Lord’s to Host ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final Starting June 11
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the third World Test Championship (WTC) final will take place at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. Scheduled between June 11 and 15, 2025, this event promises to be a highlight of the cricketing calendar. In the event of adverse weather conditions, June 16 has been reserved as a backup day
5 Mins ReadICC World Test Championship 2025 Final to be Held in Lord’s from June 11-15
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the third World Test Championship (WTC) final will take place at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. Scheduled between June 11 and 15, 2025, this event promises to be a highlight of the cricketing calendar. In the event of adverse weather conditions, June 16 has been reserved as a backup day. This announcement marks Lord’s first time hosting the WTC final, following the two previous editions at Southampton in 2021 and The Oval in 2023.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Significance of Lord’s
- Recap of Previous WTC Finals
- 2021: India vs New Zealand
- 2023: India vs Australia
WTC Points Table (2023-2025)
- WTC 2025 Final: What to Expect
- Venue Analysis
- Weather Conditions
- Player Preparations
- India’s Road to the WTC 2025 Final
- Key Matches
- Player Performances
- Global Competitors: Teams in the Race
- Australia
- New Zealand
- England
- Other Contenders
- Top Players to Watch
- Best Batter Till Date
- Best Bowler Till Date
- Key All-Rounders
- Predictions for WTC 2025 Final
- Match Prediction
- Player of the Match Prediction
- Impact on Global Cricket
- The Significance of the WTC Final
- Influence on Test Cricket
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
The World Test Championship (WTC) has revolutionized Test cricket by giving it a structured, tournament-like feel, culminating in a final that crowns the world’s best Test team. The 2025 edition promises to be no different, with the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground playing host to this epic showdown.
2. Historical Significance of Lord’s
Known as the "Home of Cricket," Lord’s is a venue steeped in history. Established in 1814, it has hosted numerous memorable matches, including the first-ever Test match played in England in 1884. Hosting the WTC final at Lord’s adds another chapter to its storied history, making the 2025 final even more significant.
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3. Recap of Previous WTC Finals
2021: India vs New Zealand
The inaugural WTC final in 2021 was held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. India, led by Virat Kohli, faced New Zealand in a rain-affected match. New Zealand emerged victorious, winning by 8 wickets, thanks to an outstanding performance by their bowlers, especially Kyle Jamieson.
2023: India vs Australia
The second WTC final took place at The Oval in 2023, where Australia defeated India to claim their maiden WTC title. Pat Cummins’ leadership and a strong team performance ensured a convincing win for the Aussies.
| Year | Venue | Finalists | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Southampton | India vs New Zealand | New Zealand | 8 wickets |
| 2023 | The Oval | India vs Australia | Australia | 209 runs |
4. WTC Points Table (2023-2025)
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT (%) |
| 1 | India | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 74 | 68.52 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 36 | 50.00 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 33 | 45.83 |
| 5 | England | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 81 | 45.00 |
| 6 | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 19.04 |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |
5. WTC 2025 Final: What to Expect
Venue Analysis
Lord’s is renowned for its unique slope, which has a significant impact on the game. The pitch at Lord’s typically offers something for both batsmen and bowlers, making it an ideal venue for a high-stakes final.
Weather Conditions
June in England is often unpredictable, with the possibility of rain always looming. The ICC has wisely scheduled a reserve day to account for any weather interruptions.
Player Preparations
Teams competing in the WTC final will likely have their eyes set on this event months in advance. Key players will be managed carefully to ensure peak performance during the final.
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6. India’s Road to the WTC 2025 Final
India has been a dominant force in Test cricket, consistently performing well in the WTC cycle. Currently, they are leading the points table, with key wins against formidable teams like Australia and England.
Key Matches
- India vs Australia: India’s home series against Australia will be crucial in determining their path to the final.
- Away Series: Later this year, India will tour Australia, where the conditions will test their resilience and adaptability.
