Record prize money revealed for World Test Championship Final
With less than a month to go until the one-off Test at Lord's between South Africa and Australia, the ICC have unveiled a massive prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
The total prize pool for the WTC 2023-25 Final stands at USD $5.76 million, more than double that of the previous two editions.
The champions will walk away with USD $3.6 million, a significant jump from the USD $1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023 while the runners-up will earn USD $2.16 million, up from USD $800,000.
To mark the 30-day countdown to the Ultimate Test, the ICC also released a promotional video building excitement for the clash, featuring South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, ace pacer Kagiso Rabada, Proteas star Aiden Markram, Australia talisman Steve Smith and the swashbuckling Travis Head along with former greats Shaun Pollock, Dayle Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar and Ravi Shastri.
Scene set for epic World Test Championship Final
South Africa and Australia are ready to battle it out in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's from June 11 2025
South Africa topped the WTC25 standings and became the first team to secure a spot in the final at Lord's, courtesy of series victories over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with a drawn home series against India.
Australia booked their place in the final with a 3-1 triumph over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their strong campaign also included a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan at home and away series wins against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Speaking on the announcement, ICC Chair Jay Shah said: 'We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition.
'The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads - a true celebration of cricket.
'I am sure spectators at Lord's, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now.
'On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match.'
Both captains have their sights set on glory at Lord's, with South Africa chasing an elusive ICC title, while Australia aim to make history as the tournament's first two-time champions.
South African captain Temba Bavuma said: 'We're really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title.
'Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. 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, and I am sure fans around the world would be following the fortunes of both teams come 11 June.'
Winning moment of #WTC23 Final
The Aussies celebrate as they claim the 2023 World Test Championship Final against India
Australian captain Pat Cummins said: 'We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord's. It's a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us.
'We very much look forward to getting together again in England in just a few weeks' time and the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket.'
Position
Team
Prize money in USD
Winner
Australia/South Africa
3,600,000
Runners-up
Australia/South Africa
2,160,000
Third
India
1,440,000
Fourth
New Zealand
1,200,000
Fifth
England
960,000
Sixth
Sri Lanka
840,000
Seventh
Bangladesh
720,000
Eighth
West Indies
600,000
Ninth
Pakistan
480,000 ICC World Test ChampionshipICC World Test Championship Final, 2025News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Cricket Council
2 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Khawaja won't buy into Australia's opening debate for Lord's
Just how Khawaja fares during the World Test Championship Final will be pivotal to Australia's chances, with the left-hander having made the most runs for the side during the current cycle with a total of 1,422 runs prior to the Lord's clash. And while Khawaja knows he is closer to the end of his career than the start, the 38-year-old believes he is still at the top of his game and has no immediate thoughts of retiring while he's still contributing to the side. "To me, age is irrelevant," Khawaja stated. "If I'm still enjoying my game, still training really hard, I'm still scoring runs, still contributing to the team where I can, I've still got the hunger. "I don't really think of anything as different, but I'm very open. I'm really just enjoying my cricket at the moment. Everything that has a beginning has an end. "I don't know when that end will be, but for me it's all about staying in the moment, enjoying it one Test match at a time, one series at a time. And when it's time to hang up the boots, I'll gracefully do that, whatever it be.'
