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ICC Chairman Jay Shah called it an honor to ring the bell at Lord’s ahead of the 2025 WTC Final. Defending champions Australia stumbled early against South Africa, who topped the league phase. The winners will take home a record $3.6 million, doubling the 2023 prize. This marks Lord’s debut as a WTC Final venue after Southampton and The Oval hosted previous editions.

Key Points: Jay Shah Honors Lord’s Tradition at WTC Final Australia vs South Africa

  • Jay Shah rings Lord’s bell for WTC Final opener
  • Australia defends title after 2023 win vs India
  • South Africa enters with 7 straight Test wins
  • Prize money surges to $3.6M for champions
2 min read

A privilege to ring the bell at historic Lord's before the start of WTC Final, says Jay Shah

ICC Chairman Jay Shah rings Lord’s bell as Australia and South Africa clash in the historic 2025 WTC Final with record prize money at stake.

"A privilege to ring the bell at the historic Lord’s ground before the start of play – Jay Shah"

London, June 11

Jay Shah, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), said it was a moment of privilege for him to ring the bell at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground before the start of the 2025 World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa.

In their bid to retain the mace they won at The Oval in June 2023 after beating India by 209 runs, Australia were reduced to 67/4 in 23.2 overs by South Africa at lunch on the first day of the match. This is also the first time that Lord’s is hosting an ICC World Test Championship Final.

“A privilege to ring the bell at the historic Lord’s ground before the start of play on day one of the @icc World Test Championship final between @ProteasMenCSA and @CricketAus,” wrote Shah on his ‘X’ account on Wednesday.

Australia finished second in the league table during the 2023-25 WTC cycle, having claimed 67.54 points percentage. South Africa, meanwhile, entered the WTC final on the back of seven consecutive Test victories and finished at the top of the points table with 69.44 points percentage.

South Africa confirmed their spot in the WTC Final by holding off a fightback from Pakistan to seal a thrilling two-wicket win in Centurion in December 2024, while Australia qualified courtesy of a commanding six-wicket victory over India in Sydney in January this year.

The winner of the WTC 2023-25 cycle will receive USD 3.6 million, which is a significant increase from the USD 1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023 editions, while the runners-up will earn USD 2.16 million, up from USD 800,000.

The historic Lord’s has also become the third England venue to host the WTC finals after the Rose Bowl in Southampton (2021) and The Oval in London (2023). There is also a reserve day in place on June 16, provided any playing time was lost during the regular five days of the one-off title clash.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an honor for Jay Shah! Lord's is cricket's holy ground 🇮🇳🏏 But honestly, still hurts that we're not in this final after that Sydney loss. Hope Team India comes back stronger next cycle!
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Priya M.
Great to see an Indian at the center of world cricket administration! Though I wish BCCI would focus more on improving our domestic cricket structure. Our bench strength needs work if we want consistent WTC performances.
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Vikram S.
That bell-ringing tradition at Lord's gives me goosebumps! 🛎️ Hope someday an Indian captain gets to do it in a WTC final. Meanwhile, let's enjoy this SA vs Aus contest - Rabada is bowling like a dream!
A
Ananya T.
The prize money increase shows Test cricket's growing importance 💰 But ICC should ensure more countries get exposure to top-level Test cricket. Bangladesh, Afghanistan deserve more matches against big teams!
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Suresh P.
Jay Shah representing India at Lord's is a proud moment. But honestly, we need to stop this obsession with England venues for global finals. Why not rotate between continents? Eden Gardens would be electric for a WTC final!
N
Neha R.
The WTC format still feels unfair to me. One bad series and you're out of contention! Maybe ICC should consider more weightage for away wins. Anyway, kudos to SA for topping the table - their pace attack is fearsome 🔥

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