Latest news with #2025ICCWorldTestChampionshipFinal
NDTV
4 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"If Jasprit Bumrah Plays Four Tests...": Ex-England Star's Big Warning For Ben Stokes And Co
As Shubman Gill leads a new-look Indian Test team when the five-match series against England begins on June 20, the spotlight will be huge on premier fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah and his ability to tilt results single-handedly in the visitors' favour under testing conditions. With India yet to take a call on which Tests Bumrah, the top-ranked bowler in the format, will play in England as part of his workload management, Steve Harmison, the former England fast-bowler, believes if the fast-bowling spearhead plays at least four games, he can potentially replicate the performances showcased by Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins during the recent 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's. 'I look at the two bowling units and I think that's where this series is going to be won. If Jasprit Bumrah plays four Test matches, then he can do what we've just seen Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins do at Lord's and in England's overhead conditions. Obviously, Jasprit Bumrah is probably just ahead of those two in the pecking order of, in my opinion, the three best bowlers in the world.' 'If Jasprit does what Pat and Kagiso Rabada did, then it's going to be tough for England because I don't see England having that sort of standout world-class bowler. They've got some inexperience in their attack and five Test matches in six and a half weeks - it's going to be a long toil for both teams,' said Harmison in an exclusive conversation with IANS, organised by talkSPORT. In nine Tests in England, Bumrah has picked 37 wickets at an average of 23.78. In his first Test in England in 2018, he picked a five-for as India emerged victorious at Trent Bridge. In 2021, Bumrah did pick up another five-for, though the game ended in a draw due to rain on the last day's play. At Lord's, his slower ball to fox Ollie Robinson at a crucial juncture is still very much etched in everyone's minds, though his blitzkrieg with the bat and an 89-run stand for the last wicket with Mohammed Shami took all the limelight. Harmison further stated that if he was in the Indian team, he would ensure Bumrah would play in Headingley, while giving him rest in either the third or fourth game, depending on what the series scenario is for the visitors. 'It's easy to say now that you're only going to play three games, and then all of a sudden you're trying to manage him. I think there is a little bit of time between the first and second Test matches, so I don't see there being too much of an issue with that.' 'If he plays in the first two test matches and then has to miss one, like either the third or fourth one, I can guarantee that if the series is on the line, he will play the fifth one. So, when they say he's going to play three, I think that's good for the series. It wouldn't surprise me if he plays four and possibly misses the third or fourth Test match,' he said. 'But with the time in between the first and second Test matches, if I was India, I'd be making sure, yes, he's definitely playing in Headingley. That's a given - he has to play there. Then for me, he has to play at Lord's because the way he bowls, he can be utilising the slope, like how Cummins and Rabada did. If you get some cloud cover in an afternoon in England, there'll be nobody more dangerous than Jasprit Bumrah, just like what the two bowlers from South Africa and Australia were,' he elaborated. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which India lost 3-1, it was mostly defined by the Bumrah versus Australia battle. Add to it, the relentlessness and intensity Bumrah brought into the series till a back injury prevented him from bowling in the second innings at Sydney, was missing from the support pacers. While Bumrah took 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, other Indian pacers collectively picked 40 wickets while averaging 34.82. Overcast conditions in England make it an ideal place to find seam and swing, including with Dukes ball offering lateral movement. Harmison believes the Indian pace attack will thrive in England and signalled Mohammed Siraj, who picked 20 wickets in Australia, is well-positioned to complement Bumrah. 'The English conditions from a bowler's point of view is a lot easier. Obviously, it's not as hot and humid, what Indian bowlers are used to. It's the air and breeze here which gives a little bit more time to recover in between the overs. "It's not as hard on your body and feet. So, from that point of view, I think the Indian seam bowlers will enjoy bowling in England. The Dukes bowl is another contributing factor to why it gives bowlers energy because it moves more laterally,' he said. 'So, it naturally gives bowlers energy because you always think they're in the game. England's batters, the way they play is very aggressive and try to be dominant over bowlers, and that will give a huge amount of energy to Indian bowlers as they will be thinking we're in a contest here. Like in white ball cricket, when there are no real quiet passages, there are no quiet passages at any time when England play Test match cricket.' 'So, because of that, I think the seam bowlers of India will enjoy bowling in England. It'll just be a case of will India pick the right bowlers for the right surfaces in the right Test matches to put England under pressure? Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, I think the key component for me would be someone like Mohammed Siraj, who has got a lot of energy and moved the Kookaburra ball laterally.' 'I think he could be quite a dark horse if he gets it right early because he seems to be a confident bowler. If Mohammed Siraj starts the series well in Leeds, then you expect him to have a big summer. So, he's somebody I'm expecting to back up Jasprit Bumrah if he plays in that first Test match,' he concluded.
