South Africa stand on the brink of a monumental triumph at Lord’s after a composed and calculated batting performance on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Finishing the day at a dominant 213/2, the Proteas need just 69 more runs to secure their maiden WTC crown and their first ICC title in 26 years. The day belonged to Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma, who combined for an unbroken 143-run partnership, the highest of the match, to steer their side out of early trouble and into a commanding position. Their stand came after Australia, defending a modest second-innings total of 207, made early inroads by dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder. Markram, exhibiting poise and patience, anchored the innings with trademark elegance, while Bavuma displayed grit and determination. The defining moment of the day arrived when Steve Smith dropped Bavuma on 28, a costly error compounded by a finger injury sustained in the attempt. That missed opportunity may well haunt Australia, especially as their bowlers appeared drained and ineffective in the final session, offering little resistance as South Africa closed in on the target without further loss. Earlier in the day, Mitchell Starc played a crucial hand with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 58 to push Australia’s lead past 200. However, their total proved insufficient against a well-organised South African batting unit that seized control of the match. Despite South Africa's stronghold, their march to victory could yet face an unexpected hurdle, the weather. According to AccuWeather forecasts, Day 4 is expected to begin under warm and partly sunny conditions, but increasing cloud cover through the afternoon could lead to rain interruptions. There is a 55 percent chance of precipitation during the morning session, and wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 48 km/h. The temperature is likely to hover around 25°C, with winds blowing from the south-southeast at speeds up to 43 km/h. Notably, a yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued from 7 PM Friday to 6 AM Saturday, which may affect post-play hours more than active match time. Nevertheless, scattered showers earlier in the day could lead to frustrating delays. Should rain significantly curtail play and a result cannot be achieved within the allocated five days, the designated reserve day (Day 6) will be activated, provided time has been officially lost across the scheduled match days.
14 June,2025 01:12 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentMumbai South Central Maratha Royals (MSCMR) emerged triumphant in the third season of T20 Mumbai, defeating fellow debutants SoBo Mumbai Falcons (SMF) by five wickets in an exciting final in front of a near-packed Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night. It was heartbreak for SMF captain Shreyas Iyer for the second consecutive week, having finished runner-up yet again following his second-best finish as Punjab Kings skipper to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL summit clash nine nights ago. ‘There was pressure’ Player of the final, Chinmay Sutar, 28, of MSCMR, who took the game away from SMF’s grasp with a calculated half-century (53), had one regret though. “The final knock was crucial. It was a challenging target and the pitch was not flat. We knew 158 was gettable as we had the batting depth, but playing in front of the huge crowd, there was pressure. I somehow kept my focus and believed that I could take the cup home. I’m very happy to have contributed to the team’s win and also to have won the Orange Cap [highest run-getter with 271 runs]. My only regret though is that I could not finish the game,” the right-handed batsman told mid-day on Friday. While looking to steer the MSCMR home with just seven needed for victory, Sutar top-edged a slog-sweep off left-arm spinner Kartik Mishra and was caught by opposition skipper Iyer at cover in the 19th over. Unable to finish it Interestingly, Sutar was in a similar situation during an Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup match in Bangladesh in 2019. In the semi-finals against Pakistan, he made an unbeaten 28, but could not finish it for the India Emerging Team, who fell short by three runs. “We lost that semi-final. I felt very bad that I couldn’t finish it for India. That was a big learning,” said Sutar, son of Rajesh, a former Mumbai batsman and off-spinner. Earlier, on a tricky pitch, SMF posted 157-4. The last 82 runs came in the final eight overs, thanks to Mayuresh Tandel’s unbeaten 50 and an unbroken 85-run fifth-wicket stand with Harsh Aghav (45 not out). During the chase, SMF skipper Iyer failed to get going yet again and was dismissed for 12 while trying to reverse sweep left-arm spinner Vaibhav Mali only be caught at short third man by Imran Umair.
