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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>South Africa are on the brink of a historic World Test Championship (WTC) win as they need 69 more runs to end their trophy drought in an ICC competition. Playing on Friday (June 14) on Day 3 of the WTC final, the Proteas made a solid start to their second innings with skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram playing crucial roles. However, it was skipper Bavuma who took the applause having stood form at the Lord’s cricket ground despite appearing to have sustained a hamstring injury.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Batting on 6, right before the tea break, Bavuma received a lengthy treatment on his hamstring with the management concerned. However, the Proteas skipper continued to bat and would later stitch an unbeaten stand of 143 runs with Markram. After Stumps on Day 3, batting coach Ashwell Prince reflected on the call and stated that the management had a decision to make.</p><h2><strong>‘We had to make a call’</strong></h2><p>"We had to make a big call whether he continues to bat and how it will affect his strokeplay, how that might affect Aiden's rhythm," Ashwell Prince, South Africa's batting coach, said. "If twos are being turned into one [or] they can't run the twos or the threes. Both of them were adamant that Temba was going to continue. He wanted to continue.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the time of writing before the start of Day 4, South Africa are 213/2 in their second innings and need 69 runs to win. Aiden Markram is unbeaten on 102 while skipper Temba Bavuma is on 65 runs. The pair has already added 143 runs for the third wicket and are likely to end South Africa’s title drought in an ICC event.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Proteas’ only senior men’s silverware was the 1998 Champions Trophy and have since faced an unfortunate tail of near-misses including the 2024 T20 World Cup where they lost to India. If they win the WTC final, they will also become the third different nation to lift the Test Holy Grail after New Zealand and Australia.</p>

Batting on 6, right before the tea break, Temba Bavuma received a lengthy treatment on his hamstring with the management concerned. 

South Africa are on the brink of a historic World Test Championship (WTC) win as they need 69 more runs to end their trophy drought in an ICC competition. Playing on Friday (June 14) on Day 3 of the WTC final, the Proteas made a solid start to their second innings with skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram playing crucial roles. However, it was skipper Bavuma who took the applause having stood form at the Lord’s cricket ground despite appearing to have sustained a hamstring injury. Batting on 6, right before the tea break, Bavuma received a lengthy treatment on his hamstring with the management concerned. However, the Proteas skipper continued to bat and would later stitch an unbeaten stand of 143 runs with Markram. After Stumps on Day 3, batting coach Ashwell Prince reflected on the call and stated that the management had a decision to make. ‘We had to make a call’ "We had to make a big call whether he continues to bat and how it will affect his strokeplay, how that might affect Aiden's rhythm," Ashwell Prince, South Africa's batting coach, said. "If twos are being turned into one [or] they can't run the twos or the threes. Both of them were adamant that Temba was going to continue. He wanted to continue.” At the time of writing before the start of Day 4, South Africa are 213/2 in their second innings and need 69 runs to win. Aiden Markram is unbeaten on 102 while skipper Temba Bavuma is on 65 runs. The pair has already added 143 runs for the third wicket and are likely to end South Africa’s title drought in an ICC event. The Proteas’ only senior men’s silverware was the 1998 Champions Trophy and have since faced an unfortunate tail of near-misses including the 2024 T20 World Cup where they lost to India. If they win the WTC final, they will also become the third different nation to lift the Test Holy Grail after New Zealand and Australia.

<p>Batting on 6, right before the tea break, Temba Bavuma received a lengthy treatment on his hamstring with the management concerned.&nbsp;</p>

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final: Ashwell Prince opens up on Temba Bavuma's injury, says 'we had to make a big call'

<p>South Africa are on the brink of a historic World Test Championship (WTC) win as they need 69 more runs to conquer the Aussies at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Having narrowed Australia to a second innings lead of 281 runs, the Proteas are all but set to lift their first ICC silverware since the 1998 Champions Trophy. However, rain could delay the historic moment as Temba Bavuma and Co. await for frantic Saturday in the WTC final.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Will rain play spoilsport on Day 4 of WTC Final?</strong></h2><p>According to AccuWeather, the morning of Day 4 is expected to be warm with “sunny periods and a passing shower.” There is a 55 percent chance of precipitation during the first session, coupled with 60 percent cloud cover and wind gusts reaching up to 48 km/h.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A yellow warning for thunderstorms has also been issued between 7 PM Friday and 6 AM Saturday. Earlier conditions on June 13 were dry and favourable for play, but Day 4 may not promise the same consistency — and that could pose problems for the South Africans.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, even if rain plays any role on Day 4, it is unlikely to affect the outcome of the contest with a minimum of 180 overs of play still remaining in the match.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Is there a reserve day in WTC final?</strong></h2><p>Yes, in case there is a significant loss of overs during the five days due to rain or other unavoidable conditions, then a reserve day is set to be used. Considering South Africa need 69 runs and Australia need eight wickets to win, it is unlikely that the match will last any longer than Day 4.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the time of writing before the start of Day 4, South Africa are 213/2 in their second innings and need 69 runs to win. Aiden Markram is unbeaten on 102 while skipper Temba Bavuma is on 65 runs. The pair has already added 143 runs for the third wicket and are likely to end South Africa’s title drought in an ICC event.</p>

South Africa are on the brink of a historic World Test Championship (WTC) win as they need 69 more runs to conquer the Aussies at the Lord’s Cricket Ground

South Africa are on the brink of a historic World Test Championship (WTC) win as they need 69 more runs to conquer the Aussies at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Having narrowed Australia to a second innings lead of 281 runs, the Proteas are all but set to lift their first ICC silverware since the 1998 Champions Trophy. However, rain could delay the historic moment as Temba Bavuma and Co. await for frantic Saturday in the WTC final. Will rain play spoilsport on Day 4 of WTC Final? According to AccuWeather, the morning of Day 4 is expected to be warm with “sunny periods and a passing shower.” There is a 55 percent chance of precipitation during the first session, coupled with 60 percent cloud cover and wind gusts reaching up to 48 km/h. A yellow warning for thunderstorms has also been issued between 7 PM Friday and 6 AM Saturday. Earlier conditions on June 13 were dry and favourable for play, but Day 4 may not promise the same consistency — and that could pose problems for the South Africans. However, even if rain plays any role on Day 4, it is unlikely to affect the outcome of the contest with a minimum of 180 overs of play still remaining in the match. Is there a reserve day in WTC final? Yes, in case there is a significant loss of overs during the five days due to rain or other unavoidable conditions, then a reserve day is set to be used. Considering South Africa need 69 runs and Australia need eight wickets to win, it is unlikely that the match will last any longer than Day 4. At the time of writing before the start of Day 4, South Africa are 213/2 in their second innings and need 69 runs to win. Aiden Markram is unbeaten on 102 while skipper Temba Bavuma is on 65 runs. The pair has already added 143 runs for the third wicket and are likely to end South Africa’s title drought in an ICC event.

<p>South Africa are on the brink of a historic World Test Championship (WTC) win as they need 69 more runs to conquer the Aussies at the Lord’s Cricket Ground</p>

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final: Will rain play spoilsport on Day 4 as South Africa inch closer to historic win?

<p>Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was knighted on Friday for his services to sport and charity, with The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman also receiving the honour.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Beckham, who played 115 times for England as well as for some of the world's most high-profile clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now be known as "sir" and his wife Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls pop group, will be known as Lady Beckham.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 50-year-old, who has long been in the running for a knighthood, was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2003 -- a lesser award in Britain's honours system.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Victoria later received the same award for services to the fashion industry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour," Beckham said in a statement issued to the Press Association.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Daltrey, who co-founded The Who in 1964, will also take the title of sir having been recognised for his services to charity and music in King Charles III's Birthday Honours list.</p><p>The 81-year-old singer has been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000, holding fundraising concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall for more than two decades.</p><h2><strong>Daltrey dream</strong></h2><p>"It's kind of weird, but I am deeply honoured to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honour is really for all unsung heroes," the "My Generation" singer told the Press Association.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's a dream come true for me, but it's especially a dream because the charity means so much," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Oldman, who won a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in 2017's "Darkest Hour", also received a knighthood for his services to drama.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 67-year-old's films have earned over $11 billion, and his credits include the "Harry Potter" series, The "Dark Knight" Trilogy and "Air Force One", along with cameo appearances in sitcom "Friends" and music videos for David Bowie and Guns N' Roses.</p><p>Stage star Elaine Page, who played Eva Peron in the first production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita", and novelist Pat Barker have both been made dames.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Barker is known for her World War I "Regeneration Trilogy", the first book of which was turned into a Hollywood film starring Jonathan Pryce.</p><h2><strong>Brand Beckham</strong></h2><p>Beckham's knighthood is the culmination of years of tireless efforts to transcend football and turn himself into a global icon at the intersection of sport, fashion and business.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The honour, one of the highest bestowed by the UK state, "is a powerful symbolic marker", Marie Agnes Parmentier, professor of marketing at the University of Montreal and author of several papers on "Posh and Becks", explained to AFP.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even at the height of his football career, Beckham was building his global brand with thought to his retirement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His appearance in a sarong, revelations that he used make-up and his eccentric hairstyles were all feverishly gobbled up by the UK's tabloid press.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He also had to overcome the tag as England's "most-hated man" after being sent off during the 1998 World Cup in a knockout game against Argentina.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Beckham is understood to have been on the verge of receiving a knighthood after helping London win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But UK authorities placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. He was subsequently cleared.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was knighted on Friday for his services to sport and charity, with The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman also receiving the honour.

Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was knighted on Friday for his services to sport and charity, with The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman also receiving the honour. Beckham, who played 115 times for England as well as for some of the world's most high-profile clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now be known as "sir" and his wife Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls pop group, will be known as Lady Beckham. The 50-year-old, who has long been in the running for a knighthood, was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2003 -- a lesser award in Britain's honours system. Victoria later received the same award for services to the fashion industry. "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour," Beckham said in a statement issued to the Press Association. "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment," he added. Daltrey, who co-founded The Who in 1964, will also take the title of sir having been recognised for his services to charity and music in King Charles III's Birthday Honours list. The 81-year-old singer has been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000, holding fundraising concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall for more than two decades. Daltrey dream "It's kind of weird, but I am deeply honoured to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honour is really for all unsung heroes," the "My Generation" singer told the Press Association. "It's a dream come true for me, but it's especially a dream because the charity means so much," he added. Oldman, who won a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in 2017's "Darkest Hour", also received a knighthood for his services to drama. The 67-year-old's films have earned over $11 billion, and his credits include the "Harry Potter" series, The "Dark Knight" Trilogy and "Air Force One", along with cameo appearances in sitcom "Friends" and music videos for David Bowie and Guns N' Roses. Stage star Elaine Page, who played Eva Peron in the first production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita", and novelist Pat Barker have both been made dames. Barker is known for her World War I "Regeneration Trilogy", the first book of which was turned into a Hollywood film starring Jonathan Pryce. Brand Beckham Beckham's knighthood is the culmination of years of tireless efforts to transcend football and turn himself into a global icon at the intersection of sport, fashion and business. The honour, one of the highest bestowed by the UK state, "is a powerful symbolic marker", Marie Agnes Parmentier, professor of marketing at the University of Montreal and author of several papers on "Posh and Becks", explained to AFP. Even at the height of his football career, Beckham was building his global brand with thought to his retirement. His appearance in a sarong, revelations that he used make-up and his eccentric hairstyles were all feverishly gobbled up by the UK's tabloid press. He also had to overcome the tag as England's "most-hated man" after being sent off during the 1998 World Cup in a knockout game against Argentina. Beckham is understood to have been on the verge of receiving a knighthood after helping London win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. But UK authorities placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. He was subsequently cleared. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was knighted on Friday for his services to sport and charity, with The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman also receiving the honour.</p>

Former England football team captain David Beckham knighted for services to sport and charity