News18
7 days ago
- Sport
- News18
South African President Celebrates WTC Win: 'Proud Of Captain Temba Bavuma'
Last Updated: South Africa ended their 27-year knockout curse by defeating Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship as Cyril Ramaphosa praised Captain Temba Bavuma and the team. After years of disappointment in knockout games of major tournaments, South Africa finally broke their 27-year knockout curse by defeating Australia by five wickets to win the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final on the fourth day at Lord's on Saturday. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media to celebrate his country's WTC victory. 'Congratulations to the Proteas the ICC Test Champions . We are proud of Captain Temba Bavuma for leading from the front," Cyril Ramaphosa posted on X. 'A victory for you and for the nation," he added. South Africa ended day three at 213/2, chasing 282, and were on the brink of victory. Given their history of collapsing under pressure, especially against serial championship winners Australia, there was a mix of caution and optimism. Markram, who was 102 not out at the end of day three, continued his aggressive play to lead South Africa to victory with a brilliant 136. The Proteas completed the chase in 83.4 overs, securing their eighth consecutive win in the format. Markram, who had led South Africa to victory in the 2014 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, once again played a pivotal role in securing a major senior championship win, their first since the 1998 ICC Knockout, known as the Champions Trophy. Resuming at 213/2, South Africa faced an early setback when Temba Bavuma edged a back-of-the-length delivery from Cummins to the keeper, falling for 66 off 134 balls. With Nathan Lyon getting some turn, South Africa had to navigate nervy moments as Australia maintained pressure and restricted free runs. Markram eased the tension by hitting Cummins for a boundary, followed by a pull through mid-wicket. However, Australia struck again when Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs, removing the leg-stump bail. Australia's desperation was evident when they wasted their third review of the innings. Markram and David Bedingham remained calm and steadily rotated the strike, inching closer to the target. The deficit fell below 20 when Bedingham played a smooth on-drive off Cummins, energising the Proteas supporters. The crowd erupted when Markram whipped Hazlewood through mid-wicket for four, followed by three runs in the same area on the next ball. Although Markram was dismissed for 136 by Hazlewood, Kyle Verreynne secured the win by carving Starc through cover-point, sparking joyous celebrations among players, supporters, family members, and former players both at Lord's and back in South Africa. First Published: June 14, 2025, 18:23 IST
News18
7 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'Curse Is Broken...Victory For Cricket': Netizens Cheer SA Ending Historic 27-Year Trophy Drought With WTC Title
Last Updated: South Africa won the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia by five wickets, ending a 27-year knockout curse. Bafana Bafana, it is finally time for Africa! After years of suffering sadness and heartbreak in knockout games of major tournaments, the Proteas finally broke a 27-year knockout hoodoo to taste championship glory, winning the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final on Saturday. Led by Aiden Markram's century and skipper Temba Bavuma's gritty fifty, South Africa secured a historic 5-wicket win over Australia in the WTC Final at the Lord's Stadium. Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs by carving Starc through cover-point to begin joyful, emotional celebrations in the dressing room, loyal supporters, family members, and former players in the Home of Cricket, as well as back home in South Africa. Netizens all over were overwhelmed with joy to witness the continued persistence of the Proteas, and in particular that of Bavuma, pay off as everyone rejoiced in the victory. He was mocked for his heightHe was mocked for his looksHe was called Quota ProductHe was abusedHe was insultedToday, He brought South Africa within inches of an ICC trophy despite battling with a hamstring. Temba Bavuma, The greatest to lead South Africa ♥️ #WTCFinal2025 — Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) June 13, 2025 TEMBA MEANS 'HOPE"'Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." #WtcFinal2025 — The Cinéprism (@TheCineprism) June 14, 2025 South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa shared his joy and elation, congratulating the team on their historic win. Congratulations to the Proteas the ICC Test Champions . We are proud of Captain Themba Bavuma for leading from the front.A victory for you and for the nation. #WtcFinal2025 — Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 14, 2025 And there goes the 'chokers' tag away.A victory for cricket, A victory for South Africa 🇿🇦All hail lord Bavuma #WtcFinal2025 — Sonu Tiwari (@CricketbySonu) June 14, 2025 THE CURSE IS BROKEN! 