It may not be the pinnacle of cricket’s most storied format but it does provide a spectacle beyond established rivalries
It was the pandemic that forced the first World Test Championship final to be staged at the biosecure Rose Bowl in 2021, then commercial snags that led to it being held at the Oval two years later. But having been intended for both, Lord’s finally gets its chance this week, the defending champions Australia taking on South Africa for the right to lift the oversized Chupa Chup that is the ICC Test Championship Mace.
This will probably prompt eyerolls in some territories, even if June ruled out a fair number of them from acting as hosts. Another argument in favour of Lord’s is the ground’s history and prestige coupled with London’s diversity. Despite England not making the final, likewise India and their jet- set supporters, the first four days in St John’s Wood are sold out. Where else in the world could guarantee this turnout for a “neutral” final?
Written by Ali Martin at Lord’s
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/10/world-test-championship-cricket-australia-south-africa under the title “High stakes and a shot at silverware: WTC final will sparkle despite critics | Ali Martin”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
