ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final To Be Played At The Oval In June

New Zealand had won the won the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship, beating India in the final.

The Oval Cricket Ground.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the final of the 2021-23 cycle of the World Test Championship will be played at the Oval, London from June 7 to 11. The world cricket governing body also confirmed that there will also be a reserve day in place, much like the final of the inaugural cycle. New Zealand had defeated India in the summit clash of the 2019-21 cycle to deny the Virat Kohli- Ravi Shastri duo an ICC title as captain and coach respectively.

In the current cyle of the World Test Championship (WTC), it is Australia who are currently sitting at the top of the table with a points percentage of 75.56. Meanwhile, India are not too far behind either, currently at the second place in the table with a point percentage of 58.93.

Leading Team India out onto the field of play at the World Test Championship Final would be special: Rohit Sharma

That helps put in perspective the importance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to be played between India and Australia beginning February 9. The captains of both the teams also shared their views on the chances of playing the the titular clash of the latest edition to the list of ICC tournaments.

"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," Australia captain Pat Cummins said as per an official ICC release.

"To play at a neutral venue like The Oval adds another element for both sides who make the Final. It’s exciting and has been a goal of ours for a while now. We are confident we can secure a place while here in India after a really strong 12 months. The Final would be a great reward for the players and staff who have done so well," he added.

Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma also said that it would be an honour if he can lead the team in the WTC 2021-23 Final.

“Leading Team India out onto the field of play at the World Test Championship Final would be special. We have grown and developed as a team during this competition and to be in with a chance of lifting the Mace at the Oval in June, we know we first need to overcome a tough Australia side," he said.

"There have been so many dramatic moments in Test cricket lately, and there are undoubtedly more to come. I am excited by the prospect of booking our place at the Final and hopefully creating history later in the year," the Indian opener added.
 
Sri Lanka and South Africa are the other two teams in race to reach the WTC Final.