🔥South Africa are the World Test Champions 2025! 🏆ICC trophy after decades – this is HISTORY in the making! 🇿🇦🏏1998 ➡️ 2025South Africa wins an ICC trophy after 27 YEARS!'South Africa – World Test Champions 2025"👑💚 #WtcFinal2025 Markram — Harshu (@harshvard100710) June 14, 2025 This SA team, led by the warrior Temba Bavuma, will now go down in history as the one who finally broke that dreaded ICC curse. They will be feted as heroes on their return home. And they have done it deservingly too, winning 8 Tests in a row to claim the title.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Bedingham helps SA reduce deficit to 91 runs
London: David Bedingham managed to get over his share of 'plays and misses' to be unbeaten on 39 as South Africa reached 121/5 in 49 overs and trailed Australia by 91 runs at lunch on the second day of the five-day 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's on Thursday. Resuming from 43/4, South Africa amassed 78 runs in the morning session on Day Two, with Australia captain Pat Cummins taking out his Proteas counterpart Temba Bavuma. A lot will ride on Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne (11 not out) in ensuring South Africa inch closer to surpassing Australia's first innings total of 212. As compared to his stoic nature in the final session on Day One, Bavuma got going by hammering Mitchell Starc for two drives, before Bedingham unfurled an on-drive off the left-arm pacer. On 17, Bavuma was trapped lbw by Josh Hazlewood, but he survived as replays showed an inside edge. Bavuma continued to show a proactive approach by cracking Starc and Hazlewood for boundaries, before swivelling Cummins over square leg for six, even as Bedingham brought out a straight drive. The 64-run stand between Bavuma and Bedingham ended when the South African captain went for an uppish drive off Cummins, but Marnus Labuschagne dived to his right to take a superb catch and send back the batter for 36. In the final over before lunch, there was a potential handled the-ball moment when Bedingham inside-edged into his pad-flap and immediately reached down to grab the ball to throw it on the ground, even as Alex Carey was getting forward to claim for a catch. Bedingham then cracked two boundaries off Webster to end a good session in South Africa's favour. Brief scores Australia 212 in 56.4 overs (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5-51, Marco Jansen 3-49) lead South Africa 121/5 in 49 overs (David Bedingham 39, Temba Bavuma 36; Pat Cummins 2-24, Mitchell Starc 2-38) by 91 runs
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Australia vs South Africa: ICC chair Jay Shah gives WTC Final 2025 perfect start - 'A privilege to ring the bell'
NEW DELHI: The 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final got a fitting and ceremonial start as ICC chair rang the iconic bell at Lord's on Wednesday. Calling it a "privilege," Shah took to the social media platform X to express his honour, writing: "A privilege to ring the bell at the historic Lord's ground before the start of play on day one of the @icc World Test Championship final between @ProteasMenCSA and @CricketAus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. The bell ringing at Lord's, a tradition that marks the beginning of play each day, took on extra significance this time as it signalled the start of cricket's ultimate Test battle, Australia vs South Africa in a highly anticipated final. On the field, South Africa seized the early advantage after skipper Temba Bavuma elected to bowl under overcast skies. The Proteas' pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, struck in quick succession to reduce Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day One. The ball moved prodigiously, and the South African bowlers stuck to disciplined lines and lengths throughout the morning session. Bombay Sport Exchange Ep. 6: Harish Thawani on cricket's TV market and the watershed moments Rabada was especially lethal, dismissing Usman Khawaja for a duck and Cameron Green cheaply in the same over. Jansen backed it up by removing Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, the latter falling to a faint edge down the leg side moments before the break. Though Steve Smith held firm with a composed 26 not out, the Proteas' relentless pressure meant Australia were firmly on the back foot by lunch. As cricket's most prestigious Test match unfolds at the 'Home of Cricket,' the combination of rich tradition, fierce competition, and a symbolic start by the ICC Chair has ensured the WTC Final 2025 is off to a memorable beginning.