<p>Aiden Markram's superb century on Friday left South Africa on the brink of a dramatic victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia after decades of heartbreak in major tournaments.</p><p>South Africa reached the close on the third day at Lord's on 213-2 in their second innings, needing just 69 runs to win, with eight wickets still standing.</p><p>Opener Markram, dismissed for a duck in the first innings, was 102 not out and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 65 despite spending most of his innings limping with a hamstring injury.</p><p>The pair have shared an unbroken stand of 143 as South Africa pursue &nbsp;what will be, if they achieve it, the second-highest successful run chase in a Test at Lord's.</p><p>The highest chase was the 344 made by the West Indies in 1984.</p><p><strong>Also Read -</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cursed-in-t20-final-shreyas-iyer-loses-second-tournament-final-as-skipper-in-10-days-1749816867919">Cursed in T20 final? Shreyas Iyer loses second tournament final as skipper in 10 days</a></p><p>But South Africa, whose last International Cricket Council title came at the 1998 ICC Knockout, have such a long history of folding under pressure that their supporters will not be taking anything for granted against serial winners and WTC title-holders Australia.</p><p>Australia's Mitchell Starc had starred earlier Friday with both bat and ball to put his team in charge.</p><p>The tailender made 58 not out in Australia's second-innings total of 207 and then, in his main role of left-arm fast bowler, dismissed Ryan Rickelton (six) and Wiaan Mulder (27) to leave the Proteas 70-2.</p><p>Starc almost had a third wicket when Bavuma got a thick edge only for Smith, in a helmet at an advanced slip position, to drop a fast-travelling catch and leave the field with a finger injury.</p><p>But with any early moisture in the surface long gone, conditions for batting at a sun-drenched Lord's were now as good as at any time in the match.</p><p><strong>Markram ton</strong><br>Markram, aggressive from the outset, punched and pulled Australia captain Pat Cummins for well-struck fours.</p><p>With Australia appearing to miss absent former captain Smith's tactical input, Bavuma produced the occasional gem of a shot, including a glorious drive down the ground off Cummins.</p><p>Australia spinner Nathan Lyon almost dismissed both batsmen, with Markram aiming a booming drive at a sharply turning off-break, only to miss the ball completely before it also beat wicketkeeper Alex Carey.</p><p>Bavuma had made 43 when a slog-sweep off Lyon just evaded a diving Sam Konstas at deep midwicket as the substitute fielder attempted to pull off a low catch only for the ball to run away for four.</p><p>Soon afterwards, the diminutive Bavuma, who has a history of hamstring trouble, completed a gritty 83-ball fifty.</p><p>Markram went to 97 with a brilliant straight-driven boundary off Josh Hazlewood and, shortly before stumps, clipped the fast bowler through midwicket to complete his hundred with an 11th four in 156 balls faced.</p><p>It was only the 30-year-old's eighth hundred in 84 Test innings.</p><p>Earlier Friday South Africa enjoyed an early breakthrough when Kagiso Rabada had Nathan Lyon plumb lbw to leave Australia 148-9 in their second innings.</p><p>But tailender Starc, dropped in the gully on 14 by Marco Jansen late on the Thursday, kept the Proteas at bay, ably assisted by Hazlewood, reaching the 11th fifty of his 97-Test career.</p><p>Part-time spinner Markram eventually succeeded where the frontline bowlers had failed when Hazlewood holed out to end a 59-run partnership for the last wicket.</p><p>Paceman Rabada took 4-59 to finish with nine wickets in the match.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p>

South Africa reached the close on the third day at Lord's on 213-2 in their second innings, needing just 69 runs to win, with eight wickets still standing.

Aiden Markram's superb century on Friday left South Africa on the brink of a dramatic victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia after decades of heartbreak in major tournaments. South Africa reached the close on the third day at Lord's on 213-2 in their second innings, needing just 69 runs to win, with eight wickets still standing. Opener Markram, dismissed for a duck in the first innings, was 102 not out and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 65 despite spending most of his innings limping with a hamstring injury. The pair have shared an unbroken stand of 143 as South Africa pursue what will be, if they achieve it, the second-highest successful run chase in a Test at Lord's. The highest chase was the 344 made by the West Indies in 1984. Also Read - Cursed in T20 final? Shreyas Iyer loses second tournament final as skipper in 10 days But South Africa, whose last International Cricket Council title came at the 1998 ICC Knockout, have such a long history of folding under pressure that their supporters will not be taking anything for granted against serial winners and WTC title-holders Australia. Australia's Mitchell Starc had starred earlier Friday with both bat and ball to put his team in charge. The tailender made 58 not out in Australia's second-innings total of 207 and then, in his main role of left-arm fast bowler, dismissed Ryan Rickelton (six) and Wiaan Mulder (27) to leave the Proteas 70-2. Starc almost had a third wicket when Bavuma got a thick edge only for Smith, in a helmet at an advanced slip position, to drop a fast-travelling catch and leave the field with a finger injury. But with any early moisture in the surface long gone, conditions for batting at a sun-drenched Lord's were now as good as at any time in the match. Markram ton Markram, aggressive from the outset, punched and pulled Australia captain Pat Cummins for well-struck fours. With Australia appearing to miss absent former captain Smith's tactical input, Bavuma produced the occasional gem of a shot, including a glorious drive down the ground off Cummins. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon almost dismissed both batsmen, with Markram aiming a booming drive at a sharply turning off-break, only to miss the ball completely before it also beat wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Bavuma had made 43 when a slog-sweep off Lyon just evaded a diving Sam Konstas at deep midwicket as the substitute fielder attempted to pull off a low catch only for the ball to run away for four. Soon afterwards, the diminutive Bavuma, who has a history of hamstring trouble, completed a gritty 83-ball fifty. Markram went to 97 with a brilliant straight-driven boundary off Josh Hazlewood and, shortly before stumps, clipped the fast bowler through midwicket to complete his hundred with an 11th four in 156 balls faced. It was only the 30-year-old's eighth hundred in 84 Test innings. Earlier Friday South Africa enjoyed an early breakthrough when Kagiso Rabada had Nathan Lyon plumb lbw to leave Australia 148-9 in their second innings. But tailender Starc, dropped in the gully on 14 by Marco Jansen late on the Thursday, kept the Proteas at bay, ably assisted by Hazlewood, reaching the 11th fifty of his 97-Test career. Part-time spinner Markram eventually succeeded where the frontline bowlers had failed when Hazlewood holed out to end a 59-run partnership for the last wicket. Paceman Rabada took 4-59 to finish with nine wickets in the match. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>South Africa reached the close on the third day at Lord's on 213-2 in their second innings, needing just 69 runs to win, with eight wickets still standing.</p>

WTC Final, Day 3: Markram, Bavuma take South Africa near to glory vs Australia

<p>Shreyas Iyer doesn't seem to catch a break in T20 tournament finals as he lost another title match on Thursday (June 12) - this time in Mumbai T20 League. Iyer's team, SoBo Mumbai Falcons, fell short against Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals for the title. As skipper, Iyer himself couldn't manage to score much and managed just 12 off 17 balls and just 62 runs in the</p><p>This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.</p><p><strong>Also Read -</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-india-head-coach-gautam-gambhir-flies-home-due-to-family-emergency-mother-heart-attack-1749815684320">ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency; return date uncertain</a></p><p>"Don't want to pinpoint any incident - overall, the boys were brilliant with their effort," Iyer said after the final. "We just lost one game en route to the final. Just a one-off game, where you can't single out anyone. It's basically backstabbing [if you criticise someone], and I don't enjoy that.</p><p>"It's pretty common to feel dejected after a final loss. It must hurt [the players]. But when they come back next year, they'll have that extra motivation and confidence. They should be proud of their effort," he added.</p><p>Batting first, Iyer's team managed 157 in 20 overs which the opposition chased down with ease in 19.2 overs and six wickets in hand.</p><p>Overall, Iyer has been in superb form as a player and a skipper for Mumbai and India since 2024 season. He left Mumbai to Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) win and was part of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy winning squad to go with India's highest run scorer in Champions Trophy 2025 title-winning team.</p><p>In IPL 2025, he took Punjab to their second final in franchise history and first one after a gap of 11 long years.</p>

This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.

Shreyas Iyer doesn't seem to catch a break in T20 tournament finals as he lost another title match on Thursday (June 12) - this time in Mumbai T20 League. Iyer's team, SoBo Mumbai Falcons, fell short against Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals for the title. As skipper, Iyer himself couldn't manage to score much and managed just 12 off 17 balls and just 62 runs in the This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3. Also Read - ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency; return date uncertain "Don't want to pinpoint any incident - overall, the boys were brilliant with their effort," Iyer said after the final. "We just lost one game en route to the final. Just a one-off game, where you can't single out anyone. It's basically backstabbing [if you criticise someone], and I don't enjoy that. "It's pretty common to feel dejected after a final loss. It must hurt [the players]. But when they come back next year, they'll have that extra motivation and confidence. They should be proud of their effort," he added. Batting first, Iyer's team managed 157 in 20 overs which the opposition chased down with ease in 19.2 overs and six wickets in hand. Overall, Iyer has been in superb form as a player and a skipper for Mumbai and India since 2024 season. He left Mumbai to Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) win and was part of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy winning squad to go with India's highest run scorer in Champions Trophy 2025 title-winning team. In IPL 2025, he took Punjab to their second final in franchise history and first one after a gap of 11 long years.

<p>This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.</p>

Cursed in T20 final? Shreyas Iyer loses second tournament final as skipper in 10 days

<p>Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir rushed home (to New Delhi) on Wednesday (June 11) due to a family emergency. The Indian men’s senior team was without Gambhir for their only practice game on the English tour against India-A in Beckenham starting on Friday (June 13). While former India cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar was in the India-A dugout, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, took charge of the senior side.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although it remains unclear when Gautam will rejoin the squad, or even if he would in the first place, his absence comes at a crucial time, when the newly-appointed captain, Shubman Gill, alongside the team management, was looking forward to working on assembling the best XI for the five-match Test series starting June 20 in Leeds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ahmedabad-plane-crash-south-africa-australia-players-pay-homage-to-lives-lost-in-tragic-crash-wtc-final-2025-day-3-1749807853230"><strong>Ahmedabad plane crash: WTC Final-bound players, Indian Teams in UK observe silence, pay homage to lives lost - WATCH</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>With no media telecast of this intra-squad game between India and India-A on BCCI’s orders, Gambhir misses out on closely watching, analysing and working on formalising the top order, which needed replacements following the retirement of two stalwarts – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two master cricketers hung their Test boots in the space of five days (last month), leaving the selectors to pick and play a new-look Indian Team.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>With at least a couple of new slots to fill, uncapped Sai Sudharsan is running the race from the senior team XI for this game, while spare opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jure and returning Karun Nair, among those from the India-A vying for a place in the Indian Team for the England Tests.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Barring the batters, the decision makers also have to pick between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur for the all-rounder's position in the XI. Though Reddy has his Australia tour numbers to press his case for England Tests, Thakur’s experience could come in handy for the visitors, as he has toured England before.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, ace quick Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack but is unlikely to play all matches, with the selectors having plenty to choose from to compensate for that, including uncapped Arshdeep Singh.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the Indian Team observed a minute's silence for the ones killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash ahead of their closed-door practice game against India-A.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The players and members of the support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands. A minute's silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with the affected families,” the BCCI captioned two photos they posted on their social media handles.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The players and members of support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands.<br><br>A minute&#39;s silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with… <a href="https://t.co/u364pNdGyu">pic.twitter.com/u364pNdGyu</a></p>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1933458010342412548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir rushed home (to New Delhi) on Wednesday (June 11) due to a family emergency. The Indian men’s senior team was without Gambhir for their only practice game on the English tour against India-A in Beckenham starting on Friday (June 13). While former India cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar was in the India-A dugout, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, took charge of the senior side. Although it remains unclear when Gautam will rejoin the squad, or even if he would in the first place, his absence comes at a crucial time, when the newly-appointed captain, Shubman Gill, alongside the team management, was looking forward to working on assembling the best XI for the five-match Test series starting June 20 in Leeds. Also read | Ahmedabad plane crash: WTC Final-bound players, Indian Teams in UK observe silence, pay homage to lives lost - WATCH With no media telecast of this intra-squad game between India and India-A on BCCI’s orders, Gambhir misses out on closely watching, analysing and working on formalising the top order, which needed replacements following the retirement of two stalwarts – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two master cricketers hung their Test boots in the space of five days (last month), leaving the selectors to pick and play a new-look Indian Team. With at least a couple of new slots to fill, uncapped Sai Sudharsan is running the race from the senior team XI for this game, while spare opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jure and returning Karun Nair, among those from the India-A vying for a place in the Indian Team for the England Tests. Barring the batters, the decision makers also have to pick between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur for the all-rounder's position in the XI. Though Reddy has his Australia tour numbers to press his case for England Tests, Thakur’s experience could come in handy for the visitors, as he has toured England before. Moreover, ace quick Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack but is unlikely to play all matches, with the selectors having plenty to choose from to compensate for that, including uncapped Arshdeep Singh. Meanwhile, the Indian Team observed a minute's silence for the ones killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash ahead of their closed-door practice game against India-A. “The players and members of the support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands. A minute's silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with the affected families,” the BCCI captioned two photos they posted on their social media handles.

