The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that The Oval will host the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, with the marquee clash moving away from Lord’s. The decision comes despite the success of last year’s final, as concerns over the quality of pitches at Lord’s prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to shift the venue.
The 2027 final, scheduled for June 9-13, will also coincide with the celebration of 150 years of Test cricket, adding extra significance to the occasion.
Why the Final Has Moved
Although Lord’s successfully hosted the 2025 WTC Final, the venue recently came under scrutiny after receiving its first ICC demerit point.
The Lord’s pitch used for England’s Test against New Zealand was rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC, prompting the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to launch a review of its playing surfaces.
The MCC has acknowledged the issue and plans to relay several underperforming pitches in an effort to improve conditions. The club remains hopeful that Lord’s can regain hosting rights for the 2029 WTC Final once the improvements are complete.
ECB’s Decision
The decision to stage the final at The Oval was taken by the ECB under its agreement with the ICC.
Apart from concerns over pitch quality, scheduling also played a key role.
The WTC Final will conclude on June 13, while Lord’s is due to host the second Ashes Test from June 30 to July 4, leaving a relatively short turnaround between the two major fixtures.
The ECB also felt Lord’s would be better suited to host England’s standalone Test against Bangladesh because of London’s large Bangladeshi community.
Boost for Surrey
Hosting the World Test Championship Final is a major commercial victory for Surrey County Cricket Club.
The Oval was originally scheduled to stage only one Test during England’s 2027 home season but will now host two major matches, including the fifth Ashes Test.
Surrey Chief Executive Steve Elworthy described the opportunity as a privilege, saying there are few bigger occasions in cricket than the World Test Championship Final.
ALSO READ-Afghanistan to Host India for T20I Series
Lancashire Misses Out
The revised schedule means Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester will no longer host a men’s Test in 2027.
According to reports, Lancashire will receive financial compensation, commonly referred to as a fallow payment, after losing the fixture.
England’s men’s home season in 2027 will now feature seven Test matches:
- Five Ashes Tests against Australia
- One Test against Bangladesh
- The World Test Championship Final
Four of those matches will be played in London.
England Remains WTC Final Host
England continues to be the preferred host for the World Test Championship Final due to consistently strong ticket sales, regardless of which teams qualify.
The previous three finals have all been held in England:
- 2021: New Zealand defeated India at Southampton.
- 2023: Australia defeated India at The Oval.
- 2025: South Africa defeated Australia at Lord’s.
The ICC believes England offers ideal conditions and strong spectator interest for the flagship Test event.
Race for the 2027 Final
The 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle is approaching its halfway stage.
Australia currently lead the standings, with South Africa and New Zealand close behind.
England’s chances of reaching the final appear slim after winning only four of their first 13 Tests and losing points due to slow over-rate penalties.
Several major Test series remain before the finalists are decided.
A Historic Occasion
ICC General Manager of Events and Operations Gaurav Saxena said the 2027 final will carry special significance as the cricket world celebrates 150 years of Test cricket.
He added that the ICC looks forward to working closely with the ECB to deliver another memorable World Test Championship Final and celebrate the rich legacy of the longest format of the game.
With a historic milestone to commemorate and the world’s top two Test teams set to compete, The Oval is expected to provide the perfect stage for one of cricket’s biggest events in 2027.