The second edition of the ICC World Test Championship Final will take place between June 7 and June 11, 2023, as two years of Test cricket come to an end in the ‘Ultimate Test’ at The Oval in England. This latest development was confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) today.
In its long history, the South London venue has played host to over 100 Test matches. In June, the top two Test teams in the ICC World Test Championship standings will arrive to battle for the ICC World Test Championship crown.
The highlight of the Test season is the ICC World Test Championship Final, a weeklong celebration of the game’s longest format.
The World Test Championship (WTC), the most important event on the Test calendar, is a week-long celebration of the game’s longest format.
The ICC World Test Championship’s two years of rigorous competition—61 Test matches across 24 series—have culminated in this Ultimate Test.
India is the favorite for the WTC final
Even though the two opposing nations may not yet be known, anticipation is growing for the June matchup as a number of important games are scheduled to take place in the next weeks to determine the Finalists.
India is presently in second place, closely behind Australia in the standings, and both teams will face off against each other starting on February 9 in a four-Test series with a spot at The Oval and the coveted ICC World Test Championship Mace in the balance.
WTC Final: Who has a chance to qualify?
While all six teams have a chance to qualify, Sri Lanka, which is currently third in the standings, and South Africa, which is currently fourth, are among the favorites to challenge the top two.
These teams will face off against the current WTC champions New Zealand and the West Indies in two two-Test series in February and March.
The ICC World Test Championship Final will definitely provide us with another riveting game as the drama ebbs and flows in the ensuing weeks. The winners will go down in the annals of this legendary game type.
Remaining ICC World Test Championship Fixtures
India v Australia (1st Test) – Nagpur, India, 9-13 February
India vs Australia (2nd Test) – Delhi, India, 17-21 February
South Africa vs West Indies (1st Test) – Centurion, South Africa, 28 February-4 March
India vs Australia (3rd Test) – Dharamsala, India, 1-5 March
South Africa vs West Indies (2nd Test) – Johannesburg, South Africa, 8-12 March
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (1st Test) – Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-13 March
India vs Australia (4th Test) – Ahmedabad, India, 9-13 March
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (2nd Test) – Wellington, New Zealand, 17-21 March
WTC 2023 final: Who said what?
Australia skipper Pat Cummins said, “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.
“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.”
India’s captain Rohit Sharma said, “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.
“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.”
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne said, “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.
“We are aware of the opportunity, as well as the challenges we will face in capturing this wonderful opportunity to play in the WTC Final.
This competition is really good for red-ball cricket, as it ensures that every game is played at the highest level of intensity, and the teams, whether they qualify to play the Final or not, will compete to end the ongoing cycle well.”
South Africa test captain Dean Elgar 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.
“We are hungry for success in this format and are focused on the challenge ahead with the West Indies Test series around the corner.
With so much to play for, we would love to add some more drama to an already exciting competition and qualify for the Final in June.”
Also Read: India vs Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023: Hindi, English, Complete List Of BGT Commentators