Int'l Cricket Council
5 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
ICC World Test Championship Final: Australia squad profiles
Members of the media can download the pre-Final captains' photo in the 'photos' section of the ICC Online Media Zone here. Australia have named a 15-man squad who will bid to retain their ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's. From seasoned campaigners to exciting new faces, here is who are in contention to make the final XI. Pat Cummins Now 32, Australia skipper Pat Cummins has established himself as one of the great fast bowlers in his country's storied history. It has been 14 years since he made his Test debut as an 18-year-old and his 294 Test wickets put him eighth all time among Australians, with Glenn McGrath the only player with a better bowling average than Cummins' 22.43 of the top 10. Scott Boland A late bloomer, Scott Boland has made up for lost time since making his Test debut at the age of 32, taking six for seven on debut against England at the MCG. Now 13 Tests into his Australia career, his bowling average of 17.66 is third in the all-time list for the Baggy Green. Alex Carey Another one who had to bide his time, Alex Carey was a talented Australian rules footballer before turning his focus to cricket. Since breaking into the white-ball team in 2018, the wicket-keeper batter has helped Australia to ICC Men's Cricket World Cup glory, as well as cementing his position in the Test side. Cameron Green First capped aged just 21, Cameron Green is back for the World Test Championship Final after a back surgery kept him sidelined for six months. An all-rounder, he is currently just available as a batter but scored an unbeaten 174 the last time he played Test cricket to steer Australia to victory in New Zealand in 2024. Josh Hazlewood Along with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood has been a mainstay of the Australian fast-bowling attack for a decade. A double ICC Men's Cricket World Cup winner, his 279 Test wickets put him inside Australia's all-time top 10, 11 years on from his first appearance with the Baggy Green. Travis Head Australia's Mr Everything, Travis Head has been a key contributor for his country in every format of the game. A handy offspinner as well as a top order batter, Head was the hero as Australia won the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 with a century in the final, while he also made a sparkling 163 in the World Test Championship Final the same year as India were beaten at The Oval. Josh Inglis Born in Leeds, Josh Inglis will return to the country of his birth for the World Test Championship final. The wicketkeeper enjoyed a fine start to his Test career against Sri Lanka earlier this year, scoring a century in the 2-0 series victory. Usman Khawaja The oldest player in the Australia squad, 38-year-old Usman Khawaja is now firmly established as an opener, having started his career batting at No.3. The first player of Pakistani origin to represent Australia, he returns to Lord's two years on from a crucial half-century in an Ashes victory over England. Sam Konstas At 19, Sam Konstas is half the age of his opening partner Usman Khawaja but showed no signs of youthful nerves when making his Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last December. An attacking batter by nature, his half-century in that MCG encounter was the third fastest ever by an Australian debutant. Matt Kuhnemann Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has enjoyed plenty of success with the ball in his relatively short Test career, taking 25 wickets at an average of just over 22. He has played all five of his Tests in sub-continental conditions as he stakes a claim to be Nathan Lyon's long-term successor. Marnus Labuschagne Born in South Africa, Marnus Labuschagne moved to Australia at the age of 10 and has been a firm fixture in the No.3 spot for more than half a decade. He is familiar with conditions in the UK, having played club cricket in England when he first broke through and more recently enjoying several stints with Glamorgan, including a two-match spell in the build-up to this year's WTC Final. Nathan Lyon One of just nine players in history to have taken 500 Test wickets, Nathan Lyon is closing in on Glenn McGrath as Australia's second most prolific Test bowler. Now 37, Lyon has not looked back since removing Kumar Sangakkara with his very first ball in Test cricket back in 2011. Steve Smith From leg-spinning all-rounder to one of the greatest batters ever to represent Australia, Steve Smith has had quite a journey over the past decade and a half. Only Ricky Ponting has more Test centuries for Australia, while Smith's batting average of 56.74 is second among players with 10,000 Test runs. Mitchell Starc Completing the trio of fast-bowling greats in the current Australia squad, Mitchell Starc is one of the most accomplished bowlers across all formats. He holds the record for the fastest ball bowled in Test cricket, a 160.4kp/h rocket a decade ago, while he is fast approaching the 400-wicket club in Tests, good enough for third in the all-time Australian list. Beau Webster A handy all-rounder, Beau Webster has made a fast start to his international career, averaging 50 with the bat and 24 with the ball after three Tests. He enjoyed a stellar debut against India in Sydney in January, scoring 57 and 39 not out in a six-wicket win. ENDS
Int'l Cricket Council
13 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
ICC World Test Championship Final: South Africa squad profiles
