Latest news with #ICCWorldTestChampionship
Int'l Cricket Council
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Rickelton ready to shine in World Test Championship Final
As South Africa gears up to face Australia in the World Test Championship Final later this month, Proteas opener Ryan Rickelton is brimming with confidence. The left-hander has been in impressive form, having scored a career-best 259 the last time he played in whites for the Proteas. His purple patch has continued in the ongoing Indian Premier League, with 388 runs across 14 innings at a stunning strike rate of 150.97 for his franchise Mumbai Indians, further boosting his momentum ahead of the high-stakes clash at Lord's that starts on June 11. 'There's no currency other than runs, and batters take confidence out of putting in good performance runs as well. But I've also taken quite a lot of confidence out of IPL too, just spending time in different conditions, but also putting in some decent performances with really talented players around the world," Rickelton said. 'So there's no doubt that it all contributes. But, again, it's a new day. It's a new dawn, I guess, for all of us. And hopefully I can take those past experiences and those learnings and try to replicate them next week.' ALSO READ: South Africa's road to the ICC World Test Championship Final This will be the first time many members of the Proteas squad, including Rickelton, will get the chance to play a Test match at Lord's. However, the significance of competing for the ICC World Test Championship mace outweighs any pressure that comes with the historic borth London venue. "I'm trying not to think about it in my honesty. I had the pleasure of being, we played England. I was the 12th player for that game. So I have a feeling of what the experience is about. Hopefully the occasion won't get too grand and I can lean back on that experience just just to know what I'm going to expect. But, yeah, one occasion, it's gonna be not just my first Test match here. A lot of the group's first Test match there, and the guys are buzzing for it. So, obviously, we're here trying to prepare and make sure that we as best set and ready to go for it. But what a grand opportunity to represent South Africa to be in a final as well and have a crack at the mace.' South Africa have a glittering record at Lord's with five wins out of their seven Test matches since their readmission in 1991. They were victorious in their last visit there in 2022, beating England by an innings and 12 runs courtesy of Kagiso Rabada's glittering 5/52 and 2/27 in the first and second innings. Another milestone awaits Rickelton as he prepares to face Australia in red-ball cricket for the first time - a formidable challenge given the experience and pedigree of their bowling attack. The Australian quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon has formed the backbone of their bowling unit for nearly a decade, consistently delivering world-class performances in Test cricket. Ryan Rickelton's special ton on ICC event debut | POTM Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025 A superb century from Ryan Rickelton at the ICC Champions Trophy event in 2025 'Obviously, they've been a core group of the whole team, but that bowling attack has been core for four plus five, six, seven, eight years. So an incredible attack. We know what they're going to bring to the party. But I did get the opportunity to face them in India as well. So it's nice just to obviously get that first bit of the first taste, but to be a completely different prospect at Lord's, with a red-ball as well. "They are some of the greatest bowlers to play the game, some of Australia's best as well. So there's no denying that, but just trying to make sure that, again, we try to prepare individually as best as we can to counter what they're goint to bring to us. And you never know if if one or two of us can have a good day out there, anything can happen.' Rickelton will likely partner Aiden Markaram at the top of South Africa's batting order at Lord's and looks to create a formidable opening stand for the Proteas. 'I don't think you consciously do that. I did find myself sitting next to him on the bus and the plane coming out by natural law of order for some reason. But I think as we get a bit closer, we'll start chatting a bit more about the intricacies of Lord's in the game, and we'll start batting more together as we prepare," he added. "I just think it's the way it kind of unravels. And, yeah, what an awesome partner to open up with. I told him he's already facing the first ball. So, yeah, looking forward to obviously getting out there with him and hopefully putting on a good opening stand.' The ICC World Test Championship Final commences on June 11 at Lord's, with Australia aiming to defend their title against South Africa.
