Tag: australia

BARBADOS: Teenage Australian opener Sam Konstas has unveiled a special tattoo in tribute to his Test debut, commemorating his maiden appearance in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India last year at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Speaking to the media ahead of Australia’s opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, the 19-year-old displayed fresh ink on his forearm, Test cap number 468, a permanent reminder of his international breakthrough.

“I got my Test number, 468, tattooed on my forearm,” Konstas told reporters on Saturday. “I told my parents straight away I was going to do it, so no dramas there.”

Just weeks after his debut, the young opener made a trip to a tattoo parlour in Sydney to etch the moment into memory.

But while he’s happy with the tribute, Konstas says that’s where the body art ends, at least for now.

With Marnus Labuschagne dropped due to poor form and Steve Smith ruled out with a finger injury, Konstas has been confirmed as a certain starter for the first Test against the West Indies starting June 25 in Barbados.

The right-hander’s Test career began with a bang when he smashed a fiery 60 against India on debut, taking on Jasprit Bumrah with a fearless array of unorthodox shots.

But what followed was a quick exit. His attacking style, while thrilling, drew criticism, with some branding it “reckless,” and he was axed after just one more Test in Sydney.

Now back on the side, Sam Konstas is aiming for redemption — and a more measured approach.

“I still can’t believe it,” he said, reflecting on his whirlwind debut.

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“The emotions probably got to me, especially with the crowd in Melbourne. But it was good to have some time off and reflect. I’ve worked hard on strengthening my game. Hopefully, we win the next Test match.”

Konstas admitted he may have let the moment get to his head during those two Tests, but insists he’s learning to balance aggression with responsibility.

“I’m not trying to prove to anyone how I’m going to play,” he added.

“I just want to be myself, but also know when to take the game on. I trust the people I work with — they understand my game.”

READ: Sam Konstas ready to prove critics wrong in West Indies Test

Teenage Australia opener Sam Konstas said on Saturday that he had “come a long way” from his combative debut against India after winning his place back for the opening Test against the West Indies.

The 19-year-old made headlines in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test last year when he took on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to make a blazing debut 60 with a slew of unorthodox shots.

But he only lasted one more Test before being jettisoned, with some pundits seeing his batting as “reckless”.

With a struggling Marnus Labuschagne dropped for the opening Test in Barbados on June 25 and Steve Smith out nursing an injured finger, Konstas has another chance, confirmed as a certain starter.

“The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas, who has his Test cap No.468 tattooed on his forearm, said of his explosive Boxing Day knock.

“I’ve been trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and I feel like I’ve come a long way, so hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches.”

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Sam Konstas is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, 19 years his senior, with an opportunity to cement the position as his own.

Since David Warner retired some 18 months ago, Australia have tried five openers, including Konstas, and with an Ashes series against England later this year, they need stability.

“Very excited. Obviously, it’s a tough team to crack into as we’ve got legends of the game,” said the teenager. “Hopefully, I grab my opportunity with both hands.”

“It’s a dream come true to be honest, 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world. I’m very lucky to be where I am currently.”

Australia is set to play three Tests against the West Indies, with the first game scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados.

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Australia on Friday dropped Marnus Labuschagne for the opening match of their three-Test tour of the West Indies after a poor run of form, while Steve Smith is out injured.

Teenager Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis come into the starting XI for the opening match in Barbados starting on Wednesday.

Labuschagne opened the batting in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa last week but managed scores of only 17 and 22 on a challenging Lord’s pitch.

His last hundred for Australia in Test matches was in July 2023, against England at Manchester. Since then, Labuschagne has averaged 24.7 with the bat, in 16 matches.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” chair of selectors George Bailey said.

“He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects.

“We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively.”

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Meanwhile, Steve Smith injured his finger while fielding in the slips at Lord’s. He left the field and did not return, watching South Africa’s winning run chase from the pavilion.

“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal, so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” Bailey said.

The 19-year-old Konstas will earn his third cap for Australia during the Test against the West Indies, and his first since January.

He made a blistering debut against India in December, blasting 60 from just 65 balls opening the batting and playing a number of audacious scoop shots against Jasprit Bumrah.

Konstas managed only 53 runs in his next three innings, but the teenager’s raw talent has selectors excited.

Inglis will also make his third appearance in Test cricket, having made 102 on debut against Sri Lanka in January.

Bailey said the batting order and final team would be determined closer to the first Test.

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South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has revealed an emotional chat with Australia’s explosive batter Travis Head after South Africa clinched the ICC World Championship (WTC) title at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.

The Proteas ended their 27-year wait for an ICC title with a five-wicket win against the defending champions, Australia, in the WTC final.

Aiden Markram starred with the bat, scoring 136 runs in a vital partnership formed with skipper Temba Bavuma.

Wiaan Mulder, who was a teammate of Travis Head in the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has discussed their conversation after the WTC final.

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“I actually spoke to him (Head) last night on the phone,” Mulder told ICC Digital. “He was happy for us and the way things went. Of course, he was heartbroken that they didn’t win, but I think the spirit of the game was as high and as good as it could be.”

