DUBAI: The final of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle will be held from June 7 to 11 at the Oval, London, confirmed International Cricket Council on Wednesday
“The final of the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at The Oval, London from 7 to 11 June with a reserve day in place (12 June).” said ICC in a media release.
New Zealand won the inaugural edition of the Test championship by defeating India by eight wickets in the 2021 final in Southampton.
Australia are currently leading the points table for the ongoing cycle with a healthy percentage of 75.56, followed by India at 58.93.
The two teams are set to face off in a crucial four-match Test series, beginning 9 February in Nagpur, which will eventually determine the prospective finalists.
“The prospect of playing in the World Test Championship Final has been a big motivator for us over the last couple of years, more so now having missed out on over rates last time,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins as quoted by the ICC.
Whereas, the chances for Sri Lanka (53.33%) and South Africa (48.72%), who take the third and fourth positions respectively, to play the final are still alive. Sri Lanka will play two away Tests against New Zealand as part of the ongoing cycle, while South Africa’s last have two Tests at home against the West Indies.
“Sri Lanka still has a good chance of making it to the World Test Championship Final. We have done well to be among the top contenders, and if we can complete a good Test series on the upcoming New Zealand tour, our chances of making it to the Final will look like a greater possibility,” said Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne.
Dean Elgar, South African said: While we may have an outside chance of qualification for the World Test Championship Final, there’s no greater encouragement than the thought of playing for silverware in such a historic format at such a historic ground.
READ: PSL 8: Karachi Kings name Rossington partial replacement for Vince
