord’s ensuring that the first three WTC finals will have taken place in England. 

World Test Championship final stays put

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice was pleased to confirm the two iconic venues as the hosts for World Test Championship final the next two cycles. 

World Test Championship
The International Cricket Council has announced a new points system for the second World Test Championship which starts next month. Photo: Twitter @ICCMediaComms

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “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. 

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“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.” 

Steve Elworthy, CEO of Surrey County Cricket Club, said: “It’s a real honour that The Oval has been selected to host the final of the World Test Championship. To have the two best teams in the world playing here in south London will be a fantastic occasion. 

“Next year promises to be a superb summer of cricket at The Oval and this match will be a brilliant part of it.” 

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Chief Executive and Secretary Guy Lavender said: “We are delighted that Lord’s will be hosting the ICC World Test Championship Final in 2025. It is fantastic news that the ICC has opted to host the next two finals in London, with both grounds providing fitting venues for the culmination of the championship.” 

The dates for both the 2023 and 2025 ICC World Test Championship Finals will be confirmed in due course.  

England had been identified as the hosts for the next two WTC Finals during the ICC Annual General Meeting in Birmingham in July.