Player Performances
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has been instrumental in India’s success, along with standout performances from players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.
7. Global Competitors: Teams in the Race
While India and Australia are currently leading the race, other teams like New Zealand, England, and South Africa are not far behind.
Australia
Australia’s strong Test squad, led by Pat Cummins, is one of the favorites to reach the final again. Their consistent performance in all conditions makes them a formidable opponent.
New Zealand
New Zealand, the winners of the inaugural WTC, remain a strong contender. Their ability to punch above their weight in Test cricket makes them a team to watch.
England
England’s resurgence in Test cricket, particularly under the leadership of Ben Stokes, has made them a strong candidate for the final. Their aggressive style of play, dubbed “Bazball,” could be a game-changer in the WTC final.
| Rank | Team | Points | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 120 | 6 | 2 |
| 2 | Australia | 110 | 5 | 3 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 100 | 5 | 4 |
| 4 | England | 95 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | South Africa | 80 | 3 | 5 |
8. Top Players to Watch
Best Batter Till Date
The WTC has seen some extraordinary batting performances, with players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root consistently delivering under pressure. However, Kane Williamson of New Zealand stands out as one of the best batters in WTC history, leading his team to victory in 2021 and being a rock in the middle order.
Best Bowler Till Date
When it comes to bowling, Ravichandran Ashwin of India has been exceptional. With his sharp off-spin and clever variations, Ashwin has been a match-winner on numerous occasions, particularly in home conditions.
Key All-Rounders
All-rounders like Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja have played pivotal roles for their respective teams. Stokes’ ability to change the course of a match with both bat and ball makes him a player to watch, especially in English conditions.
9. Predictions for WTC 2025 Final
Match Prediction
While predicting the outcome of the WTC final is always tricky, India and Australia appear to be the strongest contenders. Given their current form and experience in high-pressure situations, this final could go down to the wire, with Australia slightly edging out India based on their past performances at Lord’s.
Player of the Match Prediction
Considering the conditions at Lord’s, a player like Pat Cummins or Jasprit Bumrah could be the difference-maker. Cummins’ ability to exploit the slope at Lord’s, coupled with his leadership, might give him the edge to be named Player of the Match.
10. Impact on Global Cricket
The WTC final is not just a cricket match; it is a celebration of the longest format of the game. The event has rejuvenated interest in Test cricket, providing fans with a clear and meaningful outcome to look forward to.
The Significance of the WTC Final
The WTC final has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in world cricket, bringing together the two best teams to compete for the title of world champions.
Influence on Test Cricket
The introduction of the WTC has breathed new life into Test cricket, encouraging teams to play for points and rankings rather than just individual match results.
11. Key Takeaways
- The WTC 2025 final will be held at Lord’s from June 11-15, with June 16 as a reserve day.
- Lord’s, with its rich history, is a fitting venue for such a prestigious event.
- India, Australia, and other top teams are in a fierce battle to secure their spot in the final.
- The WTC final has revitalized interest in Test cricket globally.
- Players like Kane Williamson, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Pat Cummins have left an indelible mark on the WTC.
12. FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the WTC final being held at Lord’s?
A: Lord’s is often referred to as the “Home of Cricket,” making it an iconic venue for the WTC final, adding prestige to the event.
Q: How does the WTC final impact Test cricket?
A: The WTC final has provided a structured competition for Test teams, ensuring that every match in the cycle carries importance, thereby rejuvenating interest in the format.
Q: Which teams are most likely to reach the WTC 2025 final?
A: India and Australia are currently the frontrunners, but New Zealand, England, and South Africa are also in contention.
13. Conclusion
The ICC World Test Championship 2025 final at Lord’s is set to be a historic event, bringing together the best in Test cricket. With the competition heating up, fans can look forward to a thrilling contest that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport. The anticipation surrounding the final is a testament to the success of the WTC in reinvigorating the longest format of the game. Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or a casual observer, the WTC final is an event not to be missed.
