In the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s, Steve Smith surpassed Sir Don Bradman and Sir Garfield Sobers to become the highest run-scorer by a visiting batter at the venue, amassing 591 runs. Smith’s resilient 66 off 112 balls, featuring 10 boundaries, provided crucial stability for Australia after a top-order collapse against South Africa’s potent pace attack.
The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 started at Lord’s. Jay Shah inaugurated the match by ringing the bell. South Africa chose to bowl first. Their pace bowlers quickly put Australia under pressure. Rabada and Jansen took key wickets. Australia reached 67/4 at lunch. South Africa gained an early advantage in the crucial match.
Marnus Labuschagne’s struggles against left-arm pace bowlers continued in the World Test Championship final, as he was dismissed for 17 by South Africa’s Marco Jansen. Since 2022, Labuschagne has