Mulder hailed Aussies as true champions while praising Travis Head and Pat Cummins for their demeanour.

“When you think about the Aussies, you often think of them as being a bit aggressive at times, but these guys are true champions,” he said. “Heady is one of the nicest people around, and Patty (Pat Cummins) is also a great guy,” he said.

The right-handed all-rounder who did not play a single match in the IPL shared insights during his stint with SRH.

“I spent a lot of time with them during the IPL. There was a lot of friendly banter,” Mulder said.

It is noteworthy to mention that Wiaan Mulder was asked to bat at number three in the WTC despite not being a regular at this number. The 27-year-old scored six and 27 runs in the Test match; however, he got the prized wicket of Travis Head in Australia’s second innings.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, Jay Shah, has faced backlash over multiple appearances in the World Test Championship (WTC) final video.

In a 45-second video posted on social media, Jay Shah appeared multiple times. The video begins with a breathtaking shot of the iconic Lord’s Pavilion, then cuts to a slow-motion sequence of Jay Shah walking onto the ground.

The Indian administrator is also seen in conversation with ECB chair Richard Thompson, standing and applauding as he steals a sly glance at the camera, and congratulating South Africa’s current and past players.

Overall, Shah featured in 11 of the 23 shots used in the 45-second-long video.

Following the video release, Jay Shah was criticised heavily for his appearance in the WTC final promo.

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One of the critics wrote on a social media platform X: “If you blink at the wrong time, you’ll miss the only shot of Pat Cummins.” Another critic described his appearance as ‘beyond weird.

It is noteworthy to mention that South Africa sealed the WTC title after defeating the defending champions, Australia, by five wickets while chasing a challenging 282-run target here on Saturday.

South Africa were 213-2 at the start of day 4, needing only 69 runs to clinch the title. However, Mitchell Starc struck with the prized wicket of Temba Bavuma, who was removed after a well-made 65 despite struggling with an injury.

With only six runs needed to win, Kyle Verreynne joined Bedingham (21) and contributed four of those runs, including the winning run, thus ending South Africa’s ICC title drought.

Aiden Markram starred for South Africa in the second innings after a forgettable six-ball duck in the first innings. He scored a sublime 136 runs, while Kagiso Rabada was pivotal with the ball for the Proteas, taking nine wickets in the match.

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Australia captain Pat Cummins has indicated major changes in the team after the unsuccessful defence of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) against South Africa at Lord’s on Saturday.

Chasing 282 to win the 2025 final against Australia at Lord’s, South Africa broke their trophy jinx with a resounding five-wicket victory in the final on day four.

Aiden Markram starred with a magnificent fourth-innings hundred, taking his team home to a historic victory.

Following the defeat, questions arose regarding Australia’s top three, comprising Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne. The trio contributed only 49 of Australia’s 419 runs, just over 10 per cent.

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After the defeat, Pat Cummins highlighted the performances, asserting that there needs to be more effort from some players.

“There’s probably quite a few people in the line-up that wish they could have done a little bit more,” Cummins told reporters. “The top three was an obvious one in this game.”

Ahead of the three-match series against West Indies, Pat Cummins said that the WTC cycle feels like a bit of a reset.

“I don’t particularly know why, but it does feel like a little bit of a fresh start,” he said.

“You fast forward, you know, a couple of years (and) you start maybe thinking about who’s going to – and hopefully we make the final – but who’s going to be in that team and maybe do we want to get some games into them? Do we feel like now’s the right time to change? Or do we hold with the team that got us to the final?

“I think we’ll kind of got a couple of weeks before the first Test in the Windies, so I think we’ll sit down and have a bit of a think after we digest this game. But for me, I think a new WTC cycle in some ways, does feel like a bit of a reset,” Pat Cummins concluded.

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LONDON: Aiden Markram played a defining 136-run knock in the fourth innings to steer South Africa to victory against Australia on the fourth day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday.

At the start of Day 4, South Africa were 213-2, needing 69 runs to clinch the title. Markram and captain Temba Bavuma resumed their innings with scores of 102 and 65 respectively.

Bavuma was able to add only one run to his score before being dismissed by his Australian counterpart, Pat Cummins, in the third over of the day.

Following this, Mitchell Starc removed Tristan Stubbs for 8 runs, giving Australia a glimmer of hope for a comeback.

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However, David Bedingham and Aiden Markram quickly extinguished that hope. The two added 35 runs for the fifth wicket, guiding the Proteas toward a historic victory.

Markram was eventually dismissed by Josh Hazlewood just inches away from victory, scoring a classy 136 runs off 207 balls, including 14 boundaries.

With only six runs needed to win, Kyle Verreynne joined Bedingham (21) and contributed four of those runs, including the winning run, thus ending South Africa’s ICC title drought.

READ: ICC snubs India’s WTC Final hosting bid, England to remain host

LONDON: Australia star batter Steve Smith was rushed to the hospital after injuring his finger while fielding at slip on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.

