Latest news with #ICCWorldTestChampionshipFinal2025
Int'l Cricket Council
5 days ago
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
ICC thanks ECB and MCC for successful hosting of ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) thanks the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for successfully hosting the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025. South Africa won the trophy for the first time courtesy of a five-wicket win over Australia at Lord's, which hosted the Final for the first time. The showpiece occasion brought sell-out crowds to the Home of Cricket and fans were captivated throughout by an absorbing contest. ICC Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, said: 'We would like to thank and congratulate the ECB and MCC for successfully hosting the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025. 'Lord's is a place synonymous with Test cricket and this was a match fitting of both the occasion and the venue. 'This was the third instalment of the ICC World Test Championship Final, the first at Lord's, and those involved in preparing the playing surfaces, delivering the match and hosting the teams and supporters should be very proud of the show they helped put on. 'Fans both in the ground and tuning in across the world through satellite and digital channels could not have failed to be gripped by the contest between two proud cricketing nations. 'Thank you to both Australia and South Africa for making it such a compelling occasion, and congratulations to South Africa for winning the competition for the first time. 'We look forward to the upcoming cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, which begins on 17 June, and crowning the next winners in 2027.' ENDS
India Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Aiden Markram hopes WTC Final win helps reignite Test cricket in South Africa
Player of the Match in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, Aiden Markram has hoped that the win will reignite the country's passion for the red-ball format. Speaking after the team's first ICC trophy win in 27 years, Markram hoped that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport in his Africa's relationship with Test cricket had been dwindling in recent years. Amongst the teams participating in the World Test Championship, South Africa played the joint lowest number of Test matches—12, alongside Bangladesh. In comparison, Australia and India played 19 matches, while England played Final 2025: Match Report | As it Happened Markram stated that Test was his favourite format and hoped that young cricketers strive for the Test cap in the Rainbow Nation."It has always been my most favourite and most important format. Naturally, the choice of format is not in our hands, it is sort of the cards that you get dealt, really. It is really important, in my opinion, to keep Test cricket as the No. 1 format in South Africa. We understand the dynamics of the cricket world, but it is more about the young guy coming through and for him to consider the Test cap as the most important thing in South Africa. How long he plays for is a completely different conversation nowadays, but the No. 1 priority should be to play Test cricket, and I have always believed that," Aiden Markram said after the WTC right-hander was under the pump while coming into bat in the second innings of the match. South Africa seemed to be down and out of the competition after letting Australia set a target of 282 runs, a sum of runs that had not been chased at Lord's in the last 20 years.A defiant Markram said that answers had hopefully been provided from the team's end, who had been knocking on the doors of multiple ICC finals in recent times."All the questions that have been asked in the past have now hopefully been answered. In my opinion, the WTC Final was going to be the toughest one, as many days of good cricket can only get you results," Markram about the feeling of walking back to the pavilion after getting South Africa within reach of a historic win, Markram said that he wished he could have soaked it in more."I wish I could have (stood there and soaked in the standing ovation). But that is me being me, I was so angry at myself when I got out. But there is definitely one or two memories from that," he Watch
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Business Standard
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
ICC WTC Final 2025: Big blow for Australia as Smith set to miss final day
Australia suffered a major setback on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, with star batter Steve Smith ruled out of the remainder of the match due to a serious finger injury. The veteran cricketer dislocated his right pinkie while fielding at first slip during South Africa's second innings at Lord's. With the Proteas chasing 282 for victory, Smith's absence is a massive blow to Australia's hopes of defending their WTC title. The incident occurred when he attempted to grab a sharp chance off Temba Bavuma but failed to react in time. The mishap not only ruled him out of the rest of the final, but may also jeopardise his participation in the upcoming West Indies tour. Slip Fielding Turns Costly Smith's injury occurred during a high-pressure passage of play, as Australia looked to break a crucial stand. Positioned unusually close at slip—just 14 metres behind the stumps—Smith was wearing a helmet due to the low bounce and inconsistent carry observed throughout the match. The chance came off a shoulder-high edge from Bavuma off Mitchell Starc's bowling. Although Smith got his hands up, the ball struck his right hand awkwardly, causing a compound dislocation. He immediately left the field for treatment and was later taken to hospital for further medical attention. Doubts Over Caribbean Tour While Australia's team management confirmed that Smith would play no further part in the WTC final, they did not specify the timeline for his recovery. However, the nature of the injury raises serious doubts about his availability for Australia's upcoming Test series in the Caribbean, which begins on 25 June. The three-match series against West Indies now seems uncertain for Smith, depending on how quickly the dislocation heals and whether surgery is required. Strategic Setback for Australia Smith's absence not only affects Australia's fielding structure but also leaves a void in the batting order, should the final stretch into a potential fourth-innings chase. His injury marks a critical moment in a tightly contested final at Lord's.
