Markram joins elite company with historic century in WTC Final at Lord’s
LONDON – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially turned down India’s proposal to host future World Test Championship (WTC) finals, confirming that England will continue to serve as the host for the next three editions — in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
Despite repeated efforts by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to push for a rotational hosting model among Test-playing nations, the ICC has opted to retain its current arrangement. According to a report by The Telegraph UK, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already been notified of the decision.
Since the inception of the WTC in 2019, England has hosted all the championship finals. Southampton was the venue for the inaugural final in 2021, where New Zealand defeated India. The Oval staged the 2023 final, with Australia overpowering India. The 2025 final, currently underway between Australia and South Africa, is being played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
“English cricket is close to securing hosting rights for the next three WTC finals, despite India’s strong interest in bringing the event home,” the report stated.
The decision is expected to be formally ratified at the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore next month. Planning for the 2027 final will begin soon after the conclusion of the ongoing match. Though England has hosted every WTC final to date, its national team is yet to qualify for one. However, factors such as commercial appeal, audience convenience, and logistical ease continue to influence the ICC’s choice of venue.
Markram Scripts History at Lord’s with Unbeaten Century
South Africa’s Aiden Markram delivered a memorable performance on Day 3 of the WTC Final against Australia, scoring a resilient unbeaten century in the fourth innings at Lord’s.
After falling for a duck in the first innings, Markram made a stunning comeback, anchoring the Proteas’ second innings with an unbeaten 102 off 159 deliveries. His century makes him only the third batter to register a hundred in a WTC final, joining Australia’s Travis Head and Steve Smith, who scored 163 and 121 respectively against India in the 2023 final.
Batters with Centuries in WTC Finals:
- Travis Head (AUS): 163 vs India, 2023
- Steve Smith (AUS): 121 vs India, 2023
- Aiden Markram (SA): 102* vs Australia, 2025
Markram’s knock is also historic for multiple reasons. He is the first South African to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test at Lord’s and the first overseas player to do so since Australia’s Michael Clarke achieved the feat in 2009.
His masterful innings has given South Africa a strong grip on the final as they aim to secure their maiden WTC title.