The incident occurred in the 20th over when South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was squared up off Mithcel Starc’s delivery. The ball went towards first slip at chin-height towards Steve Smith, who was standing at a very unusual position with the helmet on.

Steve Smith stood in this position because of the too many edges not carried in the match. Following the injury, Smith immediately started to run off the field.

The right-handed batter eventually walked off with the physios, looking in serious pain.

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According to the latest reports, Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Steven Smith has “suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger.

“He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment,” the statement said.

At the time of filing this report, South Africa were 130-2, with 132 more required for WTC glory with eight wickets in hand.

Aiden Markaram 61* and Captain Temba Bavuma 33* kept South Africa afloat in a 282-run chase.

Earlier, the Proteas lost their opener, Ryan Rickelton (6), in only the second over. However, Markaram and Wiaan Mulder forged a 61-run partnership.

The duo’s stand steadied South Africa, but not before Mulder’s wicket fell, as he was caught driving to covers. Mitchell Starc took his second wicket, ending Mulder’s gritty knock of 29 runs, reducing South Africa to 70-2.

Meanwhile, Aiden Markram kept finding the gaps with ease and helped his team in the hunt in the WTC final at the stroke of tea.

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LONDON: Players from South Africa and Australia, along with umpires and officials, were seen wearing black armbands during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.

A day earlier, more than 200 people were killed in a devastating Ahmedabad plane crash when a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff. The crash marked one of the worst disasters in a decade.

Before the start of play on day three of the WTC final, umpires, match officials, and players from both teams observed a one-minute silence, wearing black armbands in a demonstration of unity with the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash.

Australia set South Africa 282 to win, after Mitchell Starc’s vigil 58* on the third day.

Australia started the proceedings on day three of their second innings with a score of 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs with Nathan Lyon (1) and Mitchell Starc (16) on the crease.

Australia began day three of their second innings with a score of 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs with Nathan Lyon (1) and Mitchell Starc (16) on the crease.

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It was the third over of the morning when South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Lyon lbw, who could only add one run to his overnight score.

With an early wicket, the Proteas could soon wrap up Australia’s innings; however, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood forged a vital 59-run partnership which took the title holders into a commanding position.

Starc was the lead aggressor, reaching his 11th Test half-century while Hazlewood held firm at one end. The duo frustrated South Africa, scoring at 3.13 in an over.

Both players helped Australia stretch the lead past the 250-run mark, making it an uphill task for South Africa’s batters in the WTC final.

The partnership was finally broken just before lunch as Hazlewood was caught off Aiden Markram’s bowling. He scored 17 off 53 deliveries while Starc remained unbeaten on 58* off 136 balls.

For South Africa, it was Kagiso Rabada again, taking four wickets while Lungi Ngidi chipped in with three wickets.

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LONDON: South Africa opener Aiden Markram’s magnificent century against Australia put South Africa on the brink of glory at the end of the third day in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.

South Africa ended the day’s play at 213-2, with 69 required to clinch the title. Markram stood firm on 102* off 159 balls while Temba Bavuma’s remained unbeaten with a gutsy 65* off 121 deliveries.

Both batters formed an excellent 143-run partnership which toiled Australian bowlers in front of a packed crowd in the all-important WTC final. Bavuma, despite cramping for most of the time during his innings, ensured that his team nearly reached a daunting target.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the only silver lining, taking two wickets while the rest of the bowlers failed to rise up to the occasion in batter-friendly conditions.

South Africa were 94-2 on the stroke of tea with Aiden Markaram and Captain Temba Bavuma standing firm.

South Africa had a poor start as they lost their opener, Ryan Rickelton (6), in only the second over. After an early wicket, Markaram and Wiaan Mulder forged a 61-run partnership.

The duo’s stand steadied South Africa, but not before Mulder’s wicket fell, as he was caught driving to covers. Mitchell Starc took his second wicket, ending Mulder’s gritty knock of 29 runs, reducing South Africa to 70-2.

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Meanwhile, Markram kept finding the gaps with ease and helped his team in the hunt for the title at the stroke of tea.

Earlier, Australia’s lower-order batter Mitchell Starc’s vigil of 58* runs set South Africa 282 to win in the WTC final.

Australia began day three of their second innings with a score of 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs with Nathan Lyon (1) and Mitchell Starc (16) on the crease.

It was the third over of the morning when South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Lyon lbw, who could only add one run to his overnight score.

With an early wicket, the Proteas could soon wrap up Australia’s innings; however, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood forged a vital 59-run partnership which took the title holders into a commanding position.

Starc was the lead aggressor, reaching his 11th Test half-century while Hazlewood held firm at one end. The duo frustrated South Africa, scoring at 3.13 in an over.

Both players helped Australia stretch the lead past the 250-run mark, making it an uphill task for South Africa’s batters in the WTC final.

The partnership was finally broken just before lunch as Hazlewood was caught off Aiden Markram’s bowling. He scored 17 off 53 deliveries while Starc remained unbeaten on 58* off 136 balls.

For South Africa, it was Kagiso Rabada again, taking four wickets while Lungi Ngidi chipped in with three wickets.

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