Tag: South Africa

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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LONDON: Australia captain Pat Cummins broke a plethora of records after claiming six wickets on the second day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against South Africa here at The Lord’s.

Cummins’ fiery spell bundled out South Africa for a modest 138-run score, which helped the defending champions secure a healthy 74-run lead.

With his outstanding figures of six for 28, Pat Cummins reached the 300-wicket mark, making him the eighth Australian to achieve this feat.

Most Test wickets for Australia

Shane Warne – 708 wickets in 145 matches

Glenn McGrath – 563 wickets in 124 matches

Nathan Lyon – 533 wickets in 133* matches

Mitchell Starc – 384 wickets in 97* matches

Dennis Lillee – 355 wickets in 70 matches

Mitchell Johnson – 313 wickets in 73 matches

Brett Lee – 310 wickets in 76 matches

Pat Cummins – 300 wickets in 68* matches

The right-arm pacer’s bowling figures in the WTC final were also the best by a Test captain at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Pat Cummins became the first captain in history to take a five-wicket haul in an ICC final, and he now holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls as a skipper in Test cricket.

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Additionally, the Sydney-born pacer also surpassed his compatriot Mitchell Starc in claiming the most wickets in ICC finals

Most Wickets In ICC Finals

Player	Wickets
Pat Cummins	12
Mitchell Starc	11
Mohammed Shami	10
Trent Boult	8
Ravindra Jadeja	8
Kyle Jamieson	8

The star pacer also surpassed India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for most wickets in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Pat Cummins now has 79 wickets, going past Bumrah’s tally of 77 wickets.

At the time of filing this report, Australia were 115-7 in their second innings with a lead of 189 runs.

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LONDON: Australia nosed ahead of South Africa despite suffering a dramatic collapse on another 14-wicket day in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Australia concluded day two of their second innings with a score of 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs. Nathan Lyon (1) and Mitchell Starc (16) remained not out at the end of the day’s play.

After the tea break, South Africa’s fast bowlers took charge, dismantling the Australian batting lineup and claiming five wickets in quick succession.

Steve Smith (13) and the struggling Marnus Labuschagne (22) were dismissed, leaving Australia at 48 for 4, although their lead had already surpassed the 100-run mark.

Travis Head (9) and first innings top scorer Beau Webster (9) were both removed in consecutive overs, bringing skipper Pat Cummins to the crease.

Unfortunately, he fell shortly after, contributing just six runs to the total. This sudden collapse left the defending champions in a precarious position at 73 for 7.

However, Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey provided much-needed stability, forming a 61-run partnership that helped take Australia’s lead past the 200-run mark.

Carey played a counter-attacking innings, scoring 43 runs before being trapped LBW.

Starc ended the day unbeaten, partnering with Nathan Lyon as night fell on the second day of the WTC Final.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada was a standout performer, claiming three wickets, while Lungi Ngidi matched him with three of his own.

Cautious Start

Earlier, Australia’s openers began their innings cautiously after securing a 74-run lead in the first innings.

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne weathered the new ball well, facing off for 10 overs.

Australia’s steady progress was interrupted when Kagiso Rabada struck twice in an over, dismissing Khawaja and Cameron Green within the span of two deliveries.

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Khawaja was caught behind for six runs, while Green went without scoring, leaving Australia at 28 for 2 after just 10.4 overs.

Marnus Labuschagne showed some resilience with his 16 runs, while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on four at the tea break.

Earlier, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins delivered an outstanding bowling performance, taking six wickets and skittling South Africa for just 138 runs after lunch. This stellar display ensured that Australia maintained a solid 74-run first-innings lead.

South Africa’s First Innings

South Africa began their innings at 43 for 4 in 22 overs, with skipper Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham building a crucial 64-run partnership despite early setbacks on day one.

Australia made a vital breakthrough before lunch, dismissing Temba Bavuma, who was caught by Marnus Labuschagne after contributing a gritty 36 runs from 84 balls, helping his side reach a total of 94 in 39.2 overs.

