The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the dates for the highly anticipated 2023 World Test Championship Final. Prepare for another enthralling battle between the top two ranked Test teams in international cricket.
The pinnacle contest of the current World Test Championship cycle will take place from June 7th to 11th, 2023 at The Oval stadium in London, England. With cricketers globally vying over two years for a place in the final, expect an exceptional display of cricketing excellence. In this post we talk about Dates Of Icc World Test Championship Final Announced.
Background of the ICC World Test Championship
For context, the ICC launched the World Test Championship in 2019 to better structure international Test cricket. The long-form format previously lacked context around series and matches. Through the championship, each series matters directly towards qualification.
The inaugural 2019-2021 edition culminated in the gripping India vs New Zealand final held in Southampton, England. Following the success of the first WTC, the second cycle runs from 2021-2023 with the top two teams facing off for the coveted title.
The Cutthroat Qualification Race
Competition over the last two years heated up between the leading Test ranks. Australia briefly led the standings before experiencing a decline across their last few Test series. Rivals India, Sri Lanka and South Africa remain within striking distance of the final.
As it stands currently, Australia tops the table with a win percentage of 70.83% while India sits second at 58.93%. The June final shapes up to likely feature a mouthwatering rematch between cricket giants Australia and India.
However, South Africa, Sri Lanka or even outsiders Pakistan also retain mathematical qualification chances. With gripping home and away Test series still on deck, plenty remains up for grabs in the coming months. Expect a fierce battle right down to the wire.
The Prestige of the WTC Final
Regardless of the specific lineups, the WTC Final always generates tremendous anticipation. The contest brings together the two premier Test sides that dominated across two years of championship play.
For context, qualifying demands consistent excellence spanning multiple series both home and away. The final essentially crowns the best all-around Test team in the modern era.
Hoisting the magnificent ICC World Test Championship Mace trophy also creates legacies. Every player dreams of excelling on such a big stage to cement their names in history.
Just like iconic Cricket World Cup finals, WTC deciders also gain long-lasting significance. England’s Ben Stokes still gets asked regularly about his magical Ashes knock at Headingley in 2019. Expect whoever stars in the 2023 WTC finale to gain similar notoriety for their efforts.
Landmark Hosting First for London
By selecting London’s The Oval ground to host, the 2023 WTC Final breaks new ground. This marks the first instance of a global ICC tournament or final being held at one of England’s iconic Test venues.
Lord’s in London and The Ageas Bowl in Southampton hosted the previous ICC Finals in 2017 and 2021 respectively.
The Oval represents a fitting choice given its distinguished history in English cricket. Since first hosting Test matches in 1880, some of England’s greatest cricketers dazzled fans at The Oval. The venue continues drawing capacity crowds in modern times including during England’s dramatic Ashes win in 2023.
With its bustling metropolitan location and stylish pavilion, The Oval promises to impress spectators and viewers globally in June 2023.
Mark Your Calendars
Cricket organizers confirmed that the 2023 WTC Final will be contested over five days from June 7th to 11th. Last time out, the gripping India New Zealand clash extended six days due to weather interruptions.
But fans will hope London provides prime playing conditions this time around. With so much star power on display, the 2023 WTC Final should deliver a classic cricket encounter for the ages.
So mark down the dates for June 7th to 11th, 2023! The world’s top two Test match cricket teams will battle for the coveted World Test Championship trophy. Global cricket fans are in for the ultimate treat!
