The International Cricket Council (ICC), on February 8, 2023, announced the dates of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final which is scheduled to be played at the Oval ground in London, UK from 7 to 11 June with a reserve day in place (12 June).

New Zealand had won the inaugural edition, defeating India by eight wickets in the 2021 final in Southampton.

Currently, India and Australia are the two top contenders for the two spots in the finalists, and their upcoming beginning on 9 February in Nagpur, and the eventual result will play a significant part in determining the eventual finalists. Australia leads the nine-team points table for the ongoing cycle with a healthy points percentage of 75.56, followed by India at 58.93.

India skipper Rohit Sharma, who was an integral part of the Indian team in their runners-up finish in the inaugural cycle under Virat Kohli, 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.”

India will need to win the four-Test series either 4-0 or 3-1 to make it into the final of the ICC World Test Championship.

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Prospect Of Playing In The World Test Championship Final Has Been A Big Motivator For Us: Australia Captain Pat Cummins

Sri Lanka (53.33%) and South Africa (48.72%) too, who take the third and fourth positions respectively, are in with a chance. Sri Lanka have two away Tests against New Zealand remaining in the ongoing cycle, while South Africa’s last assignment is the two-match home series against the West Indies.

Meanwhile, Australia, who already have one foot in the final will be eager to have a good series against India and confirm their spot in the finals.

Speaking about the same Australia Test captain 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.”

The India vs Australia Test series commences on February 9.