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Key Points

The World Test Championship final promises an epic clash between South Africa and Australia at the historic Lord's cricket ground. ICC chairman Jay Shah has highlighted the significance of this "Ultimate Test" between two formidable teams. Pat Cummins' Australia will defend their title, while Temba Bavuma's South Africa hunt their first major ICC trophy in 20 years. The high-stakes match offers a substantial USD 3.6 million prize for the winner, adding extra excitement to this marquee cricket event.

Key Points: Jay Shah Hypes WTC Final SA vs Australia Lord's Showdown

  • SA seek first ICC trophy in over two decades
  • Australia aim to retain Test championship
  • Lord's hosts ultimate cricket battle
  • Massive USD 3.6 million prize at stake
2 min read

WTC Final: ICC chair Jay Shah extends best wishes to SA and Australia for 'Ultimate Test' at Lord's

ICC chair Jay Shah wishes Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins ahead of thrilling World Test Championship final at iconic Lord's

"Looking forward to an enthralling contest in the @ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's. - Jay Shah, ICC Chair"

New Delhi, June 10

As the World Test Championship (WTC) final is set to begin on Wednesday, where South Africa and Australia will fight for the coveted mace, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah expressed his excitement for the "enthralling contest" and gave his best wishes to both teams for the "Ultimate Test".

Pat Cummins-led Australia will be looking to retain the mace that they claimed after defeating India in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June 2023. On the other side, South Africa are aiming for their first ICC trophy in over two decades, with Temba Bavuma leading the charge.

Taking to X, Shah wrote, "Looking forward to an enthralling contest in the @ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. Best of luck to both @ProteasMenCSA and @CricketAus in the Ultimate Test!"

The winner of the WTC 2023-25 will walk away with USD 3.6 million, a significant jump from the USD 1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023, while the runners-up will earn USD 2.16 million, up from USD 800,000.

South Africa's WTC journey started with a 1-1 drawn series against India at home, before being handed a 2-0 series defeat by New Zealand. They then travelled to the West Indies, winning 1-0, before picking up pace with 2-0 wins against both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Then, their thrilling two-wicket win against Pakistan at Centurion was enough to help them seal their berth in the final. They went on to win the series 2-0 against Pakistan, earning their seventh consecutive Test win in this cycle to qualify for the final as table toppers.

The ICC No.1 ranked Australia started their journey to the WTC Final with two Ashes wins before England’s comeback to draw the series 2-2, followed by a clean sweep at home, winning three Tests against Pakistan. Aussies were dropped to the second spot in the WTC standings after the Test series against the West Indies ended in a 1-1 draw. Then, a 2-0 sweep away from home against New Zealand followed. Australia then hosted India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they claimed 3-1 after 10 years.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the cricket article:
R
Rahul K.
While it's disappointing not to see Team India in the final, both SA and Aus deserve to be there. That last BGT series still hurts though! Hope we come back stronger next cycle. 🏏 #WTCFinal
P
Priya M.
Jay Shah's message is classy as always. But ICC should reconsider the 2-year cycle format. One bad series and you're out - too harsh for teams like India who dominate otherwise. Just my two paise!
A
Arjun S.
Rooting for South Africa here! After so many heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, they deserve this one. Plus, would be great to see a new champion. Rabada vs Smith will be 🔥
S
Sunita R.
The prize money increase is impressive but Test cricket needs more than money to survive. Hope this final brings the excitement that will attract younger fans to the purest format.
V
Vikram J.
Australia's consistency in ICC events is unbelievable. As an Indian fan, I envy that. We have the talent but falter in crunch matches. Need to learn from their big-match temperament.
N
Neha P.
Lord's as the venue again? ICC should rotate WTC finals to different countries. Why not Eden Gardens or MCG? Cricket is global now, time to move beyond traditional venues.

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