Maharaj: We want to honour legends of the past in ICC World Test Championship Final
Keshav Maharaj is determined to follow in famous footsteps at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025.
South Africa will face-off against Australia for ownership of the ICC Test Championship mace at Lord's, the same venue where the Proteas last got their hands on the trophy 13 years ago.
A legendary South Africa side comprising Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Graeme Smith beat England at the fabled ground to rise to world number one that day, and Maharaj revealed those memories are fuelling motivation for his side to repeat the feat.
'I remember watching that when they lifted the mace,' he said.
'We know that apart from doing it for us, we want to honour the legends of the past and hopefully we will one day be seen in the same calibre and light to win such a coveted title and hold the Test mace.'
South Africa arrive in London in strong form following seven consecutive Test victories, with defeat last coming against New Zealand in February 2024.
That run took the Proteas to the top of the ICC World Test Championship table and has bred plenty of confidence in camp ahead of the decider against Australia.
'When we started the journey two years ago, a lot of people didn't think we'd be in this situation, but with each and every series we grow more and more,' added Maharaj.
'Our blend of youth and experience complements each other really nicely, and we find ourselves competing for another trophy.
'The boys have put in a lot of hard work. The excitement is building as we edge closer and it's now about letting it sink in and soaking up the occasion to allow us to play with freedom.'
Maharaj is one of a number in the South African squad who have come agonisingly close to ICC silverware in the past few years.
The spinner was part of the side that finished runners-up at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, while the Proteas also reached the semi-finals of both the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
While those near misses still sting, Maharaj is insistent on using those experiences in a positive way.
He said: 'In previous attempts, no one expected us to reach the knockout phases of any competition, but we have reached two semi-finals and two finals.
'Hopefully through all those misses we come right in this one. There is a lot of inspiration we can draw from in the brand of cricket we have played in the last three or four years.
'If we run with it and stay true to it, hopefully this is our opportunity to finally raise that most-coveted trophy that has eluded us for a number of years.'
On a personal note, Maharaj is just two away from 200 Test wickets, and while the experienced spinner is happy to trade individual accolades for team success, the prospect of bringing up the milestone at Lord's is one that he cannot escape.
'It would be very special,' he admitted. 'I don't pay too much attention to the numbers, I just want to help ensure my team wins, so hopefully I can get a 10-fer.
'I've enjoyed my journey so far, hopefully I've got a long time left, but to get that feat in front of my family at Lord's would be very special.
'Any cricketer always has a bucket list in terms of venues they want to play at, and this is such a wonderful opportunity for all of us.'
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Int'l Cricket Council
2 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Mega induction sees seven new names added in ICC Hall Of Fame
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Matthew Hayden (Australia) 8,625 runs at 50.73 in 103 Tests 6,133 runs at 43.80 in 161 ODIs 308 runs at 51.33 in 9 T20Is After a slow start to his Test career, which saw him dropped from the Test team for two and a half years, he epitomised the all-conquering Australian side of the 2000s. He set a record for the highest individual score in Test cricket when he struck 380 against Zimbabwe at Perth in 2003 and made three centuries as Australia won ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean. Graeme Smith (South Africa) 9,265 runs at 48.25 and 8 wickets at 110.62 in 117 Tests 6,899 runs at 37.98 and 18 wickets at 52.83 in ODIs 982 runs at 31.67 in 33 T20Is He celebrated his appointment to the South African captaincy by striking 259 against England at Lord's – the highest score by an opposition batter at the ground. 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Sarah Taylor (England) 300 runs at 18.75 with 18 catches and two stumpings in 10 Tests 4,056 runs at 38.26 with 87 catches and 51 stumpings in 126 ODIs 2,177 runs at 29.02 with 23 catches and 51 stumpings in 90 T20Is A naturally talented wicket-keeper-batter, she burst onto the scene in 2006 and struck a maiden ODI century against Australia at Chennai when just 17 years old. She played a key part in England's World Cup and World T20 double in 2009 and struck 54 and 45 in the semi-final and final respectively as England won the 2017 World Cup on home soil. She set the standard for wicket-keepers around the world, especially standing up to the stumps, specialising in leg-side stumpings and she retired with a then-record 232 dismissals across formats. ENDS
Int'l Cricket Council
3 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Seven new inductees added to ICC Hall of Fame