<p>With no media telecast of this intra-squad game between India and India-A on BCCI’s orders, Gambhir misses out on closely watching, analysing and working on formalising the top order.</p>

ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency; return date uncertain

<p>The Australian and South African players wore black armbands ahead of the day three play at the Lord’s to pay respect to the lives lost in the tragic plane crash near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon (June 12). All players, including the on-field umpires and the crowd in attendance, maintained a moment of silence, paying homage to the lives lost in a horrific accident.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This tragedy occurred when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a building housing medical college students shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the city. The New Delhi-London bound flight crashed in the residential area in Meghani, claiming more than 260 lives on board. The plane was carrying 230 passengers, two pilots and ten cabin crew members.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-pakistan-concerned-by-bcci-silence-as-pcb-plans-tri-series-involving-afghanistan-uae-as-backup-report-1749803983572"><strong>Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan concerned by BCCI’s silence as PCB plans tri-series involving Afghanistan as backup – Report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH -</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the aircraft’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul journey contributed to the intensity of the blaze that followed upon crashing. All players shared a moment of silence and grief for the departed souls, showing solidarity with the affected families.</p><h3>Indian Team observe silence in the UK</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While the internet is filled with sincere condolences since the tragedy occurred, those on the grounds also paid homage.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Barring the two teams playing the WTC Final in London, the Indian Team, also present in the UK, preparing for their marquee series against England starting next week, observed a minute's silence for the ones killed in the plane crash.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Playing against India-A in Beckenham, Kent, in a four-day practice match starting on Friday (June 13), both teams wore black armbands and observed silence. The BCCI social media handle posted photos, writing,&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The players and members of the support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands. A minute's silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with the affected families.”</p>

Ahmedabad plane crash: SA, AUS players pay homage to lives lost in tragic crash

The Australian and South African players wore black armbands ahead of the day three play at the Lord’s to pay respect to the lives lost in the tragic plane crash near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon (June 12). All players, including the on-field umpires and the crowd in attendance, maintained a moment of silence, paying homage to the lives lost in a horrific accident. This tragedy occurred when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a building housing medical college students shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the city. The New Delhi-London bound flight crashed in the residential area in Meghani, claiming more than 260 lives on board. The plane was carrying 230 passengers, two pilots and ten cabin crew members. Also read | Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan concerned by BCCI’s silence as PCB plans tri-series involving Afghanistan as backup – Report WATCH -

<p>All players, including the on-field umpires and the crowd in attendance, maintained a moment of silence, paying homage to the lives lost in a horrific accident.</p>

Ahmedabad plane crash: WTC Final-bound players, Indian Teams in UK observe silence, pay homage to lives lost - WATCH

<p>India is scheduled to host the 2025 Asia Cup around September later this year. However, since the Pahalgam terror attack in late April and the military showdown between India and Pakistan that followed, all relations between them, including diplomatic ties, have gone sour, with their respective cricket boards also maintaining silence over scheduled FTPs and their potential head-to-head clashes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although the BCCI remains firm in its stance of not playing Pakistan at any level across any format until the cross-border tension diffuses, further putting the future of this continental tournament in limbo, its counterpart, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), seemed to be irked and bothered by its silence. The latest reports suggest that the PCB is seeking alternatives should the BCCI decide against hosting or participating in the upcoming edition or dissolving this particular one altogether.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-bcci-no-media-coverage-of-india-vs-india-a-intra-squad-practice-game-kent-know-why-1749800300103"><strong>India vs India-A, Intra-squad game: No live telecast for fans, know why</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Even though the BCCI and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) agreed on a hybrid model for this edition, following an agreement between the two boards since the 2025 Champions Trophy venue fiasco, both have stood their ground over not resuming talks around this multi-team tournament.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>A PTI report has confirmed developments from across the border, as the PCB has initiated talks with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) over scheduling a tri-series between them and the UAE, should the 2025 Asia Cup stand cancelled for any reason.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“With the Asia Cup now unlikely to be held in India as originally planned in September due to the simmering relations between Pakistan and India, the PCB is working on another tri-series proposal,” a well-informed PCB source said in a chat with PTI.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai in August, replacing the Afghanistan tour to Pakistan,” he explained.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The talks, however, are already underway with the two concerned boards.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“If the Asia Cup is cancelled or postponed, the PCB wants the Afghanistan and UAE teams to play the tri-series in Pakistan in August,” the source continued.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The source also claimed that the ACC president, Mohsin Naqvi, also the PCB chairman, will soon hold talks about the 2025 Asia Cup.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Indian cricket board is yet to confirm its willingness to host the Asia Cup at home. So, it remains to be seen when the ACC council meets and makes a call on the future of the Asia Cup, which is to be held in the T20 format,” he added.</p>

Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan concerned by BCCI’s silence as PCB plans tri-series involving Afghanistan as backup – Report

India is scheduled to host the 2025 Asia Cup around September later this year. However, since the Pahalgam terror attack in late April and the military showdown between India and Pakistan that followed, all relations between them, including diplomatic ties, have gone sour, with their respective cricket boards also maintaining silence over scheduled FTPs and their potential head-to-head clashes. Although the BCCI remains firm in its stance of not playing Pakistan at any level across any format until the cross-border tension diffuses, further putting the future of this continental tournament in limbo, its counterpart, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), seemed to be irked and bothered by its silence. The latest reports suggest that the PCB is seeking alternatives should the BCCI decide against hosting or participating in the upcoming edition or dissolving this particular one altogether. Also read | India vs India-A, Intra-squad game: No live telecast for fans, know why Even though the BCCI and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) agreed on a hybrid model for this edition, following an agreement between the two boards since the 2025 Champions Trophy venue fiasco, both have stood their ground over not resuming talks around this multi-team tournament. A PTI report has confirmed developments from across the border, as the PCB has initiated talks with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) over scheduling a tri-series between them and the UAE, should the 2025 Asia Cup stand cancelled for any reason. “With the Asia Cup now unlikely to be held in India as originally planned in September due to the simmering relations between Pakistan and India, the PCB is working on another tri-series proposal,” a well-informed PCB source said in a chat with PTI. “The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai in August, replacing the Afghanistan tour to Pakistan,” he explained. The talks, however, are already underway with the two concerned boards. “If the Asia Cup is cancelled or postponed, the PCB wants the Afghanistan and UAE teams to play the tri-series in Pakistan in August,” the source continued. The source also claimed that the ACC president, Mohsin Naqvi, also the PCB chairman, will soon hold talks about the 2025 Asia Cup. “The Indian cricket board is yet to confirm its willingness to host the Asia Cup at home. So, it remains to be seen when the ACC council meets and makes a call on the future of the Asia Cup, which is to be held in the T20 format,” he added.

<p>The latest reports suggest that the PCB is seeking alternatives should the BCCI decide against hosting or participating in the upcoming edition or dissolving this particular one altogether.</p>

<p>The World Test Championship (WTC) Final is currently ongoing between Australia and South Africa at Lord's (London) and it features probably the luckiest player of all time. The player, Josh Hazlewood, plays as a fast bowler for Australia and what makes him the luckiest is his unbeaten record in finals - of all kinds.</p><p>Hazlewood, before this WTC Final 2025, has featured in nine finals in his career across formats - and hasn't lost a single one of them. Isn't he the luckiest player in WTC Final 2025?</p><p>Hazlewood has managed to win an IPL title with modern holy trinity of Indian cricket - Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. His IPL feat is something which no other player has managed to do in 18-year-long history of the T20 tournament which started in 2008.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-biggest-show-off-buy-in-ipl-indian-all-rounder-won-titles-with-csk-and-mi-without-playing-a-single-game-with-them-1749718132436">Biggest show-off buy in IPL? Indian all-rounder won titles with CSK and MI without playing a single game with them</a></p><p>He won with Dhoni while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021, with Kohli while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 and with Rohit while being a part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for one game in 2015 before withdrawing his name.</p><p>As for his other finals, he started his unbeaten run with Australia U-19 side in the year 2010 and won Player of the Match for the figures of 4/30.</p><p>In other T20s, he has won a title with Sydney Sixers in now-defunct CLT20 in 2012 and then in Big Bash League in 2020 (not part of the playing XI). In 2021, achieved another milestone with Australia cricket team and won the T20 World Cup.</p><p>In ODIs, he has won two final - 2015 World Cup and 2023 World Cup. To complete his ICC trophy cabinet, he also won the 2023 WTC Final with Australia.</p><p>The records clearly make him favourite to win another ICC title with Australia in the ongoing WTC Final but he's already the luckiest player for sure.</p>

Hazlewood, before this WTC Final 2025, has featured in nine finals in his career across formats - and hasn't lost a single one of them. Isn't he the luckiest player in WTC Final 2025?

The World Test Championship (WTC) Final is currently ongoing between Australia and South Africa at Lord's (London) and it features probably the luckiest player of all time. The player, Josh Hazlewood, plays as a fast bowler for Australia and what makes him the luckiest is his unbeaten record in finals - of all kinds. Hazlewood, before this WTC Final 2025, has featured in nine finals in his career across formats - and hasn't lost a single one of them. Isn't he the luckiest player in WTC Final 2025? Hazlewood has managed to win an IPL title with modern holy trinity of Indian cricket - Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. His IPL feat is something which no other player has managed to do in 18-year-long history of the T20 tournament which started in 2008. Also Read - Biggest show-off buy in IPL? Indian all-rounder won titles with CSK and MI without playing a single game with them He won with Dhoni while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021, with Kohli while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 and with Rohit while being a part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for one game in 2015 before withdrawing his name. As for his other finals, he started his unbeaten run with Australia U-19 side in the year 2010 and won Player of the Match for the figures of 4/30. In other T20s, he has won a title with Sydney Sixers in now-defunct CLT20 in 2012 and then in Big Bash League in 2020 (not part of the playing XI). In 2021, achieved another milestone with Australia cricket team and won the T20 World Cup. In ODIs, he has won two final - 2015 World Cup and 2023 World Cup. To complete his ICC trophy cabinet, he also won the 2023 WTC Final with Australia. The records clearly make him favourite to win another ICC title with Australia in the ongoing WTC Final but he's already the luckiest player for sure.

<p>Hazlewood, before this WTC Final 2025, has featured in nine finals in his career across formats - and hasn't lost a single one of them. Isn't he the luckiest player in WTC Final 2025?</p>

Luckiest player in WTC Final? The Australian pacer has managed to win all finals in career including IPL with Dhoni, Rohit and Kohli

<p>The Indian Cricket Board has denied any media or broadcasting access to the much-talked-about India vs India-A intra-squad game starting Friday (June 13) in Beckenham. There will be no live telecast of the four-day practice game, part of the shadow tour, on any streaming platform worldwide following BCCI's instructions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While the JioHotstar app broadcasted the previous two matches between India-A and England Lions, the fans will have no access to the India vs India-A game – Team India’s last tour match before the Test series gets underway in Leeds next week.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mlc-2025-151-runs-in-51-balls-19-sixes-finn-allen-tears-record-books-chris-gayle-san-francisco-unicorns-1749794536841"><strong>MLC 2025: 151 runs in 51 balls, including 19 sixes! Finn Allen tears record books in season opener</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>India-A squad reached the UK late in May to prepare and participate in the shadow tour, with several Test-team-bound players also included. While Karun Nair and all-rounder Shardul Thakur impressed the selectors with their respective quality outings, others also pressed their cases for a potential call-up to the red-ball side.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the IPL 2025 league stage, players who were not part of the playoffs linked up with the India-A squad for the second tour game in Northampton. Seasoned batter KL Rahul was among them, who continued his sublime touch in England, hitting a hundred and fifty in the two outings. He, however, is expected to retain his place at the top alongside attacking Yashasvi Jaiswal.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>On the other hand, the remainder of the 18-man squad picked for the five-match Test series departed shortly after the IPL 2025 final. They landed in London last Saturday and began practice at the training facility of the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for their third Test against England.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the new Test captain, the team gelled together and continued to train for the marquee England series. With several indoor and outdoor practice sessions being held since and plenty more to come, the Indian Team wants to work on assembling the best XI for the series opener in Headingley.</p><h3>BCCI denies permission to telecast India vs India-A game<br>&nbsp;</h3><p>The BCCI and the team management decided against telecasting this intra-squad match, only to keep the players and their performances under wraps before publicly announcing the playing XI for the Leeds Test.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Considering both wish to avoid any drama or talk surrounding anyone’s form, fitness or availability, this intra-squad match will be staged indoors, with only a scorecard of it available for the fans.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"June 13-16: Closed Intra squad game. No vision access to Media/Broadcast. On the final day of the squad game, a player/member of support staff will be made available to the media," BCCI said in a statement.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, per earlier reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the Kent curator to prepare a Test-match-like wicket for this intra-squad game.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>India-A Squad -</strong> Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-captain/wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>India Test Squad -</strong> Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper/vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav</p>

