WTC final likely to be played from June 8-12 at the Oval
The ICC World Test Championship summit clash of the 2021-23 cycle is likely to be played from June 8 to 12 as per reports. While there is no confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the official dates, the game will reportedly be held from June 8 to 12 at the Oval in London.
It is also understood that the apex cricket council has allotted one reserve day in case it rains. The championship is expected to follow a similar pattern as that of the 2018-21 edition wherein a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners.
The summit clash in the previous cycle was held at Southampton’s Rose Bowl, however, as per a TOI report, the fixture will be played at the Oval this time. It is worth noting that no team has cemented its place in the finals yet, as Australia, India, and Sri Lanka are all in the race.
Team India will look to seal spot in Australia series
Following dominating wins coming against England, West Indies, and South Africa, the Aussies comfortably sit atop the ICC World Test Championship standings with 75.56 percentage points. Despite back-to-back wins in the red-ball series, the side has not cemented their place in the finals of the WTC, but they are one step closer than their rivals for securing it.
Similarly, India is riding high on the back of a Test series win against Bangladesh, which concluded in December last year. Their next red-ball assignment comes against fierce rivals Australia which is a crucial one for both heavyweights.
The two will lock horns in a four-match Test series scheduled to commence on February 9 on the Indian soil. Completing a series sweep by the home side would essentially mean that team India will have made their place in the 2021-23 summit clash of the WTC.
As an exciting clash is on the horizon, India will look to overcome their failures of being unable to dominate the Aussies in the red-ball series. Australia has a massive upper hand of 43 wins to India’s 30 wins in 102 outings in the Test matches.
