WTC 2023 Final: Australia's First Test Championship at The Oval
Australia won their first ICC World Test Championship in 2023, defeating India at The Oval, London, with Travis Head's century and Nathan Lyon's bowling securing a 209-run victory.
The ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval, London in June 2023 saw Australia defeat India by 209 runs to claim their first WTC title. Travis Head's belligerent century and Nathan Lyon's five-wicket haul were the defining contributions in a dominant Australian performance.
Australia's First Innings
Australia's first innings was built around Travis Head's 163, which came at a strike rate of 96. Head attacked from the first ball, hitting Bumrah and Shami through the off side with relentless aggression. David Warner (43) and Marnus Labuschagne (26) provided support as Australia posted 469. Head's innings set the tone for the entire match.
India's Resistance
India's first innings saw Shubman Gill score 18 and Virat Kohli contribute 49, but Nathan Lyon was unplayable on the dry Oval surface, taking 4 for 49. India were dismissed for 296, a deficit of 173. Australia extended their lead to 444 in the second innings, with Steve Smith's 121 making the game safe.
India's Collapse and Australia's Title
Chasing 444 to win, India were bowled out for 234. Nathan Lyon took 5 for 16 in the second innings — a match-winning spell that dismantled India's lower order. Australia's 209-run victory gave them the WTC mace and confirmed their status as the world's best Test team in the 2021-23 cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2023 WTC final?
Australia won the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final, defeating India by 209 runs at The Oval, London. Travis Head scored 163 and Nathan Lyon took 8 wickets in the match.
Who was the Player of the Match in the 2023 WTC final?
Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his 163 in Australia's first innings — an aggressive century that put Australia in complete control of the match from day one.