ICC announces The Oval as venue for 2027 World Test Championship Final

The Oval in London has been confirmed as the venue for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, with the marquee clash scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 13.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had announced last year that England would host the next three editions of the World Test Championship Final in 2027, 2029 and 2031, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) selecting the venues.

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The Oval previously staged the WTC Final in 2023, when Australia defeated India to lift the coveted Test mace.

Australia leads WTC standings as the race for the final intensifies

With less than a year remaining before the final, the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle is entering a decisive phase, with all nine teams still mathematically in contention.

Australia lead the standings with a points percentage of 87.50 after winning seven of their eight Tests, while defending champions South Africa are second on 75.

New Zealand (72.22) remain firmly in the hunt, with Bangladesh (58.33) boosting their chances after a 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan in May.

Two-time finalists India occupy fifth place with a points percentage of 48.15, just ahead of Sri Lanka (41.67). England (24.36), West Indies (15) and Pakistan (8.33) will need a strong finish to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Busy Test calendar set to shape WTC final race

The battle for the two spots in the WTC Final is set to gather momentum over the coming weeks.

West Indies host Pakistan in a two-Test series from July 25, while Australia take on Bangladesh in a two-match series beginning August 13.

Attention will then shift to Asia as India tour Sri Lanka for a two-Test series from August 15, while Pakistan travel to England for a three-Test contest later in August and September.

ICC and ECB hail The Oval’s return as WTC Final venue

ICC General Manager of Events and Operations Gaurav Saxena said the 2027 final would be especially significant as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.

“The ICC World Test Championship Final has established itself as one of the most prestigious occasions in the global cricket calendar, bringing together the two best Test teams in the world after two years of sustained excellence and consistency.

“The 2027 World Test Championship Final will hold special significance as cricket celebrates 150 years of Test cricket. The Oval has played a proud role in the history of our sport and has hosted some of its most memorable moments.”

ECB Managing Director of Competitions and Major Events Neil Snowball said the board was delighted to bring the WTC Final back to The Oval after the success of the 2023 edition.

The first three editions of the World Test Championship have produced three different champions, with New Zealand winning the inaugural title in 2021, Australia lifting the mace in 2023 and South Africa ending their ICC trophy drought with victory in 2025.