WTC final 2023: As far as the reports go, the 2023 World Test Championship finale is supposed to be played at the Lord’s. Even though the official confirmation is still to corroborate the fact, yet, the inside reports state that the grand finale to bag the mace would be held at the Home of Cricket, completing the cycle that started with England and New Zealand in 2021.
New Zealand are the defending champions after they managed to turn the tide in their favour on the last day of the contest in the 2021 WTC final while India had to be sated with the second spot. However, as far as the latest points table go, the reigning champions are almost out of the equation and would probably need a galaxy of miracles to see them sailing through.
The last culmination to this two-year long extravaganza was played at the Rose Bowl. There were several complaints after the game was impacted by vehement downpour, playing spoilsport to what could have been a cracker of a game. A firestorm of memes consumed the internet, eventually putting the decision of conducting the tournament final in England under the scanner.
With reports stating that it would once again be England that would get to host the prized contest, fans have already started voicing their displeasure and has to say the venue could have very well been altered to another Test playing nation. As the debate with the venue of the upcoming WTC final continues, we will take a quick look at three possible alternatives that could have done a better job at hosting this blockbuster.
#1 Eden Gardens, Kolkata
One of the biggest grounds in world cricket in terms of diameter and with a legacy that very few cricket stadiums can match, the Mecca of Indian cricket could have easily been the proud host of the WTC 2023 conclusion. Eden Gardens has bore witness to countless memories over the due course of time, out of which the notable ones include, Laxman and Dravid’s magical turnaround against the mighty Aussies, Sachin’s farewell Test and West Indies’ historic T20 World Cup triumph.
Ideally, the tournament finale is supposed to be played in June 2023 and given the weather updates, summer still swings around in Kolkata at that time. On very rare occasions do the rains start pouring. Monsoon is usually late in the state and the easterlies usually takes place in the evenings, that would probably have no impact whatsoever on the contest. Add to that the heritage of the Eden Gardens, you get a complete package at the end of the day.
#2 MCG, Melbourne
When we are talking about the cricketing grounds across the globe, Melbourne packs an iconic punch with history dripping in leaps and bounds. Add to that the idyllic cricketing conditions making it a paradise for the teams. The surface has something or the other for every that ensures a thriller afoot.
The Australian fans are also known for their love for the sport and if they get a chance to stay witness to the grand finale, especially with a major opportunity for the Yellow Army to romp through to the final, it will undoubtedly be a full house at the MCG.
#3 Imperial Wanderers, Johannesburg
Whenever we talk about the biggest contests that may encompass a finale if you would say so, how can we forget the South African paradise for cricket, the Wanderers. The stadium that paved the path for the continuing Australian brilliance in 2003, the stadium that has seen South Africa rise and fall and rise again through the ages, the stadium is wrapped in majesty, no matter the format, you cannot write the stadium off.
The weather in June in South Africa commands unparalleled heat but it doesn’t rain that much. Hence, game interruptions are thrown out of the park. The surface at Jo’burg is an absolute belter that is extremely balanced and provides an even contest between the batters and the bowlers. Hence, neither the batters not the bowlers get to walk away, hoping for the scales tipped in their favour.