14 June,2025 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | G KrishnanConsistency will be key in English conditions, according to India bowling coach Morne Morkel, who admitted to being “a little bit nervous” about the squad’s lack of red-ball time ahead of the Test series against England, starting June 20. India kick off their new World Test Championship cycle with the five-match away series, under the leadership of newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill. “I think consistency is crucial in England and there is consistency when we practice, there’s consistency off the field, finding your process, what’s going to work for you as an individual,” Morkel said on the sidelines of India’s training session here. “We’ve got a great variation, variety in our attack, guys with different skill sets so they can do that and still execute the basics well,” he added. India last played red-ball cricket in early January, during the Sydney Test against Australia. Additionally, several players in the current squad, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, will be featuring in their maiden Test series on English soil. “All in all, happy with the start so far. I was a little bit nervous in terms of the lack of red ball we’ve played, but seeing how the guys are moving around and training in the last three days is a pleasing sight. “We have a fantastic group. There’s some quality energy and that’s what you need. You need to go into a Test series confident and have that team spirit.” Reflecting on the team’s practice sessions, the former South African pace great noted that the conditions have largely favoured the fast bowlers so far. “In the two-day practice so far, the conditions suited the fast bowlers. It was testing for the batters, which also in a way helps them to prepare for what’s to come,” Morkel said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 June,2025 10:33 AM IST | Beckenham | PTIRiding on a century by opener Aiden Markram (102 not out) and a half-century by skipper Temba Bavuma (65 not out), South Africa got into a strong position at stumps on Day Three of the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s here on Friday. The Proteas, chasing 282 for victory, were 213-2 at stumps, still 69 runs shy of their target. The duo added an unbeaten 143 runs for the third wicket. Earlier, pacer Mitchell Starc, who claimed two wickets in the second innings, made 58 not out in Australia’s second-innings total of 207 all out. Rickelton goes early Starc then struck an early blow in his primary role when the left-arm fast bowler had Ryan Rickelton caught behind edging a wide yorker to leave South Africa 9-1. He also removed Wiaan Mulder when the number three fell for 27 after his checked drive was caught low down at cover by Marnus Labuschagne to end a second-wicket partnership of 61. Smith dislocates finger Starc almost had a third wicket when Bavuma, on two, got a thick edge only for Steve Smith, in a helmet at an advanced slip position, to drop a fast-travelling catch and leave the field with a finger injury. Smith was taken to hospital with a dislocated finger. South Africa, 76-2 when the chance went down, were 94-2 at tea. Starc had previously made South Africa pay for a dropped catch with a vital fifty. When Australia resumed their second innings on Friday on 144-8. South Africa enjoyed an early breakthrough when Kagiso Rabada had Nathan Lyon plumb lbw to leave Pat Cummins’s men 148-9. Teams in England pay homage to crash victims The India, Australia and South Africa cricket teams in various parts of England wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence in memory of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. In Beckenham, the Indian team observed a minute’s silence and wore black armbands ahead of their intra-squad game on Friday. Meanwhile, players of Australia and South Africa teams, along with the umpires and spectators in the stadium, also observed a gesture of solidarity for the victims and families affected by the plane crash. Brief scores Australia 212 & 207 (M Starc 58*, A Carey 43; K Rabada 4-59, L Ngidi 3-38) vs SA 138 & 213-2 (A Markram 102*, T Bavuma 65*; M Starc 2-53) This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 June,2025 10:31 AM IST | London | IANSIndia head coach Gautam Gambhir on Friday returned to the country after his mother Seema Gambhir had to be hospitalised due to a health emergency, a BCCI source told PTI. The source said Gambhir had to fly back to attend to his mother, who suffered a heart attack and is currently in the ICU in a New Delhi hospital. The Shubman Gill-led Indian Test squad are in the UK to play a five-match series against England starting June 20 in Leeds. “Gautam’s mother had a heart attack on Wednesday. He and his family left for India on Thursday and they have reached Delhi,” the BCCI source informed. In Gambhir’s absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate will assume the team’s charge during the four-day intra-squad match between India and India ‘A’, which began here on Friday. He will have assistance from other coaching staff such as bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 June,2025 10:29 AM IST | Beckenham | PTISouth Africa’s Aiden Markram produced a masterful century under pressure to put his team in the driver’s seat in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord’s on Friday. In a display of composure, timing, and technical brilliance, Markram etched his name into the record books by becoming the first South African to register a hundred in a WTC Final. Opening the innings in pursuit of a challenging 282-run target, Markram showcased remarkable poise against a formidable Australian bowling attack. On a pitch that had seen 28 wickets fall over the first two days, he held firm, weathered the early storm, and slowly gained ascendancy over the bowlers. His unbeaten 102 off 155 deliveries not only steadied South Africa’s innings but also kept their title hopes very much alive. Markram’s masterclass! 🎯#AidenMarkram slams a stunning century as South Africa roar back into the #WTCFinalWill this be the knock that leads them to glory?WATCH DAY 4 👉🏻 #WTCFinal | #SAvAUS | SAT, JUN 14, 2.30 PM onwards on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/FPRmbmvkrU — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 13, 2025 In achieving this milestone, Markram joined an elite group of batters to have scored centuries in WTC finals. His name now sits alongside Australia’s Travis Head, who struck 163 off 174 balls in the 2023 final against India, and Steve Smith, who scored 121 off 268 in the same match. Markram’s knock was the third century in WTC Final history, and arguably one of the most significant, given the high-stakes nature of the chase and the difficult batting conditions. Captain Temba Bavuma, elevating the drama with a strained left hamstring, and opener Markram partnered for an unbroken 143 runs against one of Australia's greatest bowling attacks to have South Africa 69 runs from an historic triumph. Chasing 282 to win, the Proteas were 213-2 at stumps on day three in a stirring bid to win a first ICC trophy in 27 years. Bavuma was 65 not out, his running restricted but not his batting technique, and Markram was 102 not out, easily the highest individual score of the final. To win, South Africa was required to equal England's most successful ever run chase at Lord's from 2004. The only bigger run chase at the home of cricket was 344-1 in 1984 by the West Indies.
13 June,2025 10:55 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentAs India prepare for their much-anticipated Test series against England, set to commence on June 20 at Leeds, former head coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri has reflected on a defining era of Indian cricket under the leadership of Virat Kohli. “That team had guts, fire, and the belief that they could conquer anything, anywhere. Whether it was breaching Fortress Gabba or unleashing '60 overs of hell' at Lord's, they did not just play cricket, they made a statement. This series captures what went on behind the scenes: the hunger, the preparation, and the emotional highs and lows. It is a story every Indian cricket fan should relive because that was not just a team, it was a movement," Shastri reminisced. In a nostalgic build-up to the series, a special three-part docuseries titled 'Bharat Tum Chale Chalo - Kahani 2021-22 Ki was launched with an aim to revisit India’s gripping 2021-22 Test campaign in England, where they led 2-1 under Kohli before the fifth Test was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. When the rescheduled Test took place in July 2022 under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India fell short, ending the series in a 2-2 draw. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India played 68 Tests and won 40, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian history. In his absence during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ajinkya Rahane famously led an injury-ravaged side to a historic 2-1 series win, including the memorable victory at The Gabba, Australia’s stronghold for over three decades. The upcoming series also heralds a new era for Team India, with Shubman Gill taking over the reins as Test captain following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from red-ball cricket, and spin ace Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from all international formats. This series also marks the beginning of India’s new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India's Test squad for England series: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav (With ANI inputs)
13 June,2025 10:38 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentAustralia's Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood scripted history by smashing the joint-highest 10th-wicket partnership in an ICC knockout match during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. Resuming Day 3 at 144 runs for the loss of eight wickets, the 'Baggy Greens' lost the early wicket of Nathan Lyon. Despite the loss of a wicket, Starc kept fighting and posted a crucial half-century. With this, he also became the first player to score a half-century by coming into to bat at number nine below in an ICC knockout match. Shouldering him was Hazlewood, who scored 17 runs in three balls, including two boundaries. The duo posted a partnership of 59 runs for the last wicket, which in return helped Australia set a target of 282 runs against South Africa. The 35-year-old Starc stayed unbeaten on 58 runs after facing 136 deliveries. During his knock, the left-hander smashed five boundaries. The Starc-Hazlewood duo are now sharing the top spot with New Zealand's Jeetan Patel and James Franklin, who helped the Kiwis go from 149 runs for nine to 208 all out against Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 semifinal. Coming to the match, batting first, Australia managed to put on a score of 212 runs. Steve Smith was the top scorer for Australia in the first innings, as he scored 66 runs in 112 balls. He also smashed 10 boundaries. Beau Webster accumulated 72 runs off 92 deliveries, which was laced with 11 boundaries. Later, Alex Carey scored 23 runs in the final phase of the first innings. The Proteas' lead pacer Kagiso Rabada registered a five-wicket haul for 51 runs in 15.4 overs. Marco Jansen, too, grabbed three wickets by conceding 49 runs in 14 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram registered one wicket each to their names. On day two, South Africa started with better intent with the bat, as skipper Temba Bavuma (36 in 84 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and David Bedingham (45 in 111 balls, with six fours) put on a half-century partnership to start off the day. However, skipper Pat Cummins (6/28) delivered historic bowling figures, triggering another collapse that bundled out the Proteas for just 138 runs. SA trailed by 74 runs. During Australia's second innings, Proteas' pace took the spotlight once again, sinking Aussies to 73/7. However, Alex Carey (43 in 50 balls, with five fours) put in a 61-run stand with Starc to finish off day two at 144/8. Resuming Day 3, Australia lost the early wicket of Nathan Lyon. Despite the loss of a wicket, Starc and Hazlewood kept fighting to help Australia set a target of 282 runs in the title clash at the Lord's Cricket Ground. Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) shone with the ball for South Africa, with Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram getting a wicket each. (With ANI Inputs)
13 June,2025 10:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTemba Bavuma notched up a hard-fought half-century off 83 balls, battling through visible discomfort during South Africa’s second innings on Day 3 of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final on Friday. At the other end, Aiden Markram continued to anchor South Africa’s chase with remarkable assurance, unbeaten on 76. Together, the duo has forged an unbroken 90-run partnership for the third wicket, trimming the target to just 122 runs and edging the Proteas ever closer to a historic WTC title. The milestone moment came in understated fashion. A delivery floated wide outside off at 92 kmph was delicately nudged behind square by Bavuma, who limped through for a single before raising his bat in quiet acknowledgment of the Lord’s crowd. It was a crowd that fully understood the magnitude of what they were witnessing, a captain battling both scoreboard pressure and physical limitations, delivering under the gravest of circumstances. Our Lord Bavuma is injured 🤕 #WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/6g8oTaCumk — Mid Wicket (@Mid_wicket_) June 13, 2025 Lord Bavuma playing with injury 💔#WtcFinal2025 @LawrenceBailey0 @hershybru pic.twitter.com/fdB2udNzqs — Mid Wicket (@Mid_wicket_) June 13, 2025 Bavuma, who has batted on one leg for much of the innings, has exemplified leadership in its purest form. While Bavuma has been the rock, Markram has been the artist, finding the gaps, rotating strike, and pouncing on anything loose. Their contrasting styles have created a balanced partnership, one that has surpassed the match’s previous highest stand, Steve Smith and Beau Webster’s 79-run alliance in the first innings. As the shadows begin to lengthen and the golden hues of late evening stretch across the Lord’s outfield, South Africa stands on the cusp of a landmark achievement. Australia, despite their early breakthroughs and relentless pace attack, now appear fatigued and out of answers. The bowlers’ shoulders droop just a little lower, and fielders chase balls with slightly dulled urgency.
13 June,2025 10:06 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentAustralia’s seasoned batter Steve Smith was rushed to hospital on Friday after sustaining a painful finger injury during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s. The incident occurred midway through Day 3, when Smith attempted a sharp catch off South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma. Fielding in an unusually advanced position in the slip cordon and wearing a protective helmet, Smith tried to latch onto a fierce edge from Bavuma, who was batting on just two runs at the time. However, the ball struck Smith’s right hand awkwardly, causing him to drop the catch and immediately reel away in visible discomfort. JUST IN: A big injury blow for the Aussies with confirmation that Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/9Vu8A8Gb80 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 13, 2025 The 36-year-old was promptly attended to by Australian medical staff on the field before leaving the pitch for further evaluation. At the time of the incident, South Africa were 76/2 in pursuit of a challenging target of 282 for victory. Cricket Australia soon issued an official update, confirming the extent of the injury. “Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men's World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment," read the statement. The injury casts a shadow over Australia’s preparations for their upcoming Test series against the West Indies, which begins in Barbados on June 25. Given Smith’s stature as one of Australia’s most dependable Test performers, any prolonged absence would be a significant blow. Smith has been a cornerstone of Australia’s batting line-up for over a decade, amassing more than 10,000 runs in the longest format of the game at an outstanding average of over 56. He played a crucial role in the first innings of this WTC final, contributing a gritty 66 runs to guide the defending champions to a competitive total. Australia will be anxiously awaiting medical updates to determine whether Smith will be available for the Caribbean tour. His experience and stability in the middle order remain vital, especially as Australia look to continue their recent dominance in Test cricket. Meanwhile, the match itself has been full of drama and intensity, with both teams exchanging control sessions. Smith’s injury only added to the list of twists in what has been a gripping contest for the WTC mace at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. (With AFP inputs)
13 June,2025 09:20 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentAs the much-anticipated Test series between India and England draws closer, the Men in Blue face a flurry of unresolved questions, ranging from lineup composition to squad depth, worsened by inconsistent form and the recent retirement of senior players. Who takes over the crown at No. 4? India’s number four batting spot, once occupied by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (13,492 runs in 177 Tests at 54.40, including 44 centuries) and later Virat Kohli (7,564 runs in 98 Tests at 56.88, with 26 centuries), remains one of the most iconic but unsettled positions in the current lineup. While KL Rahul is expected to slot into the top order in place of Rohit Sharma, the number four role remains under scrutiny. Many pundits have pushed for Shubman Gill to be given that position. However, while Gill has performed well at number three at home, notching three centuries and three fifties, his struggles abroad have raised concern. Karun Nair, returning after eight years, Sai Sudharsan, or in a wildcard move, Dhruv Jurel, have also been floated as contenders by Wisden. Should India play five bowlers or fewer? Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, India leaned heavily on a five-bowler strategy, focused on taking 20 wickets regardless of batting depth. This approach was largely retained during the Rohit-Dravid tenure. However, Gautam Gambhir’s brief stint in Australia introduced a shift, fielding three specialist bowlers alongside three all-rounders. While this provided more batting cushion, it inadvertently overburdened Jasprit Bumrah and led to his injury ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, with India eventually losing the series 3-1. Currently, with no clear number eight, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to bat at seven, leaving Shardul Thakur (331 runs in 11 Tests, four fifties; 31 wickets at 28.38) or Nitish Kumar Reddy (298 runs in five Tests, one century; five wickets at 38.00) as potential lower-order options, though not without compromises in bowling quality. What will the lower order look like? Jadeja remains a lock at seven, but the sixth and eighth slots are still up for grabs. If Kuldeep Yadav features as the lead spinner, Nitish Kumar could slot in at six or seven. Dhruv Jurel has impressed with fifties against Australia A and England Lions, while Sai Sudharsan has also batted at six before. At eight, Shardul offers batting strength, while Washington Sundar adds balance, albeit with a lesser impact as a spinner compared to Jadeja or Kuldeep. Who completes the pace trio? With Bumrah and Siraj set to lead the pace attack, the third seamer remains undecided. Prasidh Krishna, fresh off a Purple Cap-winning IPL season, appears a strong candidate. Arshdeep Singh offers left-arm variation, while Akash Deep, though promising, lacks recent match exposure. Among the reserves, Anshul Kamboj stands out with his dual skillset, having scored a fifty against the England Lions. (With ANI inputs)
13 June,2025 08:13 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