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The seven inductees are: 103 Tests – 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73 161 ODIs – 6,133 runs at an average of 43.80 9 T20Is – 308 runs at an average of 51.33 A powerful opening batter who intimidated the best fast bowlers in the world, Matthew Hayden joins an exclusive group in the ICC Hall of Fame . With a whopping 30 Test centuries and Test average greater than 50, Hayden's outstanding numbers in the longest format speak for themselves. The left-hander was just as adept in the 50-over game, with Hayden smashing three centuries alone at the 2007 edition of the ICC men's Cricket World Cup to finish the tournament as the leading run-scorer. It was the second of two World Cup titles that Hayden helped Australia win and the burly opener has since turned into a highly respected commentator around the world. Hayden was thrilled to receive the induction. "The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against," he said. "Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognised along with them." Hashim Amla 124 Tests – 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64 181 ODIs – 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46 44 T20Is – 1,277 runs at an average of 33.60 A calm and composed top-order batter, South Africa's steady head Hashim Amla is a well deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame . Amla's overall record was top class in Test cricket and perhaps even more outstanding in the 50-over format as the underrated right-hander scored bulk runs against every opposition and in all conditions. With a superb cover drive and a trademark leg-side flick, Amla was a mode of consistency and a reliable member of a powerful South African side that scaled the heights to become the No.1 ranked Test team during his long and distinguished career. Amla dominated bowling attacks for much of his 15-year international career, becoming the first South African to score a triple century when he hit an unbeaten 311* against England in 2012 when he was at the top of his game. A total of 55 international centuries shows exactly how good Amla was and the South African great is a welcome inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame. The South African said it was a great honour to receive the recognition alongside former teammate Graeme Smith. "It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme," Amla said. "The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful." The Master of Class | Hashim Amla | ICC Hall of Fame 90 Tests – 4,876 runs at an average of 38.08, 294 dismissals 350 ODIs – 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, 444 dismissals 98 T20Is – 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, 91 dismissals MS Dhoni produced so many highlights throughout his lengthy international career and is a popular inclusion into the ICC Hall of Fame. His most memorable moment came when he produced one of his trademark helicopter shots when hitting the winning runs for India at the 2011 edition of the ICC Men's cricket World Cup, but there was so much more to the inspirational skipper. Dhoni was ahead of his time with the way he kept wickets in all formats, but perhaps excelled most against the white-ball when he was well renowned for his ability to time a run chase to perfection in the dying overs. The Indian great remains the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments, having led India to success at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni said it was a great thrill to be inducted alongside so many great players. "It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world," he said. "To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever." India's Captain Cool | MS Dhoni | ICC Hall of Fame 117 Tests – 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25, 8 wickets 197 ODIs – 6,989 runs at an average of 37.98, 18 wickets 33 T20Is – 982 runs at an average of 31.67 A superb opening batter and arguably an even better captain, Graeme Smith is a welcome addition to the ICC Hall of Fame . Smith forged a great career as a tough and uncompromising top-order batter and was thrust into the captaincy role he relished at the young age of 22. He excelled in this position in what was a high-class South African side and hit new heights as a batter while captaining the team. Smith felt great pride in receiving induction into the Hall of Fame. 'It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way," he said. "This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.' Proteas' Relentless Leader | Graeme Smith | ICC Hall of Fame graeme SMITH HALL OF FAME (2025-06-09 13:36:12Z) 113 Tests – 4,531 runs at an average of 30.00, 362 wickets 295 ODIs – 2,253 runs at an average of 17.33, 305 wickets 34 T20Is – 205 runs at an average of 12.81, 38 wickets An outstanding left-arm spin bowler, who was a more than handy middle to lower-order batter, Daniel Vettori joins the ICC Hall of Fame . Vettori paved out an excellent career as a player and was one of just three players to score 4,000 runs and take 300 wickets in Test cricket. He was also an excellent captain for the Black Caps, taking over from Stephen Fleming and leading the side to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009. Now an assistant coach with the Australian team, Vettori was in London to receive his Hall of Fame induction in person. 