Despite David Bedingham’s efforts to stabilise the innings, South Africa struggled to build momentum. By lunchtime, Bedingham was not out on 39, while Kyle Verreynne had 11 runs off 30 balls,  as the scorecard read 121 for 5.

Like Australia on day one, South Africa suffered a dramatic collapse post-lunch, adding only 17 runs to their total. David Bedingham emerged as a silver lining for South Africa, contributing a resilient 45 runs that included six fours.

For Australia, Pat Cummins was the standout bowler, capturing six wickets, while Mitchell Starc added two more to his tally.

Day One WTC Final

On day one, Australia had established control through strong bowling from their pace trio, following a disappointing batting display.

They were all out for a meagre total of 212 runs after South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Kagiso Rabada shone with the ball for South Africa, taking five wickets, while Beau Webster led the Australian batting effort with a score of 72 runs off 92 deliveries.

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LONDON: South Africa’s speedster Kagiso Rabada achieved a significant milestone on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

The right-arm pacer made history by becoming South Africa’s 4th highest Test wicket-taker, surpassing the legendary Allan Donald and securing his place in the record books.

Before the WTC final, Kagiso Rabada needed four wickets to surpass Allen Donald with 327 scalps to his name.

Most wickets for South Africa in Tests

Dale Steyn – 439 wickets in 93 Tests

Shaun Pollock – 421 wickets in 108 Tests

Mkhaya Ntini – 390 wickets in 101 Tests

Kagiso Rabada – 332 wickets in 71* matches

The pacer was instrumental in bundling out the defending champions Australia for a meagre total of 212 in the first innings. He started with an opening burst, removing opener Usman Khawaja for a duck. The 30-year-old then picked up Cameron Green to jolt the Aussies.

Following the tea break, Rabada returned to pick up the crucial wicket of well-set Beau Webster to etch his name into history books.

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With 331 wickets to his name, Rabada now eyes Dale Steyn’s record for the most wickets by a Proteas player in Tests.

South Africa were in a commanding position after removing Australia for 212 in their first innings.

Beau Webster was the top scorer for Australia with 72 runs, while Steve Smith played elegantly, scoring 66 runs.

Kagiso Rabada excelled with the ball for South Africa, taking five wickets for 51 runs in 15.4 overs, while Marco Jansen made a valuable contribution by claiming three wickets.

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.

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LONDON: Australia’s fast bowlers staged an impressive fightback to reduce South Africa to 43-4 on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

South Africa are trailing by 169 runs as their top order failed to capitalise as Pat Cummins’ men seized control of the game in the last half of day one at the home of cricket.

The opening day of the WTC final was eventful, with 14 wickets falling as bowlers dominated throughout the day.

Mitchell Starc began the action for the defending champions, Australia, with a trademark delivery that dismissed Aiden Markram for a golden duck.

Starc struck again in the eighth over, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 16 runs, reducing South Africa to 19-2.

Wiaan Mulder, batting in the number three position for only the third time in his career, and captain Temba Bavuma faced a challenging spell against the precise bowling of the Australian pacers.

Mulder’s sluggish 44-ball six-run innings ended, courtesy of Pat Cummins’ delivery, while the incoming batter, Tristan Stubbs (2), failed to make his mark, which left South Africa tottering at 30-4 inside 20 overs.

Temba Bavuma (3) and David Bedingham (8) remained unbeaten at the end of day’s play.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc took two wickets while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bagged one each.

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul put South Africa in a commanding position in the WTC final as Australia were bundled out for 212 in their first innings.

South Africa came back roaring after the tea break, breaking a promising 46-run partnership with the wicket of Alex Carey.

The left-hander was bowled on the score of 23 by Keshav Maharaj, triggering a collapse that Australia never recovered from.

Rabada was the chief tormentor as he removed Skipper Pat Cummins (1) and well-set Beau Webster (72), which reduced Australia to 210-8 in the all-important WTC final.

Following the collapse, it was expected that experienced tail-enders Nathon Lyon and Mitchell Starc would steady the defending champions; however, Marco Jansen cleaned up Lyon for a duck in the 56th over.

