World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 is scheduled to be played at The Oval in London from 7th June 2023. The recent pics of the stadium show a grass covering, and the visuals have caused an upheaval in emotions for the Indian fans. Fortunately, from India’s point of view, Josh Hazlewood is injured and ruled out of the WTC Final. However, Scott Boland is more than able to fulfil the spot left by Hazlewood, and the Indians would need to be wary of him as the current visuals show that the pitch will provide great assistance to the pacers with the new ball. Here in this article, we have covered everything you need to know about The Oval Stadium pitch report, average score, highest total, lowest score and more.
WTC Final 2023: The Oval Stadium Pitch Report
The Oval holds the record for the most test matches played. Even though it is a high-scoring facility, there is still much for bowlers to enjoy. Because England’s weather is constantly changing and unpredictable, it’s difficult to forecast whether the ball or the bat will prevail. In other words, the pitch benefits both bowlers and batsmen. In that case, the outcome of the coin toss is critical.
Because of the help the spinners receive in the final two days of the competition due to the dryness, the majority of teams choose to bat first. Surviving the sudden bend was difficult for the hitters. Because of the lack of a green surface, which is common in the other England stadiums, fast bowlers’ records here haven’t been very excellent.
Also read: WTC Final 2023: Predicted India’s Playing 11
WTC Final 2023: The Oval Stadium Average Score in Test Matches
The Oval is batting friendly pitch, and many high-scoring games have been played at this venue. It provides equal opportunities to the bowlers as well as the game progresses. Here are the average score of each innings in Test matches at The Oval.
| Average 1st Inns scores | 343 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 304 |
| Average 3rd Inns scores | 238 |
| Average 4th Inns scores | 156 |
WTC Final 2023: The Oval Stadium Highest Score in Test Matches
The highest score at The Oval was registered by England against Australia. England scored 903/7 in 335.2 overs in the fifth Test of England vs Australia, Australia in England, 1938 Tour.
Also read: WTC Final 2023: Australia’s Playing 11 Predicted
WTC Final 2023: The Oval Stadium Lowest Score in Test Matches
The lowest score at the venue is just 44 runs which was scored by Australia against England in the 3rd Test match of England vs Australia, Australia in England, 1896 Tour.
WTC Final 2023: India’s Test Record at The Oval Stadium
Indian cricket team has only won two matches in its 87 years of history at The Oval. India played its first game at the venue on 15th August 1936, but it took them 35 years to register their first win at the venue. India has played a total of 14 Test matches at The Oval in which it has registered two wins, five defeats and seven draws.
India’s first win at the venue came in 1971 when Ajit Wadekar’s team defeated Ray Illingworth-led England by four wickets while chasing 173. The second win for the Indian team at the venue came in 2021 when Virat Kohli led Indian team defeated England by 157 runs.
WTC Final 2023: Australia’s Test Record at The Oval Stadium
Australia also has a poor record at The Oval, with only seven wins in their history of 140 years at the venue. The Australian first played at the venue in 1880. Till now, the Kangaroos have played 38 matches at the venue in which they have registered seven wins, seventeen losses and fourteen draws.
The Aussies’ first win came in August 1882 when they defeated England by seven runs. The Aussies’ last win here was in 2015 when Michael Clarke’s side defeated Alastair Cook-led England by an innings and 46 runs.