The Oval could seize next summer’s World Test Championship final from Lord’s after emerging as a serious contender to stage the one-off showpiece. Lord’s has long been considered the likely host venue for the fixture in June 2023, not least having missed out last year when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the International Cricket Council to move it to Hampshire’s bio-secure Ageas Bowl.
Pre-existing commercial agreements at Lord’s are understood to be proving problematic – the ICC requires a “clean” venue for its own sponsors and partners – and has led to a growing belief that Surrey may be able to take over.
