Tag: WTC final

Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam once again found his name echoing in elite cricketing circles, this time during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.

It wasn’t his innings that sparked conversation this time, but his iconic cover drive, a stroke that has long been admired by purists, which became a point of analysis during the commentary by former England captain and seasoned broadcaster Nasser Hussain.

While dissecting the technical shortcomings that led to the dismissals of Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, Hussain invoked the elegance and precision of Babar’s signature shot.

“Well, the cover drive is one of the most pleasing shots on the eye. You think of Ian Bell, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam,” Hussain remarked on air, drawing parallels between the grace of greats and the flawed execution that cost both batters their wickets.

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He then elaborated using South Africa’s Temba Bavuma as a technical reference point, explaining how the coordination of the hands is critical when playing the cover drive.

“Rickelton, his hands worked against each other, and that closes the bat’s face slightly, and you nick it. Same here with Marnus Labuschagne — look how he loses control of his bat handle and bat face,” Hussain observed.

Notably, this isn’t the first time Hussain has showered praise on the iconic cover drive of Babar Azam.

Back in 2022, the former England skipper had gone a step further, calling it the most textbook version of the shot and one he would use to teach young boys the fundamentals of batting.

“I’m going to be biased here, sorry Indian fans, but I’m going for Babar Azam’s cover drive,” Hussain had said then. “It’s totally exceptional. If I’m teaching a young boy, I’d definitely ask him to watch Babar’s cover drive.”

READ: PCB considering former all-rounder for Test head coach role: sources

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.

READ: PCB makes one change to intact national selection committee

LONDON: Australia opener Usman Khawaja set an unwanted record with his 20-ball duck against South Africa on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

The opener’s fifth duck in WTC history has added him to the list alongside India’s Shubman Gill and former South Africa batter Dean Elgar, who share the record for most ducks in the tournament.

Usman Khawaja was removed duck in the seventh over by South African pacer Kagiso Rabada.

For the unversed, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah holds the record for the most ducks in the WTC history. He has gone without scoring 20 times while Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi is behind with eight ducks to his name.

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At the time of filing this report, Australia were 109-4 in 34.3 overs.

After opting to bowl first, South Africa took four early wickets to leave Australia reeling at 67-4 after the first session.

Usman 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.

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.

READ: WTC Final: South Africa pacers strike early to put Australia under pressure

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: 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.

READ: Steve Smith wary of South Africa pace attack in WTC final

South Africa batter Aiden Markram insists there will be no mental scarring from his side’s previous failures when they face holders Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.

The Proteas have suffered several agonising near-misses in major tournaments, including last year’s T20 World Cup final in Barbados.

They needed just 30 more runs to win, with 30 balls and six wickets remaining, yet somehow contrived to lose in devastating fashion against India.

But Markram, South Africa’s captain in that match and one of five survivors from the game in the WTC final squad, is confident there will be no hangover for a red-ball side led by Temba Bavuma.

“This team is a bit different,” Aiden Markram told reporters at Lord’s on Sunday.

“The few of us that have been a part of previous events that didn’t go our way have dealt with it, have obviously chatted to each other and made sure we’ve buried it nicely and taken some good lessons from it.

“But besides that, now, it’s more about the excitement of having another opportunity to actually do the job. So that’s pretty much where the mind is at the moment.”

As an opener, Markram will have the tough task of trying to blunt a formidable Australia bowling line-up in an eagerly anticipated final that starts on Wednesday.

But South Africa, with Kagiso Rabada leading the way, have an impressive pace attack of their own.

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“When you’re opening the batting, obviously your responsibility is to get the team off to a good start and get us ahead of the game. So that’s the challenge, that’s what excites us,” Markram said.

“But when you’re preparing against your bowlers, who are world-class, it can only help you as a batter, as uncomfortable as it can be at times.”

South Africa won seven Tests in a row to qualify for the WTC final, a run that featured several short series.

“A lot of our series have been two-game series. So in order to win that series, you can’t start slow,” Markram said.

“There’s no second dip at it, so we’re going to have to make sure we hit the ground running and are nice and sharp come day one.”

The 30-year-old Markram, a veteran of 45 Tests, is relishing the chance to make history on the hallowed turf at Lord’s.

“To play in a Test match here is really special, and then obviously for it to be a final is probably the cherry on top,” he said.

Markram, asked what made Lord’s so memorable, replied: “Probably just the history…You know how many of the greats of the game have played here.

“For us to have that opportunity to play on the same field and share that changing room that they once sat in is quite a cool thought.”

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday confirmed the panel of match officials for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.

The much-anticipated Test is set to be played between South Africa and Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15.

New Zealand’s Chris Gaffaney and England’s Richard Illingworth will be the on-field umpires for the high-stakes encounter.

Illingworth continues to cement his reputation as a go-to figure for marquee Test matches.

This will be his third consecutive WTC final, making him the only umpire to officiate on-field in all three deciders since the tournament’s inception.

