WTC 2023-25: From Joe Root to Yashasvi Jaiswal – top run-scorers in third World Test Championship cycle
The third ICC World Test Championship cycle is slated for a finish on Saturday as South Africa and Australia resume play with 69 runs on the line. While the Proteas are closing in on a historic triumph, skipper Temba Bavuma leads the batting charts for the team this edition that began in mid-2023 after Australia beat India in the previous final at the Oval in June that year.
Interestingly, none of South Africa's batters find themselves among the top-20 run getters in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. England batter Joe Root topped the charts for a second cycle in succession, notching up 1968 runs at a 54.66 average. Root also topped the century-makers list, having piled on seven hundreds during the course of the WTC cycle. The former England captain, who recently went past 13,000 Test runs, has finished in the top two run-scorers of all three cycles thus far. Root continues to dominate the World Test Championship, leading the combined charts in the history of the tournament with 5543 in 117 innings, averaging 51.80 with 18 centuries.
Following Root on the chart this time is Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose maiden WTC campaign since his Test debut in 2023 has garnered him 1798 runs. In 19 Tests, Jaiswal has slammed four centuries and 10 fifties to emerge as the most successful opener in the campaign, averaging north of 52. England batters Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett make up the top five as a total of 15 players aggregated more than 1000 runs in the cycle. New Zealand's Kane Williamson, Australia's Steve Smith and Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis are the other players in the top 10 who accumulated five centuries.
Most runs in ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Bavuma, the unlikely hero
1 2 In a sport often dominated by towering figures and flamboyant superstars, Temba Bavuma stands out precisely because he doesn't fit the mold. At 5'4", the South African captain cuts an unassuming figure on the cricket field, defying expectations with a technique as precise as his story is powerful. Bavuma isn't just a cricketer. He's a cultural icon, a meme legend and a testament to resilience in a nation where sport and identity are deeply intertwined. The 35-year-old's legacy was sealed when he became the first black African batsman to notch a Test century for South Africa, a landmark that went beyond cricket in a nation still wrestling with its history. Each run he scores bears the weight of representation, reflecting both cricket's progress and its ongoing challenges. His ascent from the arid Langa township in Cape Town to guiding the Proteas to a historic 2025 World Test Championship triumph over a formidable Australia, their first ICC title since 1998, crafts an inspiring underdog tale that echoes well beyond the cricket pitch. Yet, Bavuma wears this responsibility lightly. There's no pretension in his leadership, no manufactured bravado, just a quiet, steely determination. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investire è più facile che mai BG SAXO Scopri di più Undo When critics questioned his place in the team, he answered with a century against Sri Lanka in 2024. When doubters mocked his stature, he let his bat do the talking. And when social media turned his misfortunes into memes, he laughed along. Few athletes ride the rollercoaster of viral fame quite like Bavuma. One day, he's 'Lord Temba', the clutch performer dragging South Africa to victory. The next he's the unwitting star of a meme festival, whether it's his comical dive into the stumps against India, his towel-wrapped despair after a shock loss to the Netherlands or the infamous 'napgate' at 2023 World Cup Captains' Day. Even his height, or lack thereof, has become part of his legend. Easy to recall in this context the T20 World Cup captains' photo where he was nearly invisible in a sea of giants. Or the time he stood beside 7'1" wrestler The Great Khali, looking like a determined child next to a mountain. The internet ate it up and Bavuma, ever the good sport, played along. The captain's heroic knock of 66 in the second innings of the WTC final at the Lord's sparked a fresh wave of memes. Battling a hamstring injury, he crafted a 147-run partnership with Aiden Markram to steer the 282 runs chase. Leading in 10 Tests, Bavuma has secured nine victories and a draw. Behind the jokes lies a leader who has quietly reshaped South African cricket. Under his captaincy, the Proteas reached their first-ever World Test Championship final, an enormous feat that silenced skeptics. Off the field, the captain's impact resonates profoundly. His name, meaning 'hope', reflects his role not only as a cricketer but as a cultural beacon, embodying the dreams of countless fans. He plays not just for victories but for a generation that finds inspiration in his journey. In an era where athletes are either worshipped or torn down, Bavuma occupies a rare space. He's both revered and roasted, yet never reduced. His story is not just about cricket; it's about perseverance, humor and the power of owning one's narrative. Whether he's lifting a trophy or lifting spirits with a self-deprecating chuckle, one thing is clear that Bavuma isn't just part of South African cricket's present. He's shaping its future. And really, how many captains can say they have inspired both tactical masterclasses and memes? That's his magic. He is unforgettable, in every way possible. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
"South Africa found calm in the storm...": Sachin hails Proteas' maiden WTC title win