Kagiso Rabada concluded the innings by taking the wicket of Starc, achieving a record five-wicket haul and surpassing Allen Donald, thus moving up to fourth on South Africa’s all-time wicket-takers list.

Beau Webster was the top scorer for Australia with 72 runs, while Steve Smith played elegantly, scoring 66 runs in an innings that broke the record for the most half-centuries by a visiting batter in England.g batter in England.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, taking five for 51 in his 15.4 overs, while Marco Jansen supported him well with his three wickets.

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Steve Smith and Beau Webster’s half-centuries steadied Australia post-lunch after South Africa’s early jolts. The reigning champions scored at 3.75 runs an over, bringing the score to 190-5 on the stroke of tea, courtesy of a burgeoning 79-run stand between Steve Smith and Beau Webster.

The duo batted cautiously, adding vital runs on the fifth wicket, which took the defending champions out of early trouble, created by South Africa’s pacers.

Steve Smith was removed after a well-made 66, thanks to a brilliant catch from Marco Jansen, leaving Australia 146-5. However, Beau Webster held firm, reaching his second half-century of his Test career.

Australia reached a steady score at the end of the second session, with Webster unbeaten at 62 and Alex Carey not out on 22.

In the opening session, South Africa took four wickets to leave Australia reeling at 67-4.

The Proteas’ fast bowlers put pressure on Australia’s new opening pair, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, before Kagiso Rabada secured the first breakthrough.

Khawaja was the first wicket to fall, caught in the slips by David Bedingham after facing 20 deliveries without scoring.

Cameron Green came out to play his first Test innings since his back surgery; however, his stay was short-lived as he fell prey to Rabada after scoring four runs off three balls.

Labuschagne (17) was joined by an ever-dependable Steve Smith, but they could not form a solid partnership as Marco Jansen removed the former to leave Australia struggling at 46-3.

Travis Head (11) joined Smith but failed to add much to the total, getting caught behind off Jansen at the stroke of Lunch after scoring a meagre 11.

The Australian scoreboard read 67-4 at the end of the first session, with Smith standing unbeaten on 26.

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.

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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.

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.

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LONDON: Australia captain Pat Cummins, on Tuesday, unveiled the Playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa, scheduled to commence on June 11 here at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

All-rounder Cameron Green is set to make his return to red-ball action as he will play his first Test since back surgery.

Meanwhile, middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne will be promoted up the order to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja.

“Marnus has experience, he has done well here at Lord’s and in England in general,” Cummins said.

“Opening the batting can be tough, but it can also be sometimes the best time to bat, before the Dukes ball actually starts swinging.”

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On the other hand, pace bowler Josh Hazlewood edged out fellow seamer Scott Boland to secure his place in the Playing XI of Australia. He will join Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to form a dynamic pace attack.

They will be supported by experienced spinner Nathan Lyon as well as all-rounder Beau Webster, whose ability to seamlessly switch between medium pace and spin options provides extra strategic layers to Australia’s bowling plans.

Notably, 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.

Meanwhile, South Africa, making their inaugural appearance in the WTC final, have also revealed their Playing XI.

Australia Playing XI: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.

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

READ: South Africa name Playing XI for WTC final

LONDON: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday unveiled the Playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against Australia, set to begin on June 11 here at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

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.

Temba Bavuma will captain the team in this historic showdown. Meanwhile, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is set to return to red-ball cricket after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out during the home season.

Keshav Maharaj is the only specialist spinner in South Africa’s playing XI, supported by a pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi.

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Notably, South Africa’s team management has decided to promote all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to the No. 3 position in the batting order.

“Mulder is quite young in that position. But I think having played with Mulder, having seen him and the way he has grown in the last two years within the red-ball format,” said Bavuma.

“It’s about giving him a lot more confidence, backing him, and just allowing him to do what he does best.

“He has an opportunity in a pressure situation, but I think he can take comfort from the fact that the guys are backing him. We just want him to play his game.”

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

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