Lord's likely to host the WTC final next year

After a successful inaugural edition of the World Test Championship, the race between the teams to get on top has begun yet again, and this time every team has been giving tough competition in the whites to keep up in the points table. The Ageas Bowl, in Southampton, had hosted the final between New Zealand and India last year, and it is being said that the home of cricket Lord’s is likely to host the next edition’s finale.

Even last year, there were talks around Lord’s being the host for the ultimate game, but there was no formal decision upon the same and as a result, it was hosted by The Ageas Bowl. The Covid-19 restrictions made it difficult for the organizers to schedule the game at the Lord’s. Southampton emerged as one of the safe venues for the players, keeping in mind the bio-bubble restrictions.

Now that the situation has eased, and the bio-bubble is no longer in the scenario, the final of the next edition of the World Test Championship is likely to be hosted by Lord’s. The ICC Chairperson Greg Barclay stated the same while more or less confirming Lord’s as the venue for the marquee game.

“I think it is scheduled for Lord’s, that was always the intention. It’s June so that rules out a number of other venues and we’ve got to get certainty around where it’s hosted. We’re out of Covid now so subject to arrangements being made and being able to be hosted out of Lord’s I think that’s the intention,” ICC chairperson Greg Barclay said on BBC’s Test Match Special during the England vs New Zealand Test.

England currently hosting New Zealand for a three-match Test series

The English cricket team is currently hosting the World Champions New Zealand for a three-match Test series, with the first game underway. Speaking about the game, Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat first. But his decision did not work in the team’s favour as the conditions did not support the batters.

English bowlers bundled them out cheaply for a score of 132, but the visitors left no pages unturned as they outcasted the host for a mere 141, not giving them any chances of a big lead. New Zealand’s second innings started off poorly, as they lost the top order early, but a 180-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell helped the side end the second day on a high note.