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
WTC Final: Australia Bowling Coach Daniel Vettori Eyes Early Breakthrough On Day 4
Australia bowling coach Daniel Vettori believes the only way back into the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 lies in breaking South Africa's resolute third-wicket stand between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Speaking after Day 3 at Lord's, Vettori acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead of Australia, who trail by just 69 runs but have only managed two wickets while the Proteas march steadily toward a historic Test title. "We understand the main task, 8/70 is incredibly tricky, and conditions wouldn't have to go our way, but I think with the nature of where the ball is at and the surface, it's a difficult task," Vettori said. Despite Australia's slim advantage at 70/2 during the second session on Friday, Markram and Bavuma showcased extraordinary composure and skill to shift the game firmly in South Africa's favour, compiling a 143-run stand that now looms large. The surface, according to Vettori, also played its part in aiding South Africa's fightback. "The wicket is slow. And you would've seen over the course of the game, that the boundaries are probably lower than what we would've expected than previous Test matches here. So it is difficult scoring here, but South Africa made the most of those [improved] conditions." He praised the duo's approach: "Exceptional partnership. Navigated any tricky times, and then managed to put pressure back on us, through their running, their ability to dissect the field. It was a real clinic from those two." Drawing inspiration from past comebacks, including the Edgbaston Ashes Test and the 2023 World Cup thriller against Afghanistan, Vettori highlighted the team's grit: "It is a task that the group has probably done at times throughout the last three or four, and for some of them, even longer six or seven years." Asked about bowling variations, Vettori revealed a cautious strategy: "There is sometimes an appetite for that, but there is a concern for score running away from us. Sometimes when you go for short ball stuff, it is difficult to control the scoreboard. [We believed that] if we could hang on in those areas, something would happen... but it wasn't to be." While South Africa has a history of last-minute heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, Vettori refused to read into the past. "It is always difficult to label or tag teams, because teams change... it is difficult to assign to a group that hasn't been in this situation in terms of World Test Championship Final." As Day 4 looms, Vettori remains hopeful: "I think the hope for us is that we get a wicket or two in the morning, and then see what it looks like. That's the main challenge for us." The final day promises high drama at Lord's, with Australia banking on early breakthroughs to deny South Africa their long-awaited silverware.
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Business Standard
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Australia's fight will make SA earn every one of 69 runs: Dale Steyn
At the end of Day 3 in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, South Africa stands just 69 runs away from sealing a historic victory over Australia. Sharing their insights on JioHotstar's Cricket Live, experts Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, and Sanjay Bangar unpacked the drama and intensity of the day's play. Dale Steyn emphasized the unpredictability of Test cricket, noting that despite South Africa being close to the finish line, the final 69 runs could be their most challenging yet. 'Test matches are built on small moments. Had South Africa taken those two wickets earlier or bowled fewer no-balls, this game might have ended today. But this is the beauty of the format—those last runs won't come easy. Australia will fight until the very end,' he said. Aiden Markram's century rescues SA Matthew Hayden praised South Africa's batting effort, especially from Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. He highlighted their smart approach and the way they capitalized on better batting conditions. 'Markram has been magnificent, striking above 70. And Bavuma, despite battling injury, showed tremendous grit. Their partnership has been near flawless.' Sanjay Bangar applauded Markram's composed innings and clean technique. 'His footwork and decision-making were top-notch. He managed strike cleverly, and together with Bavuma, kept the pressure on Australia.' Steyn also pointed out how Day 3's slowing pitch gave batters an edge. 'We saw signs of this during Starc and Hazlewood's time at the crease. South Africa batted smartly, punishing loose deliveries and finding gaps with ease.' He concluded by analyzing the duo's synergy: 'Their height difference posed problems for bowlers, forcing constant length adjustments. That small detail helped them rotate strike efficiently and maintain control.' As South Africa edges closer to glory, all eyes are on Day 4 to see if they can finish what has been a gripping contest.
