ICC WTC Final Archives

Pakistan spinner opposes idea of four-day Test matches

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan has voiced strong disapproval of the idea to introduce four-day Tests in the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, calling it counterproductive to the essence of red-ball cricket.

Speaking during the ongoing Skills Development Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Sajid said the traditional five-day format should remain untouched to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of Test cricket.

“I don’t think four-day Tests are good for the game,” Sajid stated.

“If you reduce Tests to four days, more matches will end in draws, and fans won’t enjoy that. Test cricket should stay five days, that’s what makes it the ultimate challenge.”

His remarks came just weeks after reports emerged that the ICC is likely to approve four-day Tests during the 2027–2029 WTC cycle, primarily to ease scheduling and accommodate smaller cricketing nations.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah has publicly backed the idea, particularly for matches not involving the so-called ‘Big Three,’ India, England, and Australia.

These three countries will continue to play traditional five-day contests in marquee series such as the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the newly launched Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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The concept isn’t entirely new as the ICC had allowed four-day Tests as early as 2017, and in May this year, England hosted Zimbabwe in a historic four-day Test at Trent Bridge.

However, Sajid Khan believes that the longevity and fan appeal of the format are closely tied to its five-day structure.

“Test cricket is not just about results; it’s about patience, strategy, and the ebb and flow over five days. Taking that away means taking away its soul,” he added.

Sajid also praised the structure of the current camp, which includes senior and junior players training together under the guidance of experienced coaches.

“Working with Azhar Mahmood has been really beneficial, especially with a red-ball series in England coming up. There’s a lot to learn from him,” Sajid said.

“This camp is helping both juniors and seniors. We’re learning from each other and from experienced coaches.”

READ: Sajid Khan seeks county opportunity to evolve as white-ball bowler

ICC WTC 2025 Final sets new viewership records

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s has shattered viewership records in India, emerging as the most-watched non-India Test match in history across both television and digital platforms.

Held from June 11 to 14, the final of the third WTC cycle saw an extraordinary 2.94 billion minutes of TV watch-time on Star Sports, reaching an audience of 47 million viewers nationwide, a staggering milestone for a Test that didn’t feature the Indian team.

The match also sparked massive engagement online, clocking 225 million digital views, matching the numbers from the previous WTC Final between India and Australia at The Oval in 2023.

On the ground, a crowd of 109,227 fans packed Lord’s over four days, witnessing a gripping contest that ended with a historic triumph for South Africa.

The Proteas lifted their first WTC mace with a five-wicket win, anchored by Aiden Markram’s sensational fourth-innings century.

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The opener’s 136 earned him the Player of the Match award, while Kagiso Rabada’s fiery nine-wicket haul proved instrumental in dismantling Australia across both innings.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah lauded the soaring Indian viewership, calling it a “powerful testament” to the enduring appeal of Test cricket.

“The remarkable viewership numbers for the WTC Final across both broadcast and digital platforms are a reflection of how deeply high-quality Test cricket resonates with global audiences,” Shah said.

“What makes this achievement even more special is the interest it generated beyond the participating nations. It reaffirms that Test cricket — the game’s purest format continues to thrive internationally.”

The WTC 2023–25 cycle concluded with several standout performances. England’s Joe Root finished as the top scorer, amassing 1,968 runs in 40 innings at an average of 54.66.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins topped the bowling charts with 80 wickets in 35 innings at an average of 23.48.

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WTC Final: Markram’s masterclass puts South Africa on brink of glory

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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WTC Final: South Africa win toss against Australia

LONDON: South Africa won the toss and chose to field first against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

PLAYING XIs

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

HEAD TO HEAD

Australia and South Africa have faced each other in 101 Test matches, with the former holding a dominant record with 54 victories. The Protease managed to win 26 matches, while 21 games ended in a draw.

RECORD: Matches 101, Australia 54, South Africa 26, Draw 21

It’s worth noting that this marks the maiden appearance for South Africa in a WTC Final, after topping the points table with an impressive 69.44% points percentage, a campaign that saw them win 8 out of 12 Tests.

Meanwhile, Australia are standing on the brink of history, poised to become the first team ever to successfully defend their title in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

They defeated India in a thrilling final during the last WTC cycle at The Oval back in 2023.

