Latest news with #WTC23Final
Int'l Cricket Council
3 days ago
- General
- Int'l Cricket Council
Cummins locks in Smith's batting slot for WTC Final
With the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 fast approaching, Australia have zeroed in on an important batting decision. With multiple alternatives in contention to take the centre-stage, skipper Pat Cummins has named batting icon Steve Smith to occupy a crucial spot in the middle order. In a recent conversation with The Grade Cricketer on Prime Video Australia , Cummins stated, 'I can confirm that Smudge will be batting at four. Everyone else, I'm not willing to, but I can confirm Steve Smith will be number four.' Smith, who has batted most of his Test career at number four, boasts 6531 runs from 120 Test innings at the slot, averaging 61.61. This includes 23 centuries and 26 fifties. The veteran batter had also starred in Australia's triumph in the previous WTC Final in 2023, scoring a first-innings century that helped set the tone for a big win. Highlights – Smith piles on the runs with trademark century | WTC23 Final Highlights – Steve Smith scored his 31st Test century to pile on India's troubles in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023. As they prepare to defend the WTC mace, Cummins opened up on the prospect of becoming the first team to do so since the inception of the tournament in 2019. 'After winning (in) 2023, there's a lot of talk of trying to retain it. Go and defend it. It's not tangible until you actually make the final. 'Now that we've made it, it'll be pretty cool to win another ICC trophy. Playing at Lord's, it's a tournament that every other Test playing nation is vying for so, it just signifies a pretty good couple of years.' The Australian captain also highlighted the significance of the tournament and the challenges it presented. 'I think it shows performance over two years. But there are varying conditions. Even in ICC World Cups, it's normally very similar conditions. 'A Test tournament, you've got to go and win basically everything at home, but for us, we had to go to Sri Lanka and win in really tough spinning conditions. 'Go over to New Zealand, and beat a really strong side at home. So, I think it shows that you've really got to be a complete team over a couple year stretch to make the final. 'We just missed out that first year (2019-2021), but I think we are a better side now than we were back then. We lost a couple of games at home. But, yeah, I think two (WTC titles) would be incredible. One, I think, is still a pretty good demonstration of how good we've been over the past few years.' 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. While Australia will be featuring in their second successive WTC final, South Africa made it to their first by topping the World Test Championship standings. Cummins showered praise on the Proteas, and believes the Temba Bavuma-led side have multiple match-winners in their midst to pose a challenge. 'They always seem to compete in every tournament. They've got a lot of experience, especially the white-ball teams - they play across different franchise leagues. Rabada, Maharaj, Bavuma, they've played a lot of cricket over the years. 'They have really good fast bowlers, they always seem to have not just one or two main guys but they have got four-six guys they can call. 'And yeah, some batters, you haven't seen much (of them) but they've scored plenty of domestic runs. (We have) played most of the guys in the squad, certainly not everyone. There's always a little bit of mystique around South Africa, because we don't play them as often as say India.' The World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa will kickstart on 11 June at the Lord's Cricket Ground.
Int'l Cricket Council
3 days ago
- General
- Int'l Cricket Council
Jansen plots Australian assault with legend in Proteas' corner
Taking nine wickets at an average of just 13.11 on his first Test tour of the UK back in 2022, Jansen was a thorn in England's side when the Proteas visited Lord's, claiming four scalps in the space of just 11.4 overs as the tourists stormed to an innings victory. Best of Marco Jansen | CWC23 Best of Marco Jansen | CWC23 Towering at over two metres tall, the left-armer found prodigous swing with the Dukes ball on the tour, and stands as one of Australia's biggest threats in their World Test Championship defence when the teams meet from June 11. Looking back on the match, where he also made runs down the order, Jansen carries a confidence for the upcoming Final knowing there is scope for improvement. "I remember from a bowling point of view, the ball was swinging a lot more than I was expecting. "Getting used to the Dukes ball, when it starts to swing, and just getting used to all the different angles or whatever goes with that (is important). "And then batting, I batted well. There's a few good things (South Africa took from the 2022 match). And then there's a lot of other things there where I think we and me in particular can do a lot better." Keshav Maharaj proud of South Africa's Test resurgence | WTC25 Final Keshav Maharaj hails South Africa's recent rise in Test cricket heading into the World Test Championship Final against Australia. The Proteas have an extra weapon of sorts for the Final, bringing in England fast bowling legend Stuart Broad as a consultant for the Final. Not only did the quick take 153 of his 604 Test wickets against Australia (the most by any player in red-ball history), Broad also boasts 113 wickets in the format at Lord's. Jansen is eager to soak up Broad's knowledge in a bid to help the Proteas lift the mace. "Obviously he's played a lot against Australia at Lord's. (I want to) maybe pick his brain on what they did back then or what they did when he was playing to get certain batters out. "You might get a guy out with a ball that you never even planned on bowling. So it's good to have the information. "Once you're on the pitch on that day though, you have to figure it out for yourself. And then whatever plan you have or plan you think could work, (you) just try and do that and hope it pays off and you hope you execute well." Most memorable moments of The Ultimate Test | WTC23 Final Two tons, classic catches and brilliant bowling - relive the most memorable moments of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India Jansen was also a strong performer when the Proteas last faced their Final combatants in the 2022/2023 Australian summer, though the tourists failed to land a punch in a 2-0 series defeat. The quick acknowledged his side weren't at their best against world-class opponents, though the variables around a neutral venue with a World Test Championship mace on the line mean the Final is destined to take a different. "They have good bowlers, good batters. So we know it's going to be tough. "The conditions are completely different. The way you're going to approach it will probably be different. And the thing that would probably stay the same is the analysis work and trying to see how you can get them (Australia's batters) out. "That'll probably stay the same. But going about it and playing in these conditions will be a lot different, in my opinion. "For me, it's just on the day, what can you do to get one particular batter out? And if you're batting, what can you do to not go out? And, yeah, I think they're probably going to think the same way as well." 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.
Int'l Cricket Council
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Memorable moments from past World Test Championship Finals
Few events in cricket ignite both passion and prestige quite like the World Test Championship Final, the Ultimate Test for supremacy in the game's purest format. Australia lift the mace | WTC23 Final A memorable moment for Australia as they lift their first mace after winning the World Test Championship Final against India in 2023 Since its announcement in 2019 followed by a dramatic debut in 2021, the World Test Championship Final has delivered edge-of-the-seat thrillers, career-defining performances, and moments that have reverberated across the cricketing world. As we head closer to the 2025 Final between current mace holders Australia, and South Africa, we look back at some of the magical moments from the previous editions. The Kiwi quick was in incredible form at Southampton, exploiting the English conditions masterfully as he struck the first blow to India's batting effort on Day 2, outfoxing Rohit Sharma with a full-length delivery which the India batter nicked to third slip. Jamieson followed this up with the prized wicket of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli, trapping him LBW and denting India's batting effort. He went on to pick up the wickets of Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as he cleared out the India batting unit, putting New Zealand in a commanding position as India were bowled out for 217 in the first innings. Kyle Jamieson's fifth Test five-for | WTC21 Final | Ind v NZ Jamieson rips through India in Southampton with a Player of the Match performance After years of heartbreak in global finals, New Zealand's 2021 stood on the brink of history. The Kiwis were chasing down a modest target of 139, though on a wearing pitch facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and seasoned spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. After losing openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway to Ashwin's spin, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor found themselves at the crease still with 95 runs to get on the final day. Williamson and Taylor played measured innings of 52* (89) and 47* (100), as Taylor's iconic whip through mid-wicket for four sparked emotional celebrations. It was a moment of redemption, resilience, and reward for New Zealand cricket as they were crowned Test champions. New Zealand winning moment | WTC21 Final | Ind v NZ Joy for New Zealand as they claim the inaugural World Test Championship Final A complete contrast to the overcast skies at the 2021 Final, the 2023 Final at The Oval witnessed one of the best counter-attacking batting performances from Travis Head. The left-hander walked in at 76/3 as the Aussies had lost David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne relatively quickly. Along with Steve Smith, Head put on a show of aggressive batting as he powered his way through the Indian bowling unit. His knock of 163 off 174 deliveries consisted of 25 fours and a six as he brought his side back into the game and into the ascendancy, putting up 285 runs for the fourth wicket. His century was the first ever in a WTC Final and ultimately proved match-defining, giving Australia a commanding first-innings total that India struggled to recover from. Highlights: Travis Head deflates India with brilliant century | WTC23 Final The highlights of Travis Head's brilliant century on day one of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India While Australia held the upper hand, Ajinkya Rahane stood tall amidst the ruins in India's first innings. Rahane entered the fray with India at 50-3, and soon witnessed Virat Kohli's dismissal as India were left stranded at 71-4. Having returned to the India Test side after 18 months out of the team, Rahane displayed immense grit and resilience as he stood tall to Australia's devastating pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. His knock of 89 off 129 deliveries consisted of 11 fours and a solitary six that brought up his half century. His composed knock was filled with classical strokes and steely temperament, and kept India in the contest. It was a reminder of Rahane's big-match temperament and a symbol of resistance in the face of scoreboard pressure and world-class bowling. Revitalised Ajinkya Rahane back with a bang - Highlights | WTC23 Final Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane made an impact in both India innings of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 against Australia Had Josh Hazlewood been fit, Scott Boland may not have had the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. Boland didn't just take the opportunity, he grabbed it with both of his hands. Boland knocked over Gill in the first innings and followed it up in the second innings as well, as Cameron Green took an absolute blinder to his left to remove the top-order batter. He then claimed Virat Kohli as he fired it in full and wide as an uncertain Kohli edged to Steve Smith at second slip. Boland then had Ravindra Jadeja caught behind by Alex Carey as India found themselves in no man's land at 179/5 in their chase of 444. His wickets with a ball moving enough off the seam proved the turning point. Boland's precision and control underlined the depth in Australia's pace attack and helped seal Australia's victory as Test Champions of the World. Cult hero Scott Boland sparks collapse in critical role for Australia - Highlights | WTC23 Final Scott Boland took five wickets for Australia, including a key dismissal of Virat Kohli on the last day to spark an India collapse, in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023
Int'l Cricket Council
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Shubman Gill reacts to being appointed India's Test captain
"It is definitely a bit overwhelming," Gill said. "As a young kid when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India and not just play for India, play Test cricket for a very long time. 'To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it's a big responsibility. I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity and the upcoming series against England is going to be an exciting one.' As captain, Gill emphasised the importance of leadership beyond just runs and results, expressing a philosophy rooted in discipline and connection. 'I believe in leading by example, not just by performance, but I think off the field by discipline and hard work. As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in and also when to give space to the players. 'A good leader should always be able to know what makes his players be able to have the best performance or the best outcome. 'That is always exciting to people to have those conversations with the players, to be able to know them on a deeper level than just cricket, you know, because then you're really able to know what can get the best out of them.' Shubman Gill: New star on the rise for India | WTC23 Final India and Australia players laud emerging star Shubman Gill at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 Gill further spoke about maintaining mental clarity as a batter while captaining. The 25-year-old has lit up the Indian Premier League this season both as a batter and captain. Gujarat Titans currently sit atop the standings, while Gill is placed second in the highest run-getters list, only topped by teammate Sai Sudharsan, who has also earned his maiden call-up to the Test side. 'One of the things that I learned was if I'm a batsman, I'm batting out there, I want to be able to make decisions as a batsman and not as a captain. 'If I start thinking about other things, it just puts more pressure on me, which is not required, you know, because when you're batting out there, you want to be able to take those risks. 'You want to be able to make decisions that you would make when you are playing just as the batsman, because that gives you the freedom.' Gill credited India's recent Test captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for shaping his understanding of captaincy and preparing the team for success, especially in overseas conditions. Both the veteran stars announced their retirement from the longest format of the game on May 7 and May 12 respectively, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in white-ball cricket. 'When I was a kid, I was always inspired by the greats and the legends of Indian cricket and been very fortunate to be able to play with so many of them. 'Be it Virat bhai or Rohit bhai, both were very contrasting in terms of the style, but it was very inspiring to see both of them working towards a common goal. You want to be able to win as a captain, and your styles can be different, but they both were very different, but also similar in their own sense. Shastri on Kohli, Rohit retirement and India's next Test captain Watch as ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri analyses the retirements of former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as well as who could be the next Test captain ahead of India's tour of England. 'Virat bhai was always very aggressive, always wanting to lead from the front with hunger and passion. 'Rohit Bhai was someone who was very calm and technically, always very present, and he's very communicative to the players, what he wants from the players. And so these are the qualities that I learned from them. 'Guys like Virat bhai, Rohit bhai and Ashwin bhai, they have given us a blueprint on how to tour away from home and win matches and series. 'It's one thing to be able to deliver and execute, but because we have that blueprint, we know how to tour away from home and win matches and series. Looking ahead to the five-Test series in England, Gill is eager to take on the challenge head-on. Gill has happy recent memories against England where he was the second-highest run-getter in the five-match series at home, with 452 runs coming across nine innings. "My favourite series that I played was also a five-Test match series when England came to India. There's a different essence when you are playing a five-Test series. It's long, it's mentally and physically very challenging. 'That's the most exciting thing that I find about red-ball cricket. It's not going to be easy, but I think we're ready for any challenge." ICC World Test ChampionshipNewsShubman GillIndia
Int'l Cricket Council
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
World Test Championship Final: All You Need to Know
Pat Cummins-led Australia will be looking to retain the mace that they claimed after defeating India in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June 2023. On the other side, a determined South Africa aim for their first ICC trophy in over two decades, with Temba Bavuma leading the charge. Australia lift the mace | WTC23 Final A memorable moment for Australia as they lift their first mace after winning the World Test Championship Final against India in 2023 South Africa v Australia Dates: June 11–15, 2025 (Reserve Day: June 16) Venue: Lord's, London Start Time: 10:30 AM Local Time South Africa and Australia announced their squads for the World Test Championship Final on Monday, 13 May. South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett 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 Matches Played: 12 Wins: 8 Losses: 3 Draws: 1 Points: 100 PCT: 69.44% The Proteas' WTC journey started with a 1-1 drawn series against India at home, before being handed a 2-0 series defeat by New Zealand. They then travelled to the West Indies, winning 1-0, before picking up pace with 2-0 wins against both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This meant that a thrilling two-wicket win against Pakistan at Centurion was enough to help them seal their berth in the final showdown. They eventually went on to win the series 2-0 against Pakistan, earning their seventh consecutive Test win in this cycle, helping the Proteas qualify as the table toppers. Also read: Five key questions for South Africa before the WTC25 Final Matches Played: 19 Wins: 13 Losses: 4 Draws: 2 Points: 154 PCT: 67.54% The ICC No.1 ranked Test team started their journey to the WTC Final with two Ashes wins before England's comeback to draw the series 2-2. This was followed by a clinical clean sweep at home, winning three Tests against Pakistan. They were not able to finish the home Test summer unbeaten, dropping the second Test against the West Indies to draw 1-1 thanks to Shamar Joseph's heroics for the tourists in Brisbane. A 2-0 sweep away from home against New Zealand followed, before Australia hosted India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After being handed a huge defeat in the first Test, Australia hit back with three wins in the next four Tests to help them seal their spot in the Ultimate Test. Also read: Five decisions Australia must make ahead of the WTC25 Final The Aussies' final two Tests of the WTC 2023-25 cycle concluded with the visitors defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in the subcontinent and finishing second in the table. South Africa: Kagiso Rabada World No. 2-ranked bowler has been the torchbearer for the Proteas in the pace unit, with his 47 wickets in 10 Tests crucial in South Africa's run to the Final. His three five-wicket hauls and a sizzling 19.97 average in the current WTC cycle have played a key role in the Proteas' triumphs at home as well as away. The right-armer also enjoys English conditions, picking up 30 wickets in six Tests there, with a five-wicket haul as well to his name. Australia: Travis Head Australia's left-hander has taken part in all 19 assignments for Australia so far in the current cycle, amassing 1177 runs and scoring three centuries, playing a major role in Australia's road to back-to-back WTC Finals. The eighth-ranked Test batter brings plenty of experience playing in English conditions, making 734 runs in 10 Test outings over his career. Travis also set the WTC Final stage on fire in 2023, scoring a stunning 163 that took away the Test mace from India at the Oval. Australia would hope for their talented southpaw to repeat his heroic at Lord's. Highlights: Travis Head deflates India with brilliant century | WTC23 Final The highlights of Travis Head's brilliant century on day one of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India On 15 May, ICC have unveiled a massive prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition of the ICC World Test Championship. 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. Winners: 3,600,000 USD Runners-up: 2,160,000 USD Several international broadcast partners have come on board to bring live and highlights coverage of the ICC World Test Championship Final to a global TV audience India: Star Sports & Jiostar Australia: Amazon Prime Video South Africa: SuperSport TV UK: Sky Sports Cricket USA & Canada: Willow TV and Willow TV app Caribbean & South America: ESPN Caribbean and ESPN Play Caribbean New Zealand: Sky Sport Network Middle East & North Africa: TSM via Nagorik TV, e& Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports Afghanistan: Ariana Television Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV Singapore: StarHub Malaysia: Astro Hong Kong: PCCW Pacific Islands: PNG Digicel Rest of the World: ICC World Test Championship Final, 2025NewsAustraliaSouth Africa