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar hailed South Africa on their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) win, saying that format continues to weave its magic and hailed Aiden Markram's 'composure' and skipper Temba Bavuma's 'grit' after scoring vital knocks for their side. SA ended their 27-year wait for an ICC Trophy since the ICC Knockout 1998, securing their first-ever world title in any format by defeating Australia by five wickets. This was a result of a memorable partnership between centurion Markram and skipper Bavuma, the latter batting despite hamstring issues. Sachin posted on his X, 'Test cricket continues to weave its magic. In a final where every session had its own story, @ProteasMenCSA found calm in the storm. Markram's composure and Bavuma's grit under pressure stood tall in the fourth innings. A century that will be remembered, a partnership that turned hope into history. Congratulations to South Africa on becoming World Test Champions!' Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers also hailed the Proteas for their win and skipper Bavuma for leading the team with 'fire and ice'. He was in attendance for the match as well. 'Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA Fantastic win and so well played! Hats off to Markram for that match-winning century, and Temba for leading with such ice and fire all through. What an incredible experience of watching this beautiful format of the game! The built up drama, the slow anticipation, and the sweet victory to end it all were moments to savour.. and to experience that with my two boys thrilled and on their toes -- couldn't have imagined it better than this. Go Proteas!,' posted De Villiers on X. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and middle-order veteran Suresh Raina also congratulated the Proteas on their win. 'Congratulations to @TembaBavuma and the entire South African team on becoming the World Test Champions! 27 years in the making, and a moment that will be remembered for generations. Well done, boys! #WTCFinal2025,' posted Dhawan. Raina also posted, 'Congratulations @ProteasMenCSA. What an incredible win, and such a class play by Markram and the team! Well done Temba and the squad! You deserve this! #WtcFinal2025.' Former England pacer Stuart Broad also posted on X, 'South Africa! Congratulations. Very happy for you all.' Notably, Broad served as a consultant for team's bowling group ahead of the WTC final match. Coming to the match, on day one, the Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. They dominated the first session with the ball, as fiery spells from Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) reduced Australia to 67/4. A 79-run stand between Steve Smith (66 in 112 balls, with 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 in 92 balls, with 11 fours) and a 46-run stand between Carey (23 in 31 balls, with four boundaries) and Webster took Australia to 212 all out. With the help of early two wickets from Starc and contributions from Cummins and Hazlewood helped Australia reduced South Africa to 43/4 at day one end, with Bavuma (3*) and Bedingham (0*) unbeaten. A six-fer from skipper Pat Cummins (6/28) helped Australia bundle out Proteas for 138 runs and secure a 74-run lead, despite a half-century run-stand between skipper Temba Bavuma (36 in 84 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and David Bedingham (45 in 111 balls, with six fours). In their second innings, Australia was reduced to 73/7, but a 61-run stand between Alex Carey (46 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Mitchell Starc (58* in 136 balls, with five fours), who also put a last wicket stand of 59 runs with Josh Hazlewood. Australia was bundled out for 207 runs, leading by 281 runs. Rabada (4/59) and Ngidi (3/38) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. In the run chase, Proteas lost Ryan Rickelton early, but a 61-run stand between Wiaan Mulder (27 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Markram put Proteas on track. An even gigantic, frustrating 147 run stand between Markram (136 in 207 balls, with 14 fours) and skipper Bavuma (66 in 134 balls, with five fours) followed, rattling Australia. Despite Starc (3/63) attempting to keep Aussies alive, Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs for South Africa to take them to their first ICC title since the ICC Knockout 1998. Markram took home the 'Player of the Match' award. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Not make him bowl more than 12-13 overs a day": Ganguly on utilizing Bumrah on England tour
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Former India skipper and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, Sourav Ganguly, shared his thoughts on how to use right-arm seamer Jasprit Bumrah in the five-match Test series against the Three Lions. A new era beckons for India in the Test format as the modern-day giants gear up for their first assignment without the prized batting bigwigs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill, India's youngest Test captain, has taken the baton from Rohit to guide the nation to success and challenge for the World Test Championship mace. Speaking to Boria Majumdar on Revsportz about how to use Bumrah in the England Test series, Sourav Ganguly said, 'You've got to look out for him and not make him bowl more than 12-13 overs a day. Use him as a wicket-taker, and that's the key. That's how Gill should use him. I believe four fast bowlers are important. Here, others will have to be the warhorses like Siraj, Arshdeep. Not sure about a Nitish or a Shardul Thakur. Maybe they can get some runs with the bat, but I think India need to back the seven batters and have specialist bowlers, because we need 20 wickets to win Test matches.' Bumrah's utilisation will remain limited throughout the five Tests in England. During the announcement of India's squad for the upcoming Test tour of England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Bumrah was advised not to contest in consecutive Tests as part of his workload management. The precaution around Bumrah's usage stems from a stress reaction in the back during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney in January. He missed India's victory campaign in the Champions Trophy and returned to action for the Mumbai Indians in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). Before leaving for England, head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that they have yet to take a call on which Tests India will field Bumrah in the playing XI. India's Test squad for England series: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav. (ANI)
