World Test Championship final to be played in England until at least 2031

Australia has a win and a loss in World Test Championship finals in England but will have to keep returning to lift the mace after a big decision was confirmed.

Australia will have to keep going to England in the middle of the year to win any more World Test Championship titles, with the next three additions of the contest to again be staged in the UK.

The Aussies have played in the past two finals, with a win over India and a loss to South Africa, and are on top of the table again after sweeping the West Indies.

There had been speculation that India could seize hosting rights, but citing a “successful track record in hosting recent finals”, the ICC confirmed England, and most likely Lord’s, would host the WTC finals in 2027, 2029 and 2031.

The decision was confirmed at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore and despite England not yet reaching the final, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould said it was a boost for the game.

“We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship finals,” he said.

The Australia team pose with the ICC World Test Championship mace in 2023. Picture: Ryan Pierse-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

“It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games.

“Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions.”

The next final, in 2027, coincides with an Australian Ashes tour of England, as it did in 2023 when the Aussies defeated India to claim the WTC title for the first time.

Australia is again on top of the table after a 3-0 series sweet against the West Indies.

Originally published as World Test Championship final to be played in England until at least 2031