The World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia is scheduled to be played at The Oval ground in London, starting June 7. Both teams are currently undergoing rigorous training in order to be fully prepared for the marquee contest that commences on Wednesday. The Oval is the same venue that holds a 141-year-old history, and that stadium that laid the foundation of the biggest rivalry in cricket - the Ashes series between Australia and England.
What happened in 1882?
Australia toured England in 1882 for a series that became synonymous with cricket. In a Test match at The Oval, England ended up losing the contest by seven runs in just two days. As a result, England's cricket team was brutally criticised by the fans and media. 'The Sporting Times', a weekly newspaper at the time, published an obituary on the death of English cricket.
"In Affectionate Remembrance of English Cricket which died at the Oval on 29th August 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P. N.B. - The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia," it said.
Bring back the 'ashes'
When England toured Australia in 1983, the English press used the term 'ashes' urging their team to earn the glory which they had lost at home in the previous year. England defeated Australia by a margin of 2-1, and thus, the ashes returned to the U.K.
WTC Final: The Oval
Two of the top-ranked teams - India and Australia - will square off in the second edition of the World Test Championship final at a neutral venue, making the contest even more compelling. If you look at the record of India at The Oval, the team has played 14 matches at the venue since 1936. India have managed to win just two games while losing five contests. On the flip side, Australia have played 38 matches at The Oval and could manage to win just seven contests.
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