READ: Australia reach World Cup 2026 as Palestinian dreams ended

Steve Smith wary of South Africa pace attack in WTC final

Australia batting great Steve Smith is expecting a tough examination from the impressive pace attack of South Africa in this week’s World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.

Reigning champions Australia, who beat India in the WTC final in 2023, are favourites against the Proteas in the five-day match, which starts on Wednesday.

“South Africa have a particularly good bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada, his record speaks for itself. Marco Jansen — they are a good side, they are here for a reason,” Smith said on Monday.

Rabada, 30, has taken 327 wickets at an average of 22, while Jansen, 25, has 73 wickets at 21.76 in his 17 matches.

But former Test captain Smith also expects conditions at Lord’s to favour spin bowling later in the game, which could work to the advantage of Australia off-break bowler Nathan Lyon.

“I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” Smith added. “We’ve only been here a week, but I think it’s been a pretty dry start to the season over here.

“There hasn’t been too much rain, which is rare for England. It does look like quite a dry surface, and I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on.”

Steve Smith has a superb Test record at London’s Lord’s ground, with 525 runs in five matches, including a double century and a hundred, at an average of 58.33.

“I’ve had a bit of success here,” said the 36-year-old. “It takes a bit of time getting used to the slope, one end thinking you are falling over, the other you feel a bit tall.

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“It’s a nice wicket to bat on, but if there’s a bit of cloud about and the balls swing around, it can get tricky.”

Several members of the Australian squad have not played much first-class cricket in recent months, but Smith was confident they would quickly find their rhythm.

“All the batters feel like they’re in a good place, so now we’re just excited to go out and play,” he said.

“Lord’s is a place we traditionally played pretty good cricket, so we’re excited about the prospect of coming up against South Africa.”

England have repeatedly emphasised how their long-term planning is designed to create a team capable of winning an Ashes series for the first time in a decade when they tour Australia in 2025/26.

But Smith said Australia were fully focused on the task in front of them.

“The Ashes is a big series, but you can’t look too far ahead,” said Smith, winner of the Compton-Miller Medal for player of the Ashes series in 2017/18 and 2019.

“You’ve got to keep playing each game as it comes. Every game is important with the World Test Championship on the line.

“That’s the reason it came in: to make every Test more relevant.”

READ: Aiden Markram says South Africa woes ‘buried’ ahead of WTC final

ICC reveals record prize money for WTC Final

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize money for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 Final, scheduled to be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15.

The total prize pot has been set at a staggering USD $5.76 million, more than double the amount awarded in the previous two cycles.

The champions of this edition will take home USD $3.6 million, a significant jump from the USD $1.6 million awarded to both New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023).

Meanwhile, the runners-up will pocket USD $2.16 million, compared to $800,000 in earlier editions.

South Africa were the first to book their place in the final, topping the WTC standings on the back of series victories against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with a drawn home series against India.

Australia joined them by clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 against India, adding to earlier series wins over Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.

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South African skipper Temba Bavuma expressed his pride and ambition ahead of the summit clash.

“We’re really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title,” Bavuma said.

“Lord’s is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia. The anticipation is increasing with less than one month to go.”

Australian captain Pat Cummins echoed similar sentiments as his side prepares to defend their title.

“We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s,” Cummins said.

“It’s a testament to all those involved over the last two years. We’re excited about the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket.”

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Cummins, Hazlewood, Green return in Australia’s WTC final squad

Captain Pat Cummins, fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Cameron Green were all named Tuesday in the 15-man squad of Australia for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s next month.

Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (hip and calf) missed Australia’s most recent Test series in Sri Lanka because of injury, but both have successfully returned to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Green returns to the squad for the first time since undergoing back surgery in October last year.

Exciting 19-year-old batsman Sam Konstas also gets the nod after being left out of the squad that won both Tests in Sri Lanka and is in line to open alongside Usman Khawaja.

Konstas made an explosive start to his Test career against India in December, hitting 60 from 65 balls at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with six fours and two sixes.

Hazlewood has taken 18 wickets to be third on the IPL bowling charts since coming back from injury. But he sat out Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s last match 10 days ago with a shoulder niggle.

