MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Ben Stokes (C) of England celebrates with teammates Jack Leach (R) and Ollie Robinson after dismissing Alex Carey of Australia during day two of the Third Test match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The ICC have confirmed that the next two World Test Championship finals will be hosted in England, however, only one will head to the home of cricket.

The World Test Championship originally came with the proviso that numerous finals would be held at Lord's in the first instalments, given it's stature as the home of cricket.

The first final, which came in 2021 amid the global COVID pandemic, forced the match between New Zealand and India to be held at Southampton given the presence of a hotel within the stadium facility where players could properly isolate from spectators.

The ICC have confirmed the next final, to be held in 2023, will be played at The Oval in London, before the 2025 moves to the spiritual home of cricket Lord's.

“We are delighted to be hosting next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval which has such a rich legacy and an amazing atmosphere, which is ideal for such an important fixture on the calendar," ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said.

"Following that we will then take the 2025 Final to Lord’s which will provide a fitting backdrop to the ultimate Test.

"Last year’s final between New Zealand and India in Southampton was an engrossing encounter and I am sure fans the world over would be looking forward to the next WTC final at The Oval. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board, Surrey County Cricket Club and Marylebone Cricket Club for their support."

The 2023 final, to be held in June before the Ashes, currently has Australia and South Africa leading the way for the two spots, although plenty of cricket is still to be played, with Australia to play the West Indies, South Africa and India before the end of the group stage.

India, who currently sit fourth and are the greatest chance of overthrowing either the Proteas or Aussies, play Bangladesh and Australia in their final two series.

All of England, New Zealand and Bangladesh are already out of the running to play in the final, with the hosts of the final having been hit with a staggering 12 points worth of penalties for slow over rates.

World Test Championship final history

2021: New Zealand defeat India at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
2023: To be hosted at The Oval, London
2025: To be hosted at Lord's, London