No media coverage of India vs India A intra-squad practice game, know why

The Indian Cricket Board has denied any media or broadcasting access to the much-talked-about India vs India-A intra-squad game starting Friday (June 13) in Beckenham. There will be no live telecast of the four-day practice game, part of the shadow tour, on any streaming platform worldwide following BCCI's instructions. While the JioHotstar app broadcasted the previous two matches between India-A and England Lions, the fans will have no access to the India vs India-A game – Team India’s last tour match before the Test series gets underway in Leeds next week. Also read | MLC 2025: 151 runs in 51 balls, including 19 sixes! Finn Allen tears record books in season opener India-A squad reached the UK late in May to prepare and participate in the shadow tour, with several Test-team-bound players also included. While Karun Nair and all-rounder Shardul Thakur impressed the selectors with their respective quality outings, others also pressed their cases for a potential call-up to the red-ball side. Following the IPL 2025 league stage, players who were not part of the playoffs linked up with the India-A squad for the second tour game in Northampton. Seasoned batter KL Rahul was among them, who continued his sublime touch in England, hitting a hundred and fifty in the two outings. He, however, is expected to retain his place at the top alongside attacking Yashasvi Jaiswal. On the other hand, the remainder of the 18-man squad picked for the five-match Test series departed shortly after the IPL 2025 final. They landed in London last Saturday and began practice at the training facility of the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for their third Test against England. Meanwhile, under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the new Test captain, the team gelled together and continued to train for the marquee England series. With several indoor and outdoor practice sessions being held since and plenty more to come, the Indian Team wants to work on assembling the best XI for the series opener in Headingley. BCCI denies permission to telecast India vs India-A game The BCCI and the team management decided against telecasting this intra-squad match, only to keep the players and their performances under wraps before publicly announcing the playing XI for the Leeds Test. Considering both wish to avoid any drama or talk surrounding anyone’s form, fitness or availability, this intra-squad match will be staged indoors, with only a scorecard of it available for the fans. "June 13-16: Closed Intra squad game. No vision access to Media/Broadcast. On the final day of the squad game, a player/member of support staff will be made available to the media," BCCI said in a statement. Meanwhile, per earlier reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the Kent curator to prepare a Test-match-like wicket for this intra-squad game. India-A Squad - Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-captain/wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey India Test Squad - Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper/vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

<p>Per earlier reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the Kent curator to prepare a Test-match-like wicket for this intra-squad game.&nbsp;</p>

India vs India-A, Intra-squad game: No live telecast for fans, know why

<p>19 massive sixes, 150 off 49 balls and much more. New Zealand opener Finn Allen was in some mood on Friday (June 13) during the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) first game of the season between the San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom. The right-handed batter broke plenty of records in his standout inning that launched the third edition of this America-based T20 league. His innings also propelled Unicorns to 269 for five – the highest team total in the tournament history.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Batting first after losing the toss, Allen went berserk from the word go. Whacking bowlers to all parts of the ground for fun, the Kiwi opener reminded everyone of Brendon McCullum’s famous IPL outing 18 years ago, wherein his 158 changed the dynamics of T20 cricket and the tournament's fate forever.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-third-highest-run-chase-netherlands-script-odi-history-by-chasing-370-against-scotland-max-odowd-1749790151410"><strong>Netherlands script ODI history by chasing 370 against Scotland in run-fest</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Returning to the game, Allen looked in no mood to stop. He smashed sixes to almost everyone and everywhere, cheering the limited crowd in attendance for the season opener. Although Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Hassan Khan contributed with handy 30s later on, Allen stood out till the end, completing 19 sixes – a world record in T20 cricket. His tally saw him surpass the format’s legend Chris Gayle and Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan (both tied at 18 sixes) for most sixes hit by a player in a T20 match.</p><h3>Most sixes hit in a T20 game –<br>&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Finn Allen – 19 sixes against Washington Freedom, 2025</li><li>Chris Gayle – 18 sixes against Dhaka Dynamites in 2017</li><li>Sahil Chauhan – 18 sixes against Cyprus in 2024</li><li>Chris Gayle – 17 sixes against Pune Warriors in 2013</li><li>Punit Bisht – 17 sixes against Mizoram in 2021<br>&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Not only did he smash MLC’s fastest hundred and the quickest by a New Zealander (34 balls) across all T20s, but Allen also completed the quickest 150 in the format's history, tearing record books.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Allen’s 151 is also the highest individual score in MLC history, surpassing Nicholas Pooran’s 137* two years ago.&nbsp;</p><h3>Unicorns win<br>&nbsp;</h3><p>Defending 270, Unicorns got off to a dizzy start, conceding 80 runs inside the first six overs.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>However, from there on, they triggered a collapse, with Washington Freedom getting all out on 146, conceding the game by a massive 123 runs.</p>

MLC 2025: 151 runs in 51 balls, 19 sixes and more, Finn Allen tears record books

19 massive sixes, 150 off 49 balls and much more. New Zealand opener Finn Allen was in some mood on Friday (June 13) during the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) first game of the season between the San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom. The right-handed batter broke plenty of records in his standout inning that launched the third edition of this America-based T20 league. His innings also propelled Unicorns to 269 for five – the highest team total in the tournament history. Batting first after losing the toss, Allen went berserk from the word go. Whacking bowlers to all parts of the ground for fun, the Kiwi opener reminded everyone of Brendon McCullum’s famous IPL outing 18 years ago, wherein his 158 changed the dynamics of T20 cricket and the tournament's fate forever. Also read | Netherlands script ODI history by chasing 370 against Scotland in run-fest Returning to the game, Allen looked in no mood to stop. He smashed sixes to almost everyone and everywhere, cheering the limited crowd in attendance for the season opener. Although Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Hassan Khan contributed with handy 30s later on, Allen stood out till the end, completing 19 sixes – a world record in T20 cricket. His tally saw him surpass the format’s legend Chris Gayle and Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan (both tied at 18 sixes) for most sixes hit by a player in a T20 match. Most sixes hit in a T20 game – Finn Allen – 19 sixes against Washington Freedom, 2025 Chris Gayle – 18 sixes against Dhaka Dynamites in 2017 Sahil Chauhan – 18 sixes against Cyprus in 2024 Chris Gayle – 17 sixes against Pune Warriors in 2013 Punit Bisht – 17 sixes against Mizoram in 2021 Not only did he smash MLC’s fastest hundred and the quickest by a New Zealander (34 balls) across all T20s, but Allen also completed the quickest 150 in the format's history, tearing record books. Allen’s 151 is also the highest individual score in MLC history, surpassing Nicholas Pooran’s 137* two years ago. Unicorns win Defending 270, Unicorns got off to a dizzy start, conceding 80 runs inside the first six overs. However, from there on, they triggered a collapse, with Washington Freedom getting all out on 146, conceding the game by a massive 123 runs.

<p>The New Zealand opener broke plenty of records in his standout inning that launched the third edition of this America-based T20 league.</p>

MLC 2025: 151 runs in 51 balls, including 19 sixes! Finn Allen tears record books in season opener

<p>The Netherlands have created history in Dundee, Scotland, by completing the third-highest run chase in One-Day Cricket history. Chasing a mammoth 370 against the hosts, Dutch opener Max O'Dowd hits an unbeaten 158 to see his team home with four wickets remaining in their World Cup League 2 match on Thursday evening (June 13).</p><h3>Here is the list of the top five highest run chases in ODI history -&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>SA – Chased 435 against Australia, 2006</li><li>SA – Chased 372 against Australia, 2016</li><li>NED – Chased 370 against Scotland, 2025</li><li>ENG – Chased 361 against West Indies, 2019</li><li>IND – Chased 360 against Australia, 2013</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While half of the world was asleep or were at least preparing to, and the other was busy watching the bowling-dominated WTC Final between Australia and South Africa at the Lord’s, the two associate nations were busy scripting a little history of their own.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-2025-day-3-australia-vs-south-africa-pat-cummins-feels-it-s-50-50-bedingham-backs-proteas-to-win-at-lords-1749787592758"><strong>WTC Final 2025, Day 3: Cummins feels it’s ‘50-50’, Bedingham backs South Africa to chase at Lord’s</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Scotland won the toss and elected to bat in the 79th game of the ongoing tournament. The left-handed opener George Munsey was the star for the day for them, smashing his career-best ODI score (191), including 14 fours and 11 sixes.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While he got handy contributions from the top order, with his fellow opener and first-change batter, Charlie Tear and Brandon McMullen, respectively, chipping in with quick 20s, Matthew Cross’ late cameo (59 off 49 balls) saw the hosts cross the 350-mark, posting an almost match-winning total of 269 for six.</p><h3>The record chase<br>&nbsp;</h3><p>Michael Levitt got the Netherlands off to a flyer with his quick-fire 44 before two wickets dented their momentum. Captain Scott Edwards and Wesley Barresi contributed little before Max O’Dowd began opening his arms. The lanky all-rounder kept his team in the chase, and while he was doing a fine job, getting handy assistance from Teja Nidamanuru, who scored 51 off 42 balls, only benefited them.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Even when Teja departed, O’Dowd had the Netherlands’ chase in check, with his team needing nearly 100 runs in ten overs. Then walks in keeper-batter Noah Croes, who turned the game with his brilliant and clutch 50 off 29 balls, hitting seven fours and a six.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The pair almost had the team cross the winning line, but Croes departed just at the stroke of the win, leaving the opener carrying his bat in his side’s massive four-wicket win against Scotland.&nbsp;</p>

Netherlands script ODI history by chasing 370 against Scotland in run-fest

The Netherlands have created history in Dundee, Scotland, by completing the third-highest run chase in One-Day Cricket history. Chasing a mammoth 370 against the hosts, Dutch opener Max O'Dowd hits an unbeaten 158 to see his team home with four wickets remaining in their World Cup League 2 match on Thursday evening (June 13). Here is the list of the top five highest run chases in ODI history - SA – Chased 435 against Australia, 2006 SA – Chased 372 against Australia, 2016 NED – Chased 370 against Scotland, 2025 ENG – Chased 361 against West Indies, 2019 IND – Chased 360 against Australia, 2013 While half of the world was asleep or were at least preparing to, and the other was busy watching the bowling-dominated WTC Final between Australia and South Africa at the Lord’s, the two associate nations were busy scripting a little history of their own. Also read | WTC Final 2025, Day 3: Cummins feels it’s ‘50-50’, Bedingham backs South Africa to chase at Lord’s Scotland won the toss and elected to bat in the 79th game of the ongoing tournament. The left-handed opener George Munsey was the star for the day for them, smashing his career-best ODI score (191), including 14 fours and 11 sixes. While he got handy contributions from the top order, with his fellow opener and first-change batter, Charlie Tear and Brandon McMullen, respectively, chipping in with quick 20s, Matthew Cross’ late cameo (59 off 49 balls) saw the hosts cross the 350-mark, posting an almost match-winning total of 269 for six. The record chase Michael Levitt got the Netherlands off to a flyer with his quick-fire 44 before two wickets dented their momentum. Captain Scott Edwards and Wesley Barresi contributed little before Max O’Dowd began opening his arms. The lanky all-rounder kept his team in the chase, and while he was doing a fine job, getting handy assistance from Teja Nidamanuru, who scored 51 off 42 balls, only benefited them. Even when Teja departed, O’Dowd had the Netherlands’ chase in check, with his team needing nearly 100 runs in ten overs. Then walks in keeper-batter Noah Croes, who turned the game with his brilliant and clutch 50 off 29 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. The pair almost had the team cross the winning line, but Croes departed just at the stroke of the win, leaving the opener carrying his bat in his side’s massive four-wicket win against Scotland.

<p>Chasing a mammoth 370 against the hosts, Dutch opener Max O'Dowd hits an unbeaten 158 to see his team home with four wickets remaining in their World Cup League 2 match on Thursday evening (June 13).</p>

<p>Australia captain Pat Cummins said the World Test Championship final against South Africa was a good advertisement for Test cricket despite hurtling towards a likely finish within three days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>An astounding 28 wickets fell across the first two days at Lord's.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Fast bowler Cummins played his part by taking a superb 6-28 on Thursday's second day to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. But as batsmen on both sides struggled for runs, an eighth-wicket partnership of 61 between Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out) enabled reigning champions Australia to reach stumps on 144-8 in their second innings, a lead of 218 with two wickets standing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-day-2-score-sa-vs-aus-defending-champions-australia-slightly-ahead-after-another-14-wicket-day-1749749490558"><strong>WTC Final, SA vs AUS: Carey fightback puts Australia slightly ahead after another 14-wicket day</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's set up pretty well," Cummins told reporters. "The mood in the changing room is pretty positive. It was a great partnership and a good way to end the day."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Asked whether the bowlers' dominance detracted from the occasion of a championship final, Cummins replied: "After two days it's pretty close to 50-50.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's a pretty good Test match. Some blokes have got themselves in and looked comfortable out there, but a lot of other guys haven't."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cummins said the rapid progress of the match was down to a combination of a tricky pitch and good bowling.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Both teams have bowled really well, really disciplined," he said. "There haven't been many half-volleys."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 32-year-old, appearing in his 68th Test, added: “The trend of the game is that the runs are coming down. It's still pretty difficult out there, but we will have to bowl well tomorrow (Friday).”</p><h2>‘Durability and longevity’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cummins was outstanding as South Africa were dismissed for 138, giving Australia a 74-run lead in the first innings, with the skipper especially devastating in a potent post-lunch burst of 4-1 in 17 balls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His return on Thursday took Cummins to exactly 300 Test wickets -- something he described as "pretty cool" -- at a miserly average of 22.08.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cummins, just the eighth Australian bowler to reach the landmark, added: "There's not too many on that list. It's something I've always thought about.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's a pretty good sign of durability and longevity."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>David Bedingham, who top-scored for South Africa with 45, agreed with Cummins about the standard of bowling.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's a fairly tricky pitch, but I think when you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch, it obviously makes batting tough."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nevertheless, Bedingham said South Africa remained confident of a successful run chase, even though their target will be significantly higher than their first-innings total.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It is an amazing chance and we are very excited about the opportunity to win," he said, with South Africa bidding for their first major global title in 28 years. "It could go either way, but there is a lot of belief.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think the pitch is slowing down a bit, and maybe in the fourth innings it will go a bit straighter. Hopefully, we can get those runs."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p>

