The Oval stages the World Test Championship final for the second time, in the year Test cricket marks 150 years since its first match.
The Kia Oval in Kennington stages the fourth World Test Championship final from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 June 2027, in the year of Test cricket’s 150th anniversary.
The championship gives the oldest form of the game a title decided over two years. Clive Lloyd first proposed one in 1996, and the International Cricket Council launched it with the 2019 Ashes. Nine teams play home and away series, and the top two meet in a single Test for the mace.
Each final has produced a different champion. New Zealand beat India in 2021, and Australia beat India at The Oval in 2023. South Africa beat Australia at Lord’s in 2025 to win their first major ICC trophy.
The Oval staged the first Test in England in 1880. Australia’s win there in 1882 prompted the mock obituary from which the Ashes take their name, and Surrey have played at the ground since 1845.
England holds the hosting rights for 2027, 2029 and 2031. The 2023 final at The Oval sold out, and when the 2027 venue was confirmed in July 2026, Australia led the table ahead of the holders, South Africa.