Latest news with #UltimateTest
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Webster seeks dream pairing in WTC Final
Australia will defend the mace against South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord's. Since his debut against India at the SCG in January 2025, Beau Webster has presented himself as a viable all-round option in the Australia Test setup. His three Test outings, which yielded 150 runs and three wickets, impressed the selectors enough to select the Tasmanian into the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship Final against South Africa, starting June 11. Webster further boosted his claims during his county stint with Warwickshire, scoring 172 runs and picking 10 wickets from his four outings. This was a follow-up to his 2024 returns for Gloucestershire, where the all-rounder scored 233 runs and picked 16 wickets in four games. Cameron Green, Australia's other pace all-rounder in the squad for the Ultimate Test, has also impressed with his three centuries from five county games for Gloucestershire. However, Green is returning from a back surgery and hasn't bowled yet, which means that Webster's returns with the ball in English conditions assume greater significance. Green's excellence as a batter and Webster's all-round perseverance open up the possibility of both players featuring in the Ultimate Test. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Webster was excited at this prospect. "He [Green] is a generational talent and a phenomenal cricketer," Webster said. "He's only going to get better. He's only 25, so he's got a lot of cricket ahead of him. "I don't know what the make-up of the top six is going to look like or which way they're going to go with in terms of all-rounders, but I'm certainly hoping we can both be in there." Webster hoped that his performances in England could catch the selectors' attention before Australia's title defence against South Africa. "I like testing myself with the Dukes ball in different conditions. Hopefully, I can keep putting my name in front of selectors and become hard to drop out of that XI. That's probably my main purpose coming over, to keep my game ticking over." In case of a scenario where both players feature in the XI, someone like Marnus Labuschagne could be pushed up the order to open the innings. Webster backed Labuschagne, who averages nine from three county innings, to deliver his best in the summit clash. "When he's at his best, he's unbelievable. His record speaks for itself. He's a hundred-maker and a game winner. "I'm sure going to the top [of the batting] wouldn't phase him too much. Whoever gets the nod for that final is going to be raring to go." Webster's international journey has been quite a ride, with the all-rounder's impressive domestic run converting into an international debut at the start of this year in the Sydney Test against India, courtesy of Green's absence and Mitch Marsh's unimpressive returns in the summer. "I'm very, very proud of what I've done," Webster added. "But it's only the start and I'm looking to build on what I've started in the Baggy Green." Webster looked back at his Test debut as his most memorable memory. The all-rounder hit the winning runs at the SCG for Australia as they claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a 3-1 margin in the five-Test series. "It was a bit of a whirlwind. It all went so quickly, and I do wish I had soaked it up a little bit more. To be out in the middle with Travis was something I will never forget. "To this day [hitting the winning runs] was my favourite cricketing moment, without a doubt."
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)
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)
India Gazette
18 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Australia's Webster excited to play WTC final with
Melbourne [Australia], June 1 (ANI): Australian all-rounder Beau Webster, who kick-started his international career during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, expressed excitement at the idea of featuring in the ICC World Test Championship alongside fellow all-rounder Cameron Green, whom he termed as a 'generational talent'. Since his debut against India at the SCG in January 2025, Webster has presented himself as a viable all-round option in the Australia Test setup. His three Test outings, which yielded 150 runs, including a fifty and three wickets, impressed the selectors enough to select the Tasmanian into the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship Final against South Africa, starting June 11, as per the ICC. Webster further boosted his claims during his county stint with Warwickshire, scoring 172 runs and picking 10 wickets from his four outings. This was a follow-up to his 2024 returns for Gloucestershire, where the all-rounder scored 233 runs and picked 16 wickets in four games. Green, Australia's other pace all-rounder in the squad for the Ultimate Test, has also impressed with his three centuries from five county games for Gloucestershire. However, Green is returning from a back surgery and has not bowled yet, which means that Webster's returns with the ball in English conditions assume greater significance. Green's excellence as a batter and Webster's all-round perseverance open up the possibility of both players featuring in the Ultimate Test. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Webster was excited at this prospect. 'He [Green] is a generational talent and a phenomenal cricketer,' Webster said as quoted by the ICC. 'He is only going to get better. He is only 25, so he has got a lot of cricket ahead of him.' 'I do not know what the make-up of the top six is going to look like or which way they are going to go with in terms of all-rounders, but I am certainly hoping we can both be in there,' he concluded. Webster hoped that his performances in England could catch the selectors' attention before Australia's title defence against South Africa. 'I like testing myself with the Dukes ball in different conditions. Hopefully, I can keep putting my name in front of selectors and become hard to drop out of that XI. That is probably my main purpose coming over, to keep my game ticking over.' In case of a scenario where both players feature in the XI, someone like Marnus Labuschagne could be pushed up the order to open the innings. Webster backed Labuschagne, who averages nine from three county innings, to deliver his best in the summit clash. 'When he is at his best, he is unbelievable. His record speaks for itself. He is a hundred-maker and a game winner. I am sure going to the top [of the batting] would not phase him too much. Whoever gets the nod for that final is going to be raring to go,' he said. Webster's international journey has been quite a ride, with the all-rounder's impressive domestic run converting into an international debut at the start of this year in the Sydney Test against India, courtesy of Green's absence and Mitch Marsh's unimpressive returns in the summer. 'I am very, very proud of what I have done,' Webster added. 'But it is only the start, and I am looking to build on what I have started in the Baggy Green.' Webster looked back at his Test debut as his most memorable memory. The all-rounder hit the winning runs at the SCG for Australia as they claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a 3-1 margin in the five-Test series. 'It was a bit of a whirlwind. It all went so quickly, and I do wish I had soaked it up a little bit more. To be out in the middle with Travis was something I will never forget.' 'To this day [hitting the winning runs] was my favourite cricketing moment, without a doubt,' he concluded. (ANI)
Int'l Cricket Council
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Veteran Maharaj looks forward to the Australia challenge
Over nine years ago, Maharaj made his international debut for South Africa, against Australia in a Test match at the WACA. And 57 Tests later, the left-arm spinner returns to face the same opponent, in the all-important World Test Championship Final 2025. In this period, 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 told Cricket South Africa in an interview. Keshav Maharaj celebrates a wicket in Bangladesh // Getty Images 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. '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.' Double blow from Keshav Maharaj | SA v IND | T20WC 2024 Final South Africa and Australia have a shared history of close ICC knockout contests, including the 1999 and 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semi-finals, where the latter emerged victorious on both occasions. 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. Maharaj is aware of the magnitude of what awaits South Africa. '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,' Maharaj stated. Ricky Ponting picks his Australia XI for the World Test Championship Final. The former Australia captain names the squad he believes should take on South Africa in the WTC Final. 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. '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.' Maharaj also pointed out South Africa's great 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's focus will be 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 Africa 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.'
