Major Venue Change Confirmed for 2027 World Test Championship Final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) Final will be played at The Oval instead of Lord’s.

England retained the hosting rights for the next three WTC finals following the success of the 2025 final at Lord’s, where South Africa defeated Australia to win their first world title.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has selected The Oval as the venue for the 2027 final, which will be played from June 9 to 13.

The decision was partly influenced by concerns over the quality of pitches at Lord’s. The historic venue recently received its first ICC demerit point after the pitch used for England’s Test against New Zealand was rated “unsatisfactory.”

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, has acknowledged the issue and plans to review and relay several underperforming pitches.

Although Lord’s had been expected to host the 2027 final after successfully staging the 2025 edition, the venue was never officially confirmed. The MCC is hopeful that Lord’s could host the WTC Final again in 2029 if pitch conditions improve.

All three WTC finals held so far have taken place in England. New Zealand defeated India at Southampton in 2021, Australia beat India at The Oval in 2023 and South Africa defeated Australia at Lord’s in 2025.

The ICC considers England a suitable host because WTC finals held there have consistently attracted strong ticket sales, regardless of the participating teams.

The 2025–27 WTC cycle is approaching its halfway stage, with Australia leading the standings ahead of South Africa and New Zealand.

England currently sits seventh after winning four of its first 13 Tests. Two-point deductions for slow over-rates have further weakened its chances of reaching the final.

ICC General Manager of Events and Operations Gaurav Saxena said the 2027 final would have added significance as Test cricket celebrates its 150th anniversary.

“We look forward to working closely with the ECB to deliver another world-class event that celebrates the enduring legacy of Test cricket and creates lasting memories for fans around the world,” Saxena said.