The veteran Englishman is also the reigning ICC Umpire of the Year, having clinched the David Shepherd Trophy for a record fourth time in 2024.

Gaffaney, a familiar face in ICC knockouts, had previously partnered with Illingworth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 final and was also part of the umpiring team for the WTC 2023 final between India and Australia.

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England’s Richard Kettleborough, another experienced campaigner with multiple ICC finals under his belt, has been appointed as the TV umpire for this year’s final.

He was in the same role during the 2021 WTC final between India and New Zealand.

India’s Nitin Menon will be the fourth umpire, marking his WTC final debut in this capacity. Menon had earlier served as the TV umpire in the 2021 T20 World Cup final.

Former Indian fast bowler and seasoned match official Javagal Srinath has been named the match referee.

ICC Chair Jay Shah praised the experience and consistency of the appointed officials and expressed full confidence in their ability to deliver at the sport’s highest level.

“We are pleased to announce an experienced team of match officials for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, marking the culmination of a highly competitive two-year cycle of Test matches played around the world,” Shah said.

“We strive to select the most qualified and deserving officials for all matches, and we are confident they will perform admirably. On behalf of the ICC, I wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this assignment,” he added.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday revealed the dates for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, scheduled to be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

The one-off Test be played between the top two sides on the WTC points table from 11th to 15th June 2025, with the 16th of June available as a reserve day.

Lord’s will host the WTC final for the first time as Southampton and The Oval served as the hosts for the 2021 and 2023 finals. New Zealand lifted the trophy in 2021, while Pat Cummins-led Australia won the tournament in 2023.

“This Ultimate Test is the culmination of two years of intense competition in the ICC World Test Championship, spanning 69 Test matches over 27 series played to decide the finalists,” the ICC stated in a press release.

“Fans from around the globe will have the opportunity to witness history in the making of a week-long celebration of the longest format of the game.

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“Tickets will be in high demand and fans are asked to register their interest to attend the unique sporting event of mental strength, stamina, technique and strategy.”

It’s worth noting that India are currently sitting at the top of the WTC points table with defending champions Australia following them closely.

However, there are still ample points up for grabs for teams, several contenders such as New Zealand (ranked third), Bangladesh (fourth), England (fifth), South Africa (sixth), and  Sri Lanka (seventh) are still in the running for a spot in the final.

“The ICC World Test Championship Final has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar and we are pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 edition,” ICC CEO Geoff Allardice said.

“It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Test cricket, which continues to captivate fans around the world. Tickets will be in high demand so I would encourage fans to register their interest now to ensure they are in with a chance of attending the Ultimate Test next year.”

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DUBAI: Pakistan’s all-format captain and star batter Babar Azam saw a dip in his Test batting rankings following the conclusion of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

As per the latest Test Batting Rankings update by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam slipped to fifth as Australia’s centurion in the WTC Final Travis Head and Steve Smith moved up.

Scoring 163 across the first two days of the WTC Final against India at The Oval, Head jumped three places to claim the third position with 884 points and strengthened Australia’s stronghold on the Test batting rankings.

Besides Travis Head, Steve Smith also climbed up in the Test batting to seize the second position with 885 rating points at the back of his gritty first innings century.

Despite failing to score big in the WTC Final, Marnus Labuschagne remained at the summit with 903 rating points.

Consequently, Australia now hold the top three spots in the Test batting rankings while Usman Khawaja (9th, 777 rating points) makes it four Australians in the top 10.

Notably, The last time three batters from the same side occupied the top three positions in the Test rankings was in December 1984 when Gordon Greenidge (810), Clive Lloyd (787), and Larry Gomes (773) from West Indies formed the top trio.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Kane Williamson were the notable batters to slip in the rankings.

Babar last played a Test in January this year against New Zealand while Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson, who has been out of the red ball action since March 2023 slipped two places to fourth.

Alex Carey’s exploits (48 and 66*) were also rewarded with a jump of 11 spots, moving to 36th with 592 ranking points. Rohit Sharma (729) and Virat Kohli (700) sit in 12th and 13th respectively after the match.

On the bowling side the most newsworthy move came from Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, moving up two places in a tie for sixth with England quick Ollie Robinson (777).

Lyon was given little opportunity to bowl in the first innings final after his quick-bowling teammates seized control, though claimed one wicket to help his side to a healthy first-innings lead. The spinner came into his own in India’s second innings, taking 4/41, including the last scalp of Umesh Yadav, for Australia to lift the mace.

Lower down the rankings Scott Boland’s stocks continue to rise, moving up five places to 36th (534), four places ahead of Mohammed Siraj, who claimed 4/108 and 1/80 in the defeat.

Ravichandran Ashwin, in spite of being left out of India’s side for the Final, remains No.1 (860).

READ: ‘My relation with Babar Azam is very good,’ Sarfaraz Ahmed