As kids, we understood Lord's history and how well Australia embraces it, says Hayden

IANS June 8, 2025 347 views

Matthew Hayden has shared insights into Australia's historical connection with Lord's Cricket Ground ahead of the World Test Championship final. The former opener emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing the venue's rich cricket heritage. Australia's impressive record at Lord's, with 18 wins in 40 Tests, provides a strong psychological advantage for the upcoming match. Hayden believes the team's deep-rooted respect for the ground will be a significant factor in their performance against South Africa.

"From a young age, we've always understood how special that venue is" - Matthew Hayden
As kids, we understood Lord's history and how well Australia embraces it, says Hayden
New Delhi, June 7: Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes the Pat Cummins-led side will benefit from embracing and understanding the history of the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, something which he feels will keep them in good stead against South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final, starting on June 11.

Key Points

1

Australia boasts impressive 2.571 win-loss ratio at Lord's

2

Cummins-led team aims to defend World Test Championship title

3

Hayden highlights venue's historical significance

4

Experience crucial in one-off Test match

In the 40 Tests Australia have played at Lord's from 1884 to 2023, they have emerged victorious 18 times while losing on seven occasions, and 15 games ended in a draw. Their win-loss ratio at the historic venue stands at 2.571.

Australia will be aiming to defend the WTC crown they won at The Oval in 2023 during the one-off title clash against South Africa at Lord's from June 11-15.

"It's a great dynamic position to have is coming into just one test, and that's why I think experience is really key," said Hayden on Star Sports on Saturday.

"Guys knowing each other's games really well, knowing the venue well, you know, sort of almost getting back into the driving seat of your vehicle and not having to change or alter the line-up because someone else has been in it. Yeah, just all those sorts of comfort zones, plus I think the connection that Australia naturally has to the home of cricket.

"I mean, when you think about the famous tussles with England and Australia, you straight away probably go to two venues, Boxing Day in Melbourne and Lord's in England. I guess from a young age, as kids, we've always kind of been brought up understanding how special that venue is, how much history it has, and embracing that as something that Australia does very well," he added.

Lord's is also the third England venue to host the WTC finals after the Rose Bowl in Southampton and The Oval. The iconic cricket venue is also scheduled to host the third England-India Test from July 10-14.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Hayden makes a valid point about understanding cricket history. But as an Indian fan, I wish our players got more opportunities to play at Lord's too! The upcoming India-England Test there will be 🔥. Hope our boys can create their own legacy at this iconic ground.
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Priya M.
Australia's record at Lord's is impressive, but let's not forget India's historic win there in 2014! That was pure magic 💙. Though I agree with Hayden - understanding venue history gives teams an edge. Maybe BCCI should arrange more practice matches at such grounds for our players.
A
Arjun S.
While Hayden talks about Australia's connection, I feel cricket has become too England-Australia centric. ICC should rotate WTC finals to other countries too. Why not Eden Gardens or MCG? The home of cricket shouldn't always mean England!
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Sneha R.
Interesting perspective! In India, we grow up hearing about Eden Gardens, Wankhede, and Chinnaswamy's history. Each cricket nation has its own sacred grounds. But yes, Lord's has that special aura - can't wait for our boys to play there next month! 🇮🇳
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Vikram J.
Respect to Hayden for acknowledging venue history. But let's be honest - Australia's success comes more from their ruthless cricket than just 'understanding Lord's'. Our Indian team needs to develop that killer instinct in finals, regardless of the venue!
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Neha P.
The way Hayden describes it, Lord's sounds like cricket's equivalent of Wimbledon! 🎾🏏 Makes me nostalgic for that 2011 World Cup win at Wankhede - our own historic moment. Every cricket nation should cherish their iconic grounds while respecting others' too.

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