South Africa's 15-man squad for their first-ever appearance in an ICC World Test Championship final contains a mixture of youth and experience. Here is a rundown of the Proteas players gunning for glory at Lord's. Temba Bavuma Bavuma arrives at Lord's fresh from an excellent home summer, scoring centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan during series victories which booked his side's place at Lord's. The 35-year-old made his Test debut on Boxing Day of 2014 against the West Indies and is currently listed sixth in the ICC's men's Test batting rankings. Tony de Zorzi De Zorzi captained South Africa at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2016 but has had to be patient to make his mark on the senior international stage. His first Test century was in Chittagong in October 2024, a sparkling 177, and his command of the pull shot makes the left-hander an attractive player to watch. The 27-year-old is also a fine short leg fielder. Aiden Markram Another to have led South Africa at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, lifting the trophy in 2014, Markram is closing in on 3,000 Test runs and has seven centuries to his name in the longest format. The top-order batter captains the Proteas in T20 cricket and guided them to the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup last year, in which they were beaten by India. Wiaan Mulder A seam bowling all-rounder, Mulder is no stranger to English conditions having represented Kent and Leicestershire in recent years – scoring a career best 235 not out for the latter in 2022. The 27-year-old was still at school when he made his first-class debut in 2016 and was promoted up the order in South Africa's most recent Test against Pakistan, batting at number three having never previously come in higher than six. Marco Jansen The giant 2.06m left-armer averages under 22 with the ball after 17 Tests, with the highlight coming in Durban last year when he ripped through Sri Lanka with seven for 13 as the Proteas skittled their opponents for just 42. Jansen is also handy with the bat and blasted a 16-ball half century against India in November 2024. His twin brother, Duan, is also a professional cricketer. Kagiso Rabada An elite pace bowler, Rabada is fifth on South Africa's all-time list of Test wicket takers and arrives at Lord's three shy of levelling Allan Donald's tally of 330. He is ranked second in the world in Tests – with only Jasprit Bumrah ahead of him – and he is already on the honours board at the Home of Cricket after taking five for 52 against England in 2022. Keshav Maharaj South Africa's most successful ever spinner in Test cricket, Maharaj is two shy of reaching 200 wickets and his average is on the right side of 30. The slow left-armer made his Test debut in Perth in 2016 but will be looking to improve on a modest record against this summer's final opponents – he has taken 22 scalps at 45 in nine Tests against Australia. Lungi Ngidi The 29-year-old seamer is making a well-timed return from injury having sat out the home summer in South Africa with a groin problem. He announced his arrival on to the Test scene in style with six for 39 against India in 2018 and currently averages a shade over 23 after 19 appearances. Corbin Bosch Took to Test cricket like a duck to water on his debut against Pakistan in last year's Boxing Day Test, grabbing a wicket with his first ball – and going on to take four for 63 – before striking an unbeaten 81 from number nine. The son of former Proteas Test player Tertius, Bosch's brother Eathan is also a full international having made his ODI debut in February. Kyle Verreynne The wicketkeeper-batter announced himself in Test cricket in February 2022 with a sparkling unbeaten 136 which helped the Proteas level a series in New Zealand. He has become acclimatised to English conditions in the past two summers during spells with Nottinghamshire and began his latest stint with a ton against Essex at Trent Bridge in April. David Bedingham Another player to have excelled in English domestic cricket, Bedingham scored nearly 200 runs more than anyone else in Division One of the County Championship last season and his 279 against Lancashire was the highest score in Durham's first-class history. The 31-year-old right-hander, who can also keep wicket, scored his first – and so far, only – Test century against New Zealand in February 2024. Tristan Stubbs The only way was up for Tristan Stubbs after his Test bow, which saw him become just the second player in history to be dismissed twice on the first day of his debut. The aggressive, inventive batter now has two Test tons to his name and an average of 33.33, while he has excelled in South Africa's domestic red ball competition and remains a key part of his nation's limited overs sides. Ryan Rickelton The stylish left-hander made a dream start to 2025, scoring 259 against Pakistan at Newlands during his first innings as a Test opener before winning the SA20 with MI Cape Town. An all-round sportsman growing up, Rickelton has been in and out of the Test side since his debut in 2022 but will hope that New Year's knock – the joint-seventh highest Test score by a South African – will cement his place for Lord's. Senuran Muthusamy A very useful player with bat and ball, left-arm spinner Muthusamy claimed a memorable scalp for his first Test wicket when he held on to a return catch to dismiss Virat Kohli in October 2019. He has played just three more Tests since but is a reliable operator for Dolphins, with eight first-class centuries and more than 250 wickets to his name. Dane Paterson No-one has had a closer view of Lord's in the build-up to the ICC World Test Championship final than Dane Paterson, who has started the season with Middlesex in England's County Championship. Appearances have been sporadic over his eight-year international career, but the 36-year-old impressed in last year's Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, taking five for 61 – his best figures in the format. ENDS