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Notably, Australia could become the first to retain the WTC when they face South Africa at Lord’s from June 11, having beaten India in the previous final at the Oval in 2023.

It’s worth noting that Cameron Green is already in England, on a five-match county stint for Gloucestershire, where he has been playing as a batter only and scored a century in his first game back after surgery.

“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat, Josh and Cam back in the squad,” said chair of selectors George Bailey.

“The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer in defeating India for the first time in a decade.”

The same squad will fly on to the West Indies for three Tests in Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica from June 25.

Australia squad for WTC Final against South Africa

Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

READ: South Africa announce squad for WTC final against Australia

South Africa announce squad for WTC final against Australia

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against Australia, set to begin on June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

This marks South Africa’s maiden appearance in a WTC Final, after topping the points table with an impressive 69.44% points percentage, a campaign that saw them win 8 out of 12 Tests.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side in this historic showdown, and the Proteas have received a timely boost with the return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.

Having recovered from a groin injury that sidelined him during the home season, Ngidi has since proven his fitness in white-ball cricket and international T20 leagues, making a strong case for his selection.

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To accommodate Ngidi’s return, young pacer Kwena Maphaka, who was part of the squad against Pakistan, has been left out, while top-order batter Matthew Breetzke also misses the cut.

South Africa’s batting unit will be powered by Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram at the top, followed by a solid middle order featuring captain Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.

The Proteas’ pace attack looks formidable with Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch joining Ngidi.

The spin department includes Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy, offering variety and control in English conditions.

South Africa squad for WTC Final against Australia

Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.

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How can India qualify for WTC final after Melbourne Test defeat against Australia?

MELBOURNE: India suffered a major blow to their chances of qualifying for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) after suffering a thumping defeat in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia here on Monday.

India bundled for 155 with just 12.5 overs left in the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia claimed a thrilling 184-run victory to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.

Despite the heavy defeat, India are still in contention for a spot in the WTC final next year at Lord’s. Currently ranked No. 3 on the points table, India holds a Percentage of Points (PCT%) of 52.78, leaving them with a glimmer of hope.

To secure their qualification, India must triumph over Australia in the crucial fifth Test match, which is set to commence on January 3, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

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However, India will also need Sri Lanka to achieve victory over Australia in their two-match Test series, scheduled to begin on January 29, 2025, in Galle. A series win for Sri Lanka by either 2-0 or 1-0 would be essential for India’s chances.

If everything falls into place, India could conclude the WTC 2023-25 cycle with a PCT% of 55.26. In this scenario, Australia’s maximum PCT% could rise to 53.51, while Sri Lanka could finish with a maximum of 53.85 PCT%.

However, if India fails to secure a win in the fifth Test against Australia, they would be out of the race for the WTC final, even in case of a draw.

Furthermore, if India manages to overcome Australia in Sydney yet Australia still manages to win at least one Test in their series against Sri Lanka, India would still fall short of qualification.

Meanwhile, South Africa have made history on Sunday by clinching their first-ever place in the WTC final. This achievement came after a thrilling victory over Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their two-match series in Centurion.

READ: Mohammad Abbas achieves historic feat after heroics in first South Africa Test

Temba Bavuma eyes WTC final spot with victory over Pakistan

South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma stated that his team aims to defeat Pakistan in the upcoming series to secure a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Bavuma’s team has emerged as formidable contenders for the WTC final, currently perched at the summit of the points table after their clean sweep victory over Sri Lanka in a recent two-match Test series.

With two crucial Tests still to be played on home turf against Pakistan, securing victories in these matches will further cement their position in the race for the final.

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“I believe we are performing well as a team, currently ranked number one in the WTC table. The future is uncertain, but we will take the time to celebrate today,” Temba Bavuma stated.

“In a few weeks, we face Pakistan, and we must maintain our focus and continue our journey.”

Bavuma also addressed his return to action after being on the sidelines due to an injury.

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“It feels great to be back; it was frustrating to watch from the sidelines. I was eager to return and seize the opportunity,” he added.

It’s worth noting that the two-match Test series between Pakistan and South Africa will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

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