WTC Final: What is Australia's record in Tests at the Oval?

Soham Mukherjee

WTC Final: What is Australia's record in Tests at the Oval? image

The World Test Championship Final will witness a highly anticipated clash between cricket powerhouses India and Australia as they compete for the ultimate prize in Test cricket from June 7 at The Oval in London.

India, having reached the final for the second time, aim to improve upon their performance in the inaugural tournament where they were defeated by New Zealand in the final.

On the other hand, Australia will be making their first appearance in the final. Despite losing the test series to India in the subcontinent they will look to make the most of the English conditions and emerge victorious to lift the silver mace.

A brief history of The Oval 

The Oval, currently known as the Kia Oval due to sponsorship reasons, is an iconic international cricket ground located in the Kennington area of South London. It has served as the home ground for Surrey County Cricket Club since its establishment in 1845.

With a rich history spanning over 175 years, The Oval has witnessed numerous significant cricket matches and memorable moments. It hosted the first-ever Test match on English soil, which took place between England and Australia in 1880. This match is widely recognized as the birth of Test cricket.

It has a seating capacity of around 25,500 spectators and is known for its distinctive gasometer, which is a notable feature of the ground.

MORE: Bet on the World Test Championship in India here 

How has Australia fared at The Oval in Test matches?

Australia played its first Test match at The Oval in 1880, which they lost by five wickets. 

But, in their second visit to the ground in 1882, they turned the tide and won by seven runs.  

However, they had to wait for 48 years to emerge triumphant again at this venue. In 1930, under the leadership of Bill Woodfull, they beat the hosts by an innings and 39 runs. 

Donald Bradman scored a double century whereas Bills Ponsford scored 110 to post a mammoth score of 695 in the first innings. In response, England were bowled out for 251 with Percy Hornibrook picking up seven wickets. 

Overall, Australia have won just seven Test matches over the 38 they have played at this ground. 

DateWinnerMargin
September 6-8, 1880England5 wickets
August 28-29, 1882Australia7 runs
August 11-13, 1884Drawn-
August 12-14, 1886EnglandInnings & 217 runs
August 13-14, 1888EnglandInnings & 137 runs
August, 11-12, 1890England2 wickets
August, 14-16, 1893EnglandInnings & 43 runs
August, 11-13, 1902England66 runs
August, 14-16, 1905Drawn-
August, 9-11, 1909Drawn-
August, 19-22, 1912England244 runs
August, 13-16, 1921Drawn-
August, 14-18, 1926England289
August, 16-22, 1930AustraliaInnings & 39 runs
August, 18-22, 1934Australia562 runs
August, 20-24, 1938EnglandInnings & 579 runs
August, 14-18, 1948AustraliaInnings & 149 runs
August, 15-19, 1953EnglandEight wickets
August, 23-28, 1956Drawn-
August, 17-22, 1961Drawn-
August, 13-18, 1964Drawn-
August, 22-27, 1968England226 runs
August, 10-16, 1972Australia5 wickets
August, 28 - September 3, 1975Drawn-
August, 25-30, 1977Drawn - 
August, 27- September 1, 1981Drawn-
August 29 - September 2, 1985EnglandInnings & 94 runs
August 24-29, 1989Drawn-
August, 19-23, 1993 England161 runs
August, 21-23, 1997England 19 runs
August, 23-27, 2001AustraliaInnings & 25 runs
September 8-12, 2005 Drawn-
August, 20-23, 2009England197 runs
August, 18-22, 2011EnglandInnings & 8 runs
August, 21-25, 2013Drawn-
August, 20-23, 2015AustraliaInnings & 46 runs
September 12-15, 2019England135 runs

Soham Mukherjee

Soham Mukherjee is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.