'Looking at the past inductees of the ICC Hall of Fame, one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the growth and popularity of the game," Vettori said. "To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming and I can't find words to describe the feeling.' New Zealand's Spin Maestro | Daniel Vettori | ICC Hall of Fame Sana Mir 120 ODIs – 1,630 runs at an average of 17.91, 151 wickets 106 T20Is – 802 runs at an average of 14.07, 89 wickets Sana Mir becomes the first Pakistan women to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame , following a superb international career. With more than 200 international wickets against the white-ball, Mir is renowned for her work on the field and off the field. Mir was well known for her strong stance on body shaming, prioritising mental health and helped people affected by the COVID pandemic and fulfils a childhood dream by joining the ICC Hall of Fame. 'From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women's team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolised long before I ever held a bat or a ball – this is a moment I couldn't have dared to imagine," she said. 'I am incredibly grateful for this honour and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches and family for all their support over the years.' Pakistan's Trailblazer | Sana Mir | ICC Hall of Fame 10 Tests – 300 runs at an average of 18.75, 20 dismissals 126 ODIs – 4,056 runs at an average of 38.26, 138 dismissals 90 T20Is – 2,177 runs at an average of 29.02, 74 dismissals One of the most talented female players in recent times, England's star keeper-batter Sarah Taylor joins the ICC Hall of Fame following a 14-year career at international level . While Taylor was renowned for her sensational glovework behind the stumps and her trademark leg-side stumpings, she was also an extremely capable top-order batter and her record in big games gives further indication of this. Taylor played a major role in helping England win the double of the ICC Women's cricket World Cup and ICC women's T20 World Cup in 2009 and then stepped up once again at the backend of the 2017 50-over World Cup triumph on home soil by top-scoring for her side in the semi-final victory over South Africa and then producing an equally important innings of 45 in the title decider with India. Taylor said it was one of the biggest highlights of her career to receive induction into the Hall of Fame. "Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true," Taylor said. "Women's cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition." England's wicketkeeping pioneer | Sarah Taylor | ICC Hall of Fame
Int'l Cricket Council
3 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Daniel Vettori: The silent giant who left a lasting spin on the game
Legendary left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, joining some of the game's finest names. A career that began as a bespectacled teenager in the late 1990s stretched nearly two decades, Vettori became one of New Zealand's most respected cricketers and a central figure in the team's rise in international cricket. Finishing with more than 700 international wickets and close to 7000 international runs, Vettori's career was defined by adaptability, intelligence, and understated excellence with bat and ball. New Zealand's Spin Maestro | Daniel Vettori | ICC Hall of Fame Vettori remains one of only a handful of left-arm orthodox spinners to achieve sustained success across formats. His 362 Test wickets – the most by any New Zealander barring Sir Richard Hadlee and Tim Southee – came through accuracy, subtle variation, and reading batters rather than turn alone. Making his debut at just 18, Vettori became the youngest man to play Test cricket for New Zealand at the time. Over time, he developed into a complete package, equally effective at holding one end or attacking when needed. Among his most memorable moments was a 12-wicket haul against Australia in Auckland in 2000, in addition adding up 20 five-wicket hauls across his career in the format. He ended with 4,531 Test runs - a rare feat for a frontline bowler - with six centuries and 23 half-centuries as well to his name, further underlining his all-round value. Vettori stands one of only 10 players in Test history with over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets. Daniel Vettori's amazing one-handed catch at World Cup Daniel Vettori makes light work of a tough catch to dismiss Marlon Samuels in New Zealand's CWC15 game against West Indies. Vettori captained New Zealand in 32 Tests, 82 ODIs and 28 T20Is, taking over during a phase of rebuilding and helping nurture a generation that would go on to reach the 2015 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final. His captaincy was marked by calm decision-making and personal consistency. At the 2011 Cricket World Cup, his last as skipper, Vettori led New Zealand to the semi-finals, where they lost to eventual runners up Sri Lanka, playing a key role both with the ball and his tactical nous. In ODIs, Vettori's 305 wickets are the most in the format by a Kiwi bowler, and was a crucial figure in the team's charge to the Cricket World Cup 2015 final, where they lost to eventual champions Australia. Following this, he called time on his international career. His white-ball economy was exemplary, finishing with an ODI economy rate of just 4.12 and a T20I rate of 5.70, both remarkable numbers in the modern era. Daniel Vettori Hat-Trick Effort Daniel Vettori Hat-Trick Effort ICC - Hall of FameDaniel VettoriNews