India Gazette
14 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj looks forward to Australia's WTC final challenge
New Delhi [India] June 1 (ANI): South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj is raring to take on Australia in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at the Oval starting June 11, according to ICC website. Maharaj has proved himself to be a team player, filling the much-needed spin void in the South Africa setup while also becoming a part of the team's think tank. 'I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can,' Maharaj said as quoted from ICC. The 35-year-old returns to competitive cricket after a prolonged break, and is raring to take on Pat Cummins' men in the Ultimate Test. Maharaj has 22 wickets against Australia in the format, at an average of 45 in conditions that don't have the best support for spinners. Maharaj has also played a big role in South Africa's journey to the final, with 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the World Test Championship. Despite the break, Maharaj's focus remains on overcoming the Australians. 'Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus,' he added. 'I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia.' Australia are the only team to have won all senior Men's ICC events across formats, with a total of 10 titles to their name. 'We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats.' However, Maharaj believes that this South African side, which has won its last seven Tests in a row, can stop the Australian juggernaut. 'When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really matters.' Maharaj also pointed out South Africa's outstanding record at the Lord's Cricket Ground, wherein they have won five Tests since their readmission to cricket in 1991. 'We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans.' While Maharaj will focus on getting South Africa their first senior Men's title since 1998, he is also on the cusp of a rare landmark: becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. He has 198 wickets in the format at present. 'I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning,' Maharaj states. 'Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country.' (ANI)
India Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
South Africa's never-say-die attitude stands out: Keshav Maharaj ready for WTC Final
South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj believes that discipline and precise execution of their game plans will be crucial to securing victory in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. With the high-stakes encounter set to commence on 11 June at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, Maharaj emphasised the importance of focus and thorough preparation as South Africa pursues its maiden WTC made his international debut in a Test match against Australia at the WACA nine years ago. Now, with 57 Tests behind him, the experienced left-arm spinner is set to take on the same opponent in the ICC World Test Championship Final that debut, Maharaj has grown into a key figure in the South African setup. In a team traditionally driven by pace, he has filled a long-standing spin void while also emerging as a respected voice in the dressing room. "I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can," Maharaj told Cricket South from a prolonged break, the 35-year-old is eager to contribute in the one-off Test against Pat Cummins' side. While his numbers against Australia – 22 wickets at an average of 45 – may not jump off the page, Maharaj has played a crucial role in South Africa's path to the final, taking 40 wickets in just eight matches in this WTC had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus."I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia."South Africa and Australia have shared a fierce history in ICC knockout matches, including the dramatic semi-finals of the 1999 and 2023 World Cups, both won by Australia. Maharaj knows the scale of the challenge his side faces."We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats," he this South African team arrives in London with momentum, having won their last seven Tests."When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really Shuks and Temba have done deserves a lot of credit. They have encouraged us, and to see this team come together and get to where we are, it really is special."South Africa will also take heart from their strong record at Lord's. Since their return to international cricket in 1991, they have won five Test matches at the historic venue."We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans."While his attention is firmly on the final, Maharaj is also on the verge of a personal milestone. With 198 wickets, he is just two short of becoming the first South African spinner to reach 200 in Test cricket."I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning," Maharaj said."Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country."Must Watch
Mint
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj looks forward to Australias WTC final challenge
New Delhi [India] June 1 (ANI): South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj is raring to take on Australia in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at the Oval starting June 11, according to ICC website. Maharaj has proved himself to be a team player, filling the much-needed spin void in the South Africa setup while also becoming a part of the team's think tank. "I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can," Maharaj said as quoted from ICC. The 35-year-old returns to competitive cricket after a prolonged break, and is raring to take on Pat Cummins' men in the Ultimate Test. Maharaj has 22 wickets against Australia in the format, at an average of 45 in conditions that don't have the best support for spinners. Maharaj has also played a big role in South Africa's journey to the final, with 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the World Test Championship. Despite the break, Maharaj's focus remains on overcoming the Australians. "Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus," he added. "I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia." Australia are the only team to have won all senior Men's ICC events across formats, with a total of 10 titles to their name. "We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats." However, Maharaj believes that this South African side, which has won its last seven Tests in a row, can stop the Australian juggernaut. "When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really matters." Maharaj also pointed out South Africa's outstanding record at the Lord's Cricket Ground, wherein they have won five Tests since their readmission to cricket in 1991. "We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans." While Maharaj will focus on getting South Africa their first senior Men's title since 1998, he is also on the cusp of a rare landmark: becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. He has 198 wickets in the format at present. "I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning," Maharaj states. "Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country." (ANI)
Hans India
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Key for South Africa is to focus on executing plans in WTC final, says Maharaj
South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj believes the key for his team in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against Australia will be the focus on executing their plans in the one-off title clash, starting on June 11 at Lord's. 'We know that it is a crucial, once-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans. When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out.' 'There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really matters.' 'What Shuks and Temba have done deserves a lot of credit. They have encouraged us, and to see this team come together and get to where we are, it really is special,' said Maharaj in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement on Sunday. Maharaj is also on the cusp of achieving a rare landmark, becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. As of now, he stands at 198 wickets in the longer format, a journey which began with his debut against Australia in 2012. 'I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can. I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning.' 'Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country,' he added. Maharaj played a big role in South Africa's journey to entering their first-ever WTC final, by picking 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the competition. He signed off by saying that having a two-month break will keep him fresh in aiming to help the Proteas win the ultimate prize in Test cricket. 'Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus. I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break.' 'But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia. We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats,' he concluded.