WTC Final 2025: Cummins feels it’s ‘50-50’, Bedingham backs Proteas to win

Australia captain Pat Cummins said the World Test Championship final against South Africa was a good advertisement for Test cricket despite hurtling towards a likely finish within three days. An astounding 28 wickets fell across the first two days at Lord's. Fast bowler Cummins played his part by taking a superb 6-28 on Thursday's second day to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. But as batsmen on both sides struggled for runs, an eighth-wicket partnership of 61 between Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out) enabled reigning champions Australia to reach stumps on 144-8 in their second innings, a lead of 218 with two wickets standing. Also read | WTC Final, SA vs AUS: Carey fightback puts Australia slightly ahead after another 14-wicket day "It's set up pretty well," Cummins told reporters. "The mood in the changing room is pretty positive. It was a great partnership and a good way to end the day." Asked whether the bowlers' dominance detracted from the occasion of a championship final, Cummins replied: "After two days it's pretty close to 50-50. "It's a pretty good Test match. Some blokes have got themselves in and looked comfortable out there, but a lot of other guys haven't." Cummins said the rapid progress of the match was down to a combination of a tricky pitch and good bowling. "Both teams have bowled really well, really disciplined," he said. "There haven't been many half-volleys." The 32-year-old, appearing in his 68th Test, added: “The trend of the game is that the runs are coming down. It's still pretty difficult out there, but we will have to bowl well tomorrow (Friday).” ‘Durability and longevity’ Cummins was outstanding as South Africa were dismissed for 138, giving Australia a 74-run lead in the first innings, with the skipper especially devastating in a potent post-lunch burst of 4-1 in 17 balls. His return on Thursday took Cummins to exactly 300 Test wickets -- something he described as "pretty cool" -- at a miserly average of 22.08. Cummins, just the eighth Australian bowler to reach the landmark, added: "There's not too many on that list. It's something I've always thought about. "It's a pretty good sign of durability and longevity." David Bedingham, who top-scored for South Africa with 45, agreed with Cummins about the standard of bowling. "It's a fairly tricky pitch, but I think when you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch, it obviously makes batting tough." Nevertheless, Bedingham said South Africa remained confident of a successful run chase, even though their target will be significantly higher than their first-innings total. "It is an amazing chance and we are very excited about the opportunity to win," he said, with South Africa bidding for their first major global title in 28 years. "It could go either way, but there is a lot of belief. "I think the pitch is slowing down a bit, and maybe in the fourth innings it will go a bit straighter. Hopefully, we can get those runs." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>Cummins said the rapid progress of the match was down to a combination of a tricky pitch and good bowling.</p>

WTC Final 2025, Day 3: Cummins feels it’s ‘50-50’, Bedingham backs South Africa to chase at Lord’s

<p>Australia have their nose ahead after a thrilling day 2 (June 12) in World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord's (London) in the UK. The defending champions ended the day with 218 runs ahead and two wickets still in hand on a pitch which has produced 28 wickets in two days.</p><p>Australia were in complete command when they started their second innings with a lead of 74 runs. A spirited bowling performance by Proteas pacers, however, left them looking vulnerable.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-video-labuschagne-takes-screamer-at-covers-to-dismiss-bavuma-1749732892282">WTC Final | SA vs AUS: Labuschagne takes screamer at covers to dismiss Bavuma - WATCH</a></p><p>The Aussie added 28 runs for the opening wicket in the second innings before Kagiso Rabada, who took a five-for in first innings, removed Usman Khawaja for the second time in the Test. Rabada followed it up with the wicket of Cameron Green in the same over.</p><p>After Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne added 16 runs for the third wicket, they suffered a collapse and went from 44/2 to 73/7. Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc then added 61 runs for the eighth wicket to take Australia's lead past 200. Carey was the final wicket of the day but not before scoring a gutsy 43 off 50. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were at the crease at close of play on day 2.</p><p>Earlier, South Africa had a steady first session and scored 78 runs for the loss of one wicket before Australia struck back in the second session.</p><p>Skipper Cummins struck early post lunch with two wickets in an over. South Africa could not overcome the double blows and were folded out for a paltry 138 in the first innings and conceded a 74-run lead. Cummins finished with a six-for and reached 300 Test wickets as well.</p>

Australia were in complete command when they started their second innings with a lead of 74 runs. A spirited bowling performance by Proteas pacers, however, left them looking vulnerable.

Australia have their nose ahead after a thrilling day 2 (June 12) in World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord's (London) in the UK. The defending champions ended the day with 218 runs ahead and two wickets still in hand on a pitch which has produced 28 wickets in two days. Australia were in complete command when they started their second innings with a lead of 74 runs. A spirited bowling performance by Proteas pacers, however, left them looking vulnerable. Also Read - WTC Final | SA vs AUS: Labuschagne takes screamer at covers to dismiss Bavuma - WATCH The Aussie added 28 runs for the opening wicket in the second innings before Kagiso Rabada, who took a five-for in first innings, removed Usman Khawaja for the second time in the Test. Rabada followed it up with the wicket of Cameron Green in the same over. After Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne added 16 runs for the third wicket, they suffered a collapse and went from 44/2 to 73/7. Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc then added 61 runs for the eighth wicket to take Australia's lead past 200. Carey was the final wicket of the day but not before scoring a gutsy 43 off 50. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were at the crease at close of play on day 2. Earlier, South Africa had a steady first session and scored 78 runs for the loss of one wicket before Australia struck back in the second session. Skipper Cummins struck early post lunch with two wickets in an over. South Africa could not overcome the double blows and were folded out for a paltry 138 in the first innings and conceded a 74-run lead. Cummins finished with a six-for and reached 300 Test wickets as well.

<p>Australia were in complete command when they started their second innings with a lead of 74 runs. A spirited bowling performance by Proteas pacers, however, left them looking vulnerable.</p>

WTC Final, SA vs AUS: Carey fightback puts Australia slightly ahead after another 14-wicket day

<p>June 12, 2025 will always be a special day for Australia’s Test captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pat-cummins">Pat Cummins</a>. During ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wtc-final">ICC World Test Championship</a> (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lords-stadium"> Lord's stadium</a> in London, Cummins produced a magical bowling performance and broke three major records.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Let's glance at the three records that Cummins broke on day 2 (June 12) of WTC Final against South Africa:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Record 1: Best Bowling Figures in a WTC Final</strong></p><p>Cummins finished with stunning figures of 6 wickets for just 28 runs, the best-ever bowling performance in a World Test Championship Final. He bowled with precision and pace, constantly troubling the South African batters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Record 2: Most Fifers as Test Captain for Australia</strong></p><p>With this six-wicket haul, Cummins now has nine five-wicket hauls as a captain in Test cricket. He equalled legendary Australian skipper Richie Benaud, who has as many fifers as Cummins. Only the 1992 World Cup-winning captain for Pakistan, Imran Khan, has more fifers (11) than Cummins.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-video-labuschagne-takes-screamer-at-covers-to-dismiss-bavuma-1749732892282"><strong>WTC Final | SA vs AUS: Labuschagne takes screamer at covers to dismiss Bavuma - WATCH</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Record 3: Most Fifers in the Current WTC Cycle</strong></p><p>Cummins also became the bowler with the most five-wicket hauls (6) in the current World Test Championship cycle, further proving his consistency and impact for Australia across matches.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, on Thursday (June 12) South Africa resumed their innings at 43/4 with captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham at the crease. The pair added 64 runs and looked to steady the innings. Just when it seemed like South Africa might take the game away from the defending champions, Marnus Labuschagne produced a moment of brilliance in the field to dismiss the Proteas skipper and break the partnership. From there, it was only Cummins vs South Africa at Lord's.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cummins' victims on the day included Bavuma, Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. He picked five of the last six wickets to end South Africa’s hopes of a comeback.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Cummins for his exceptional performance. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he said:</p><p>“I don’t remember a time when the Aussies needed something from Cummins that he didn’t deliver.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don’t remember a time when the Aussies needed something from Cummins that he didn’t deliver .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTCFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTCFinal</a></p>&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1933146032944095299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>It was truly a memorable day for the Aussie skipper; with an exceptional spell, he broke three significant records and turned the game for Australia.</p>

In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's stadium in London, Cummins produced a magical bowling performance and broke three major records.

June 12, 2025 will always be a special day for Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins. During ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's stadium in London, Cummins produced a magical bowling performance and broke three major records. Let's glance at the three records that Cummins broke on day 2 (June 12) of WTC Final against South Africa: Record 1: Best Bowling Figures in a WTC Final Cummins finished with stunning figures of 6 wickets for just 28 runs, the best-ever bowling performance in a World Test Championship Final. He bowled with precision and pace, constantly troubling the South African batters. Record 2: Most Fifers as Test Captain for Australia With this six-wicket haul, Cummins now has nine five-wicket hauls as a captain in Test cricket. He equalled legendary Australian skipper Richie Benaud, who has as many fifers as Cummins. Only the 1992 World Cup-winning captain for Pakistan, Imran Khan, has more fifers (11) than Cummins. Also Read | WTC Final | SA vs AUS: Labuschagne takes screamer at covers to dismiss Bavuma - WATCH Record 3: Most Fifers in the Current WTC Cycle Cummins also became the bowler with the most five-wicket hauls (6) in the current World Test Championship cycle, further proving his consistency and impact for Australia across matches. Earlier, on Thursday (June 12) South Africa resumed their innings at 43/4 with captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham at the crease. The pair added 64 runs and looked to steady the innings. Just when it seemed like South Africa might take the game away from the defending champions, Marnus Labuschagne produced a moment of brilliance in the field to dismiss the Proteas skipper and break the partnership. From there, it was only Cummins vs South Africa at Lord's. Cummins' victims on the day included Bavuma, Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. He picked five of the last six wickets to end South Africa’s hopes of a comeback. Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Cummins for his exceptional performance. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “I don’t remember a time when the Aussies needed something from Cummins that he didn’t deliver.”

<p>In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's stadium in London, Cummins produced a magical bowling performance and broke three major records.</p>

WTC Final 2025, SA vs AUS : Cummins breaks multiple records with five-wicket haul at Lord's

<p>South Africa had the upper hand in the first session on day 2 (June 12) of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s until Marnus Labuschagne changed things with a stunning diving catch that dismissed well-set Temba Bavuma.</p><p>The South African captain was looking good, scoring freely and reaching 36 with four boundaries and a six. But then, Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, broke the momentum with a key wicket.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-batter-bedingham-obstructs-the-field-but-given-not-out-in-wtc-final-here-s-what-the-rule-says-1749732917798">SA batter Bedingham 'obstructs the field' but given not out in WTC Final? Here's what the rule says</a></p><p>Australia’s fast bowlers were accurate and consistent, even though South Africa showed more intent on Day 2. They hadn’t managed to build a big lead. Bavuma had put together a strong stand with David Bedingham, but in the 40th over he went for a stylish cover drive. The shot had decent timing, but it wasn’t placed well. Labuschagne at short cover, reacted quickly, dived to his right, and pulled off a stunning catch. Check the video below:</p>

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<p>Day 1 at Lord’s was all about the bowlers, with 14 wickets falling in a gripping start to the match. Kagiso Rabada led the way for South Africa with an excellent five-wicket haul, while Marco Jansen supported well with 3 for 49. Australia had looked steady at one point thanks to fifties from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, but a sudden collapse after tea saw them lose five wickets for just 20 runs, ending their innings at 212.</p><p>In reply, Mitchell Starc sparked an Australian comeback. He struck twice early and with help from fellow pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. After a stead first session on second day for South Africa, where they added 78 runs for one wicket, Australia were back at their best.</p><p>Skipper Cummins struck early in the second session with two wickets in an over. South Africa could not overcome the double blows and were folded out for a paltry 138 in the first innings and conceded a 74-run lead.</p><p>Cummins finished with a six-for and reached 300 Test wickets as well.&nbsp;</p>

South Africa had the upper hand in the first session on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s until Marnus Labuschagne changed things with a stunning diving catch that dismissed a well-set batter Temba Bavuma. 

South Africa had the upper hand in the first session on day 2 (June 12) of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s until Marnus Labuschagne changed things with a stunning diving catch that dismissed well-set Temba Bavuma. The South African captain was looking good, scoring freely and reaching 36 with four boundaries and a six. But then, Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, broke the momentum with a key wicket. Also Read - SA batter Bedingham 'obstructs the field' but given not out in WTC Final? Here's what the rule says Australia’s fast bowlers were accurate and consistent, even though South Africa showed more intent on Day 2. They hadn’t managed to build a big lead. Bavuma had put together a strong stand with David Bedingham, but in the 40th over he went for a stylish cover drive. The shot had decent timing, but it wasn’t placed well. Labuschagne at short cover, reacted quickly, dived to his right, and pulled off a stunning catch. Check the video below:

<p>South Africa had the upper hand in the first session on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s until Marnus Labuschagne changed things with a stunning diving catch that dismissed a well-set batter Temba Bavuma.&nbsp;</p>

WTC Final | SA vs AUS: Labuschagne takes screamer at covers to dismiss Bavuma - WATCH

<p>The World Test Championship (WTC) Final day 2 (June 12) between Australia and South Africa saw a potential controversial moment in the morning session. The moment came in the last over before lunch as Protea batter David Bedingham knowingly 'obstructed the field' but the umpires decided to give not not after some half-hearted appeals by a couple of Aussie players.</p><p>On the third ball of innings' 49th over by Beau Webster, Bedingham got a thick inside edge on the ball which went into the flap of his pads. The ball almost popped out itself as Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey came forward to collect a potential catch. Check the video below:</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKzLS9ISpuN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC (@icc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-karun-nair-play-in-1st-test-vs-england-batter-gets-karnataka-teammate-s-backing-before-impending-return-to-cricket-1749727496007">Will Karun Nair be able to withstand Test pressure? Batter gets Karnataka teammate's backing before impending return to cricket</a></p><p>Bedingham, however, took matter in his own hands, literally, and took the ball before dropping it on the ground close to his foot. After an appeal by Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffney turned it down. The Aussie let it go as well.</p><p>Here's what the rule says about all this:</p><p>"Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he<br>uses the bat or any part of his person to return the ball to any fielder," says ICC's rule book about WTC playing conditions in section 37.4 regarding Obstructing the field clause.</p><p>The umpires, however, might have though that the ball wasn't going to fall itself in which case it was a dead ball and hence rendering the appeal by the Aussies null and void.</p><p>Nonetheless, no batter should be doing what Bedingham, who scored a valiant 45 before being dismissed, did that too at the biggest stage. This incident will surely invoke a decision with different people having different point of views.</p>

Bedingham took matter in his own hands, literally, and took the ball before dropping it on the ground close to his foot. After an appeal by Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffney turned it down.

The World Test Championship (WTC) Final day 2 (June 12) between Australia and South Africa saw a potential controversial moment in the morning session. The moment came in the last over before lunch as Protea batter David Bedingham knowingly 'obstructed the field' but the umpires decided to give not not after some half-hearted appeals by a couple of Aussie players. On the third ball of innings' 49th over by Beau Webster, Bedingham got a thick inside edge on the ball which went into the flap of his pads. The ball almost popped out itself as Aussie wicketkeeper Alex Carey came forward to collect a potential catch. Check the video below:

<p>Bedingham took matter in his own hands, literally, and took the ball before dropping it on the ground close to his foot. After an appeal by Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffney turned it down.</p>

Out or not out? SA batter Bedingham 'obstructs the field' but survives appeal in WTC Final - Here's what the rule says

<p>South Africa pace spearhead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rabada">Kagiso Rabada</a> etched his name with golden letters in cricket history during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wtc-final">World Test Championship (WTC) Final</a> at Lord’s. Rabada became the only second player ever to have his name on both the home and away honours boards at the Home of Cricket.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lords"> Lord’s stadium</a> in London, players who score a century or take five wickets in a Test match have their names inscribed in gold on the dressing room honours boards. Until now, only West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge had achieved this rare double feat. Greenidge scored centuries against England in 1984 and 1988 (on the away board) and also made a century for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) against the Rest of the World in 1987 (on the home board).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-vs-south-africa-wtc-final-2025-produces-cricket-first-in-its-145-year-history-starc-cummins-hazlewood-kagiso-rabada-1749701957549"><strong>WTC Final 2025 produces cricket’s first in its 145-year history at Lord's</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Wednesday (June 11), Rabada joined Greenidge by taking 5/51 against Australia. Since South Africa has been allocated the home dressing room for the WTC Final, Rabada’s performance earned him a spot on the home honours board. He already had his name etched on the away honours board for a five-wicket haul against England in 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To help prepare, South Africa roped in former England bowler Stuart Broad, who has scalped 113 wickets at the title venue. "Stuart gave us a few pointers on certain field placings and in general with the conditions with cloud cover and wind," Rabada was quoted saying to BBC.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Rabada is now the fourth highest wicket-taker for South Africa</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With the five-wicket haul against the Aussie in the mace-winning clash, Rabada also moved to fourth place on South Africa’s all-time wicket-takers list, passing Allan Donald.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He now has 332 wickets, behind only Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, and Dale Steyn.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rabada said at the post-match presentation that being part of that elite group is special, and he hopes to continue performing strongly. On a tough day for batters at Lord’s, Rabada stood out with his sheer pace and accuracy.</p>

At Lord’s stadium in London, players who score a century or take five wickets in a Test match have their names inscribed in gold on the dressing room honours boards.

South Africa pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada etched his name with golden letters in cricket history during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. Rabada became the only second player ever to have his name on both the home and away honours boards at the Home of Cricket. At Lord’s stadium in London, players who score a century or take five wickets in a Test match have their names inscribed in gold on the dressing room honours boards. Until now, only West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge had achieved this rare double feat. Greenidge scored centuries against England in 1984 and 1988 (on the away board) and also made a century for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) against the Rest of the World in 1987 (on the home board). Also Read | WTC Final 2025 produces cricket’s first in its 145-year history at Lord's On Wednesday (June 11), Rabada joined Greenidge by taking 5/51 against Australia. Since South Africa has been allocated the home dressing room for the WTC Final, Rabada’s performance earned him a spot on the home honours board. He already had his name etched on the away honours board for a five-wicket haul against England in 2022. To help prepare, South Africa roped in former England bowler Stuart Broad, who has scalped 113 wickets at the title venue. "Stuart gave us a few pointers on certain field placings and in general with the conditions with cloud cover and wind," Rabada was quoted saying to BBC. Rabada is now the fourth highest wicket-taker for South Africa With the five-wicket haul against the Aussie in the mace-winning clash, Rabada also moved to fourth place on South Africa’s all-time wicket-takers list, passing Allan Donald. He now has 332 wickets, behind only Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, and Dale Steyn. Rabada said at the post-match presentation that being part of that elite group is special, and he hopes to continue performing strongly. On a tough day for batters at Lord’s, Rabada stood out with his sheer pace and accuracy.

<p>At Lord’s stadium in London, players who score a century or take five wickets in a Test match have their names inscribed in gold on the dressing room honours boards.</p>

WTC Final 2025: Rabada unlocks unbelievable rare feat at Lord's, joins West Indies legend

<p>Karun Nair has seen it all when it comes to his cricketing career - from 303 not out to getting dropped for eight years. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, he gets another chance at his cricketing career for India on Test tour of England which begins on June 20. He has already showed his form with a double ton in the first warm up game and is expected to play in the first Test.</p><p>Commenting on his inclusion, his Karnataka teammate KL Rahul, as reported by the ICC, said: "I've known him for a very long time and the months that he spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and how lonely it was for him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian Team - I think it's special for him, for his family and for friends like us who've seen his journey."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-biggest-show-off-buy-in-ipl-indian-all-rounder-won-titles-with-csk-and-mi-without-playing-a-single-game-with-them-1749718132436">Biggest show-off buy in IPL? Indian all-rounder won titles with CSK and MI without playing a single game with them</a></p><p>"It's very inspiring as well and hopefully his experience and his learnings from playing county cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays the Test matches here (England)," he added.</p><p>Nair himself was emotional on getting a chance he had asked for on a social media post about two and a half years back. Have a look at the post below which has also been shared by the ICC:</p>

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<p>"It feels very special, very grateful and very fortunate to be able to get this opportunity again," he told the BCCI.tv.</p><p>"Really looking forward and excited to grab this opportunity with both hands.</p><p>"I am sure there will be a lot of feelings – ones that I cannot express right now and it will be a special feeling."</p><p>Karun will be hoping to reprise what he did the last time he played a Test against England - scoring a historic 303 and becoming only the second Indian to to reach the triple hundred milestone in Tests.</p>

Karun will be hoping to reprise what he did the last time he played a Test against England - scoring a historic 303 and becoming only the second Indian to to reach the triple hundred milestone in Tests.

Karun Nair has seen it all when it comes to his cricketing career - from 303 not out to getting dropped for eight years. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, he gets another chance at his cricketing career for India on Test tour of England which begins on June 20. He has already showed his form with a double ton in the first warm up game and is expected to play in the first Test. Commenting on his inclusion, his Karnataka teammate KL Rahul, as reported by the ICC, said: "I've known him for a very long time and the months that he spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and how lonely it was for him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian Team - I think it's special for him, for his family and for friends like us who've seen his journey." Also Read - Biggest show-off buy in IPL? Indian all-rounder won titles with CSK and MI without playing a single game with them "It's very inspiring as well and hopefully his experience and his learnings from playing county cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays the Test matches here (England)," he added. Nair himself was emotional on getting a chance he had asked for on a social media post about two and a half years back. Have a look at the post below which has also been shared by the ICC:

<p>Karun will be hoping to reprise what he did the last time he played a Test against England - scoring a historic 303 and becoming only the second Indian to to reach the triple hundred milestone in Tests.</p>

Will Karun Nair be able to withstand Test pressure? Batter gets Karnataka teammate's backing before impending return to cricket

<p>Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a lot of players being bought on the promise of talent but none was better than a choice Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made ahead of IPL 2021 auction. They bought a player from Punjab Kings (then KXIP) for INR 9.25 crore (US$ 1,273,000 approx.) but never played him in the season.</p><p>Moreover, CSK won the title in IPL 2021 and the player - Krishnappa Gotham - went on to win the title without breaking a sweat and pocketing all the money. Before he won with CSK, he already had a title to his name with Mumbai Indians in 2017 - that too without playing for them in the season.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-most-underrated-ipl-player-the-batter-has-five-titles-same-as-dhoni-and-hardik-but-never-played-for-india-1749630192996">Most underrated IPL player? The batter has won five titles - same as Dhoni and Hardik - but never played for India</a></p><p>Isn't Krishnappa Gowtham the quirkiest buy of the IPL history? Let's have a look at his journey:</p><p>Gowtham is only one of the 10 players to win a title with both MI (2017) and CSK (2021) but the only player to do so without playing a single game for any of the franchise. He even played for India in one off ODI in July 2021 against Sri Lanka and that remains his only international appearance.</p><p>It was with Rajasthan Royals in 2018 that Gowtham caught limelight of Shane Warne - Royals skipper during 2008 IPL title win. He played full season with RR in IPL 2018 and took 11 wickets - showing promise. He also took the team to win against MI with 11 ball 33 not out in a crunch game.</p><p>But in the next season, he just took one wicket in seven games before moving to Punjab in IPL 2020. After getting no game time with CSK in 2021, he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2022 mega auction where he spent three seasons but playing only 12 games in total and taking eight wickets during the stint. In IPL 2025, he went unsold.</p><p>Overall, he played 36 IPL games with 21 wickets and none of them are with CSK &amp; MI - the franchises with whom he has two IPL titles.</p>

Gowtham is only one of the 10 players to win a title with both MI (2017) and CSK (2021) but the only player to do so without playing a single game for any of the franchise.

Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a lot of players being bought on the promise of talent but none was better than a choice Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made ahead of IPL 2021 auction. They bought a player from Punjab Kings (then KXIP) for INR 9.25 crore (US$ 1,273,000 approx.) but never played him in the season. Moreover, CSK won the title in IPL 2021 and the player - Krishnappa Gotham - went on to win the title without breaking a sweat and pocketing all the money. Before he won with CSK, he already had a title to his name with Mumbai Indians in 2017 - that too without playing for them in the season. Also Read - Most underrated IPL player? The batter has won five titles - same as Dhoni and Hardik - but never played for India Isn't Krishnappa Gowtham the quirkiest buy of the IPL history? Let's have a look at his journey: Gowtham is only one of the 10 players to win a title with both MI (2017) and CSK (2021) but the only player to do so without playing a single game for any of the franchise. He even played for India in one off ODI in July 2021 against Sri Lanka and that remains his only international appearance. It was with Rajasthan Royals in 2018 that Gowtham caught limelight of Shane Warne - Royals skipper during 2008 IPL title win. He played full season with RR in IPL 2018 and took 11 wickets - showing promise. He also took the team to win against MI with 11 ball 33 not out in a crunch game. But in the next season, he just took one wicket in seven games before moving to Punjab in IPL 2020. After getting no game time with CSK in 2021, he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2022 mega auction where he spent three seasons but playing only 12 games in total and taking eight wickets during the stint. In IPL 2025, he went unsold. Overall, he played 36 IPL games with 21 wickets and none of them are with CSK & MI - the franchises with whom he has two IPL titles.

<p>Gowtham is only one of the 10 players to win a title with both MI (2017) and CSK (2021) but the only player to do so without playing a single game for any of the franchise.</p>

Biggest show-off buy in IPL? Indian all-rounder won titles with CSK and MI without playing a single game with them

<p>Karun Nair is one name every Indian hopes to see playing in the series opener against England in Leeds. Making his Test comeback after eight years, having last played a red-ball game for India in March 2017, Nair is tipped to seal a spot in India’s top order for the marquee series. Though unclear and mum about his playing time in the UK, head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded his return regardless, adding that his ‘never-giving-up attitude’ helped him realise his dream of playing for India again.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Karun scored a triple hundred in only his third Test for India (against England in Chennai), only to disappear from the international scene like he never existed. Vanishing amid a rising T20 culture worldwide, Karun kept grinding hard in the domestic circuit, scoring runs consistently. Although his name was mentioned in several conversations in the lead-up to a few away tours during this time, the selectors always decided against recalling him unless he made headlines with a blockbuster home season across formats lately.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-india-head-coach-gautam-gambhir-urges-indian-players-to-skip-survival-stage-and-play-with-purpose-on-england-tour-1749712170330"><strong>India head coach Gambhir urges players to skip survival stage and play ‘with purpose’ on England tour</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>During the previous Ranji Trophy season, Karun scored 863 runs, averaging close to 54, including four centuries and two fifties in 16 outings. If these numbers weren’t enough, take a look at his white-ball numbers in the One-Day tournament (Vijay Hazare Trophy), wherein he returned with 779 runs in nine matches, at a gigantic average of 389.50. His spell included five hundreds and a fifty. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – the T20 competition, he scored 255 runs in six matches, striking at 177.08.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even on the current shadow tour for India-A, Karun scored a double hundred in the first practice match against the England Lions.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>These numbers, however, were too good for selectors to consider him for the England series, with Gambhir taking note of it. Calling his comeback ‘inspirational’ for the entire world, Gambhir said,&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven [eight] years had a phenomenal last year. Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun," Gambhir said during a team huddle, the video of which was uploaded by BCCI’s social media handles on Thursday.&nbsp;</p><h2>Gambhir welcomes newcomers<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>Gautam also welcomed two uncapped players, Sai Sudharsan and seamer Arshdeep Singh. Praising both for their respective strengths, Gautam told Sai, ‘We will make sure you have a very successful red-ball career as well,’ while talking about Arshdeep, he said,<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I want to welcome Arsh (Arshdeep), who has been phenomenal with the white ball cricket, I am sure, with the red ball in your hand, which is still there. I am sure you are going to make it count," Gambhir said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, he also congratulated star Test batter Rishabh Pant on being picked as Shubman Gill’s deputy in this format.&nbsp;</p>

ENG vs IND 2025: Head coach Gambhir lauds Karun Nair’s ‘great’ Test return, calls it inspirational for entire world

Karun Nair is one name every Indian hopes to see playing in the series opener against England in Leeds. Making his Test comeback after eight years, having last played a red-ball game for India in March 2017, Nair is tipped to seal a spot in India’s top order for the marquee series. Though unclear and mum about his playing time in the UK, head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded his return regardless, adding that his ‘never-giving-up attitude’ helped him realise his dream of playing for India again. Karun scored a triple hundred in only his third Test for India (against England in Chennai), only to disappear from the international scene like he never existed. Vanishing amid a rising T20 culture worldwide, Karun kept grinding hard in the domestic circuit, scoring runs consistently. Although his name was mentioned in several conversations in the lead-up to a few away tours during this time, the selectors always decided against recalling him unless he made headlines with a blockbuster home season across formats lately. Also read | India head coach Gambhir urges players to skip survival stage and play ‘with purpose’ on England tour During the previous Ranji Trophy season, Karun scored 863 runs, averaging close to 54, including four centuries and two fifties in 16 outings. If these numbers weren’t enough, take a look at his white-ball numbers in the One-Day tournament (Vijay Hazare Trophy), wherein he returned with 779 runs in nine matches, at a gigantic average of 389.50. His spell included five hundreds and a fifty. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – the T20 competition, he scored 255 runs in six matches, striking at 177.08. Even on the current shadow tour for India-A, Karun scored a double hundred in the first practice match against the England Lions. These numbers, however, were too good for selectors to consider him for the England series, with Gambhir taking note of it. Calling his comeback ‘inspirational’ for the entire world, Gambhir said, "Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven [eight] years had a phenomenal last year. Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun," Gambhir said during a team huddle, the video of which was uploaded by BCCI’s social media handles on Thursday. Gambhir welcomes newcomers Gautam also welcomed two uncapped players, Sai Sudharsan and seamer Arshdeep Singh. Praising both for their respective strengths, Gautam told Sai, ‘We will make sure you have a very successful red-ball career as well,’ while talking about Arshdeep, he said, "I want to welcome Arsh (Arshdeep), who has been phenomenal with the white ball cricket, I am sure, with the red ball in your hand, which is still there. I am sure you are going to make it count," Gambhir said. Meanwhile, he also congratulated star Test batter Rishabh Pant on being picked as Shubman Gill’s deputy in this format.

<p>Karun scored a triple hundred in only his third Test for India (against England in Chennai), only to disappear from the international scene like he never existed.</p>

<p>Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a loud and clear message to Indian players, urging them to skip the survival stage mode and play each ball ‘with purpose’ on the upcoming England tour, starting with the first Test in Leeds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With three senior players, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, all absent due to respective Test retirements, this new-look Indian Team has a chance to pull off what no touring Indian side could do on English soil since 2007 - is to beat them away from home.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-india-bowling-coach-morkel-blown-away-by-jasprit-bumrah-preparation-for-england-tests-1749708794854"><strong>‘He knows how to get himself ready’: Bowling coach Morkel ‘blown away’ by Bumrah’s preparation for ENG Tests</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>As Team India continues to prepare for the marquee five-match Test series, head coach Gambhir and newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill addressed the team during a huddle, outlining the need to ensure they stay at the top throughout the series, which gets underway June 20. Gautam, surrounded by newcomers Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan, gave a pep talk to his players.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Gambhir said there are different ways to look at this series, and amidst all the hard work and talent at their disposal, they must stick together and make sacrifices, come out of their comfort zone and play each session, hour and ball with a purpose.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“All I want to say is that there’s two ways of looking to this tour. One is, we are without our three most experienced players, or we got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country. When I look around in this group, I think the hunger, the passion, the commitment to do something special. I think if we make sacrifices, if we come out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not every day but every session, every hour and every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour,” Gambhir said in a video posted by BCCI’s social media handle on Thursday (June 12).&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Gill, who stood beside Gambhir, also echoed the same feelings but with a twist. The team skipper urged the players to take little pressure while preparing for the Test series, only to learn the art of absorbing it while being in that situation during the game.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Let’s make each and every net session meaningful, and let’s prepare like that. And let’s put ourselves under a little bit of pressure when we are going out there. It’s not about going out there and surviving; let’s try to find out our game, how we are going to play when we are put under pressure. Be it our bowlers or batters. Let’s play every ball with a purpose,” Gill said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the senior men's team will face India-A in a closed-door intra-squad match starting June 13.&nbsp;</p>

Gautam Gambhir urges Indian players to skip survival stage and play with purpose on England tour

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a loud and clear message to Indian players, urging them to skip the survival stage mode and play each ball ‘with purpose’ on the upcoming England tour, starting with the first Test in Leeds. With three senior players, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, all absent due to respective Test retirements, this new-look Indian Team has a chance to pull off what no touring Indian side could do on English soil since 2007 - is to beat them away from home. Also read | ‘He knows how to get himself ready’: Bowling coach Morkel ‘blown away’ by Bumrah’s preparation for ENG Tests As Team India continues to prepare for the marquee five-match Test series, head coach Gambhir and newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill addressed the team during a huddle, outlining the need to ensure they stay at the top throughout the series, which gets underway June 20. Gautam, surrounded by newcomers Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan, gave a pep talk to his players. Gambhir said there are different ways to look at this series, and amidst all the hard work and talent at their disposal, they must stick together and make sacrifices, come out of their comfort zone and play each session, hour and ball with a purpose. “All I want to say is that there’s two ways of looking to this tour. One is, we are without our three most experienced players, or we got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country. When I look around in this group, I think the hunger, the passion, the commitment to do something special. I think if we make sacrifices, if we come out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not every day but every session, every hour and every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour,” Gambhir said in a video posted by BCCI’s social media handle on Thursday (June 12). Gill, who stood beside Gambhir, also echoed the same feelings but with a twist. The team skipper urged the players to take little pressure while preparing for the Test series, only to learn the art of absorbing it while being in that situation during the game. “Let’s make each and every net session meaningful, and let’s prepare like that. And let’s put ourselves under a little bit of pressure when we are going out there. It’s not about going out there and surviving; let’s try to find out our game, how we are going to play when we are put under pressure. Be it our bowlers or batters. Let’s play every ball with a purpose,” Gill said. Meanwhile, the senior men's team will face India-A in a closed-door intra-squad match starting June 13.

<p>With three senior players, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, all absent due to respective Test retirements, this new-look Indian Team has a chance to pull off what no touring Indian side could do on English soil since 2007 - is to beat them away from home.</p>

India head coach Gambhir urges players to skip survival stage and play ‘with purpose’ on England tour

<p>Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is gearing up for the most important tour of the summer, the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel reflected on his team's preparations ahead of the marquee series, with a prime focus on the speedster.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bumrah returned from a back injury (he suffered during India’s last away tour) during the IPL 2025, playing all games for the Mumbai Indians since. Although Bumrah's workload management suggests that he should not play more than three Tests on the trot, as also detailed by head coach Gautam Gambhir before departing for the UK, the management is yet to take a call on his playing time against England. Morkel, however, believes that despite all of this, Bumrah knows how to get himself ready for a long away tour.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, Morkel expressed astonishment over watching Bumrah bowl full throttle in the nets, adding that his body is also coping well.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-ipl-to-english-county-tilak-varma-india-batting-star-signs-short-term-deal-with-hampshire-mumbai-indians-gaikwad-1749705403799"><strong>From IPL to English County! India batting star signs short-term deal with Hampshire</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Bumrah knows how to get himself ready, he knows how to prepare," Morkel said on Wednesday.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I was blown away to see the energy on the ball the last three days. That's very exciting to see. I'm happy his body is in good shape at the moment.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"We'll manage him with that. We'll be smart with him because he's obviously key for us, but in terms of the first three net sessions, lot to be excited watching him bowl with the Dukes ball,” he continued.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Bumrah might start in the first Test in Headingley, the team management is working on assembling the best attack for the series opener, with plenty of options to choose from. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna lead the race to share the new ball with Bumrah, with the selectors undecided on picking the fourth bowler in either Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy, or neither.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Morkel, however, has high hopes from Reddy, who impressed everyone with both bat and ball in the lead-up to his Test debut.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"The more bowling options we can have, that's great. He's skilful. He's a guy that can bowl that magical ball, so for him, it's about creating that consistency, it's something we want to work on, it's important for his game as well," Morkel said of Reddy.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I've had conversations where I've challenged him to bowl a bit more.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I want to see the ball more in his hands. We all know what he can do with the bat. For a team, if we can have the bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he'll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack,” he continued.&nbsp;</p>

India bowling coach Morkel blown away by Jasprit Bumrah preparation for England Tests

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is gearing up for the most important tour of the summer, the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel reflected on his team's preparations ahead of the marquee series, with a prime focus on the speedster. Bumrah returned from a back injury (he suffered during India’s last away tour) during the IPL 2025, playing all games for the Mumbai Indians since. Although Bumrah's workload management suggests that he should not play more than three Tests on the trot, as also detailed by head coach Gautam Gambhir before departing for the UK, the management is yet to take a call on his playing time against England. Morkel, however, believes that despite all of this, Bumrah knows how to get himself ready for a long away tour. Moreover, Morkel expressed astonishment over watching Bumrah bowl full throttle in the nets, adding that his body is also coping well. Also read | From IPL to English County! India batting star signs short-term deal with Hampshire "Bumrah knows how to get himself ready, he knows how to prepare," Morkel said on Wednesday. "I was blown away to see the energy on the ball the last three days. That's very exciting to see. I'm happy his body is in good shape at the moment. "We'll manage him with that. We'll be smart with him because he's obviously key for us, but in terms of the first three net sessions, lot to be excited watching him bowl with the Dukes ball,” he continued. While Bumrah might start in the first Test in Headingley, the team management is working on assembling the best attack for the series opener, with plenty of options to choose from. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna lead the race to share the new ball with Bumrah, with the selectors undecided on picking the fourth bowler in either Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy, or neither. Morkel, however, has high hopes from Reddy, who impressed everyone with both bat and ball in the lead-up to his Test debut. "The more bowling options we can have, that's great. He's skilful. He's a guy that can bowl that magical ball, so for him, it's about creating that consistency, it's something we want to work on, it's important for his game as well," Morkel said of Reddy. "I've had conversations where I've challenged him to bowl a bit more. "I want to see the ball more in his hands. We all know what he can do with the bat. For a team, if we can have the bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he'll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack,” he continued.

<p>Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel reflected on his team's preparations ahead of the marquee series, with a prime focus on the speedster.</p>

‘He knows how to get himself ready’: Bowling coach Morkel ‘blown away’ by Bumrah’s preparation for ENG Tests

<p>For the second time in a week, a star Indian T20I cricketer has signed a deal with a County Championship club in England. After IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad signed up for Yorkshire for the second half of the summer, Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma is the latest to join hands with a County side, Hampshire, but on a short-term basis.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The left-handed batter will play four County matches for Hampshire in June and July.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-vs-south-africa-wtc-final-2025-produces-cricket-first-in-its-145-year-history-starc-cummins-hazlewood-kagiso-rabada-1749701957549"><strong>WTC Final 2025 produces cricket’s first in its 145-year history at Lord's</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Tilak has featured for India in only white-ball matches to date, four ODIs and 25 T20Is. He has hit two centuries (in the shortest format) and four fifties overall, while his IPL exploits are not new to everyone. He has played 18 first-class games, having scored five hundreds, including one for India-A against New Zealand-A, while averaging over 50 in the format.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>His inclusion, however, would help and press his chances of impressing the selectors with his red-ball game, further putting him in the conversation for a potential Test cricket debut sooner.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the County side, which got off to a mixed start to the season and is placed seventh on the table, would welcome Tilak with open arms ahead of their next game against Essex starting June 22. His inclusion would bolster its batting line-up, which struggled a bit since James Vince's departure.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Hampshire, however, had hoped to rope in South Africa batting prodigy Dewald Brevis for their two Championship fixtures; he instead was picked for the away Zimbabwe Tests, making room for another overseas player to fill, with Varma getting his chance. But the left-handed batter will not feature in England’s T20 tournament – the Vitality T20 Blast, since the BCCI doesn’t allow Indian cricketers and those contracted to play in any other franchise-based T20 League outside of the IPL.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Besides him, ace Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who played the IPL 2025 final for Punjab Kings, is also due to return to play for Northamptonshire later this month.</p>

From IPL to English County! India batting star signs short-term deal with Hampshire

For the second time in a week, a star Indian T20I cricketer has signed a deal with a County Championship club in England. After IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad signed up for Yorkshire for the second half of the summer, Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma is the latest to join hands with a County side, Hampshire, but on a short-term basis. The left-handed batter will play four County matches for Hampshire in June and July. Also read | WTC Final 2025 produces cricket’s first in its 145-year history at Lord's Tilak has featured for India in only white-ball matches to date, four ODIs and 25 T20Is. He has hit two centuries (in the shortest format) and four fifties overall, while his IPL exploits are not new to everyone. He has played 18 first-class games, having scored five hundreds, including one for India-A against New Zealand-A, while averaging over 50 in the format. His inclusion, however, would help and press his chances of impressing the selectors with his red-ball game, further putting him in the conversation for a potential Test cricket debut sooner. Meanwhile, the County side, which got off to a mixed start to the season and is placed seventh on the table, would welcome Tilak with open arms ahead of their next game against Essex starting June 22. His inclusion would bolster its batting line-up, which struggled a bit since James Vince's departure. Hampshire, however, had hoped to rope in South Africa batting prodigy Dewald Brevis for their two Championship fixtures; he instead was picked for the away Zimbabwe Tests, making room for another overseas player to fill, with Varma getting his chance. But the left-handed batter will not feature in England’s T20 tournament – the Vitality T20 Blast, since the BCCI doesn’t allow Indian cricketers and those contracted to play in any other franchise-based T20 League outside of the IPL. Besides him, ace Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who played the IPL 2025 final for Punjab Kings, is also due to return to play for Northamptonshire later this month.

<p>Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yuzvendra Chahal are the other two Indian T20 stars who will feature in the County Championship this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third World Test Championship (WTC) Final got underway at the Mecca of cricket at Lord’s on Wednesday (June 11), with Australia and South Africa sharing honours on day one. While South African seamer Kagiso Rabada made headlines with his brilliant five-for in the first innings, helping the Proteas dismiss Australia on a paltry 212, the Aussie pace trio picked up four wickets between them to end the day on top. The day, however, saw cricket’s first unfold at the Lord's.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On a breezy London morning, South Africa won the toss and sent Australia in to bat first. The scoreboard read 0/0 until the fourth over when makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne played on the leg side to open the scoring. That, however, wasn’t enough to get the Aussies going, as Rabada accounted for seasoned Usman Khawaja, caught in the slips on a duck. The Oz lost new number three Cameron Green in the same over, with South Africa relishing a dream start.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-aus-day-1-wtc-final-australia-finish-on-top-despite-rabada-five-wickets-for-sa-1749661171157"><strong>WTC Final 2025, SA vs AUS Day 1: Australia finish on top in title defence despite Rabada's five-for</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Steve Smith and Marnus tried to steady the innings, but losing two more wickets before lunch had them on the floor. Afterwards, Smith and Beau Webster added 79 for the fifth wicket before part-timer Aiden Markram got the big fish in Smith, caught in the first slip on 66.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Keeper Alex Carey also contributed with a handy 23 before Rabada turned the game on its head by picking three wickets to complete his five-wicket haul. Thanks to a complete team show, South Africa dismissed Australia on 212 inside the three sessions.</p><h2>Cricket’s first<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>What unfolded next was cricket’s first in its 145-year history at the venue, and what an occasion it was.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>For the first time in 561 Tests on English soil, both teams' number-one batters were dismissed for zero in the first innings. It happened when Aussie seamer Mitchell Starc bowled Markram on the final ball of his first over on zero.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While it was Markram for Proteas, Khawaja was the Australian opener who departed without bothering the scoresheet.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Returning to the South African innings, Starc picked his second wicket in Markram’s fellow opener Ryan Rickelton before captain Pat Cummins broke Wiaan Mulder’s stumps on just six.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Proteas captain Temba Bavuma took 31 balls to hit his first run as the crowd cheered the moment, adding just two more before stumps were taken, Josh Hazlewood also returned with a wicket by dismissing Tristan Stubbs, clean bowled on just two.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>South Africa finished the day on 43 for two, trailing by 169 runs.&nbsp;</p>

WTC Final 2025 produces cricket’s first in its 145-year history

The third World Test Championship (WTC) Final got underway at the Mecca of cricket at Lord’s on Wednesday (June 11), with Australia and South Africa sharing honours on day one. While South African seamer Kagiso Rabada made headlines with his brilliant five-for in the first innings, helping the Proteas dismiss Australia on a paltry 212, the Aussie pace trio picked up four wickets between them to end the day on top. The day, however, saw cricket’s first unfold at the Lord's. On a breezy London morning, South Africa won the toss and sent Australia in to bat first. The scoreboard read 0/0 until the fourth over when makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne played on the leg side to open the scoring. That, however, wasn’t enough to get the Aussies going, as Rabada accounted for seasoned Usman Khawaja, caught in the slips on a duck. The Oz lost new number three Cameron Green in the same over, with South Africa relishing a dream start. Also read | WTC Final 2025, SA vs AUS Day 1: Australia finish on top in title defence despite Rabada's five-for Steve Smith and Marnus tried to steady the innings, but losing two more wickets before lunch had them on the floor. Afterwards, Smith and Beau Webster added 79 for the fifth wicket before part-timer Aiden Markram got the big fish in Smith, caught in the first slip on 66. Keeper Alex Carey also contributed with a handy 23 before Rabada turned the game on its head by picking three wickets to complete his five-wicket haul. Thanks to a complete team show, South Africa dismissed Australia on 212 inside the three sessions. Cricket’s first What unfolded next was cricket’s first in its 145-year history at the venue, and what an occasion it was. For the first time in 561 Tests on English soil, both teams' number-one batters were dismissed for zero in the first innings. It happened when Aussie seamer Mitchell Starc bowled Markram on the final ball of his first over on zero. While it was Markram for Proteas, Khawaja was the Australian opener who departed without bothering the scoresheet. Returning to the South African innings, Starc picked his second wicket in Markram’s fellow opener Ryan Rickelton before captain Pat Cummins broke Wiaan Mulder’s stumps on just six. While Proteas captain Temba Bavuma took 31 balls to hit his first run as the crowd cheered the moment, adding just two more before stumps were taken, Josh Hazlewood also returned with a wicket by dismissing Tristan Stubbs, clean bowled on just two. South Africa finished the day on 43 for two, trailing by 169 runs.

<p>14 wickets fell on day one of the third WTC Final at the Lord's in London.</p>

WTC Final 2025 produces cricket’s first in its 145-year history at Lord's

<p>World Test Championship (WTC) defending champions Australia finished on top after day 1 (June) of the WTC Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord's in London (UK). After being bowled out for 212, Australia took four wickets in remaining day's play as South Africa finished at 43/4 and are railing by 169 in the first innings.</p><p>It was Mitchell Starc who started the proceeding for Australia with venom and took out Aiden Markram in the very first over after the defending champions were bowled out for 212 in the first innings.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rabada-becomes-second-bowler-to-take-five-for-in-wtc-final-who-is-first-bowler-1749655816550">Rabada becomes second bowler to take five-for in WTC Final. First bowler was in Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2025</a></p><p>Starc followed that with Ryan Rickelton's wicket as South Africa lost second wicket for less than 20 runs. Australia skipper Pat Cummins then removed Sa number 3 Wiaan Mulder for the third scalp before Josh Hazlewood joined the party and removed Tristan Stubbs with a peach.</p><p>Earlier, chasing their first ICC trophy, South Africa won the toss and skipper Temba Bavuma invited Australia to bat first in overcast conditions. South Africa pacers responded to captain's decision and bowled brilliant opening spell.</p><p>It was Kagiso Rabada who broke through first and did so in some style. The Proteas pace spearhead sent back Usman Khawaja for a 20-ball duck before cleaning up returning all-rounder Cameron Green three balls later in the same over.</p><p>Makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne then added 30 runs with Smith before falling to a perfectly executed plan by Marco Jansen. At the stroke of lunch on day 1, Jansen struck again and took out dangerous Travis Head as Australia returned to dressing room at 67/4.</p><p>In the second session, Australia fought back and scored 123 runs for the loss of Steve Smith's wicket who scored a magnificent 66 off 112.</p><p>Come third session, South Africa started with a bang and took out Alex Carey quickly. From 192/6, Australia suffered a collapse and lost last four wickets for 20 runs. All-rounder Beau Webster top scored for Australia with a hard-fought 72.</p>

World Test Championship (WTC) defending champions Australia finished on top after day 1 (June) of the WTC Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord's in London (UK).

World Test Championship (WTC) defending champions Australia finished on top after day 1 (June) of the WTC Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord's in London (UK). After being bowled out for 212, Australia took four wickets in remaining day's play as South Africa finished at 43/4 and are railing by 169 in the first innings. It was Mitchell Starc who started the proceeding for Australia with venom and took out Aiden Markram in the very first over after the defending champions were bowled out for 212 in the first innings. Also Read - Rabada becomes second bowler to take five-for in WTC Final. First bowler was in Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2025 Starc followed that with Ryan Rickelton's wicket as South Africa lost second wicket for less than 20 runs. Australia skipper Pat Cummins then removed Sa number 3 Wiaan Mulder for the third scalp before Josh Hazlewood joined the party and removed Tristan Stubbs with a peach. Earlier, chasing their first ICC trophy, South Africa won the toss and skipper Temba Bavuma invited Australia to bat first in overcast conditions. South Africa pacers responded to captain's decision and bowled brilliant opening spell. It was Kagiso Rabada who broke through first and did so in some style. The Proteas pace spearhead sent back Usman Khawaja for a 20-ball duck before cleaning up returning all-rounder Cameron Green three balls later in the same over. Makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne then added 30 runs with Smith before falling to a perfectly executed plan by Marco Jansen. At the stroke of lunch on day 1, Jansen struck again and took out dangerous Travis Head as Australia returned to dressing room at 67/4. In the second session, Australia fought back and scored 123 runs for the loss of Steve Smith's wicket who scored a magnificent 66 off 112. Come third session, South Africa started with a bang and took out Alex Carey quickly. From 192/6, Australia suffered a collapse and lost last four wickets for 20 runs. All-rounder Beau Webster top scored for Australia with a hard-fought 72.

<p>World Test Championship (WTC) defending champions Australia finished on top after day 1 (June) of the WTC Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord's in London (UK).</p>

WTC Final 2025, SA vs AUS Day 1: Australia finish on top in title defence despite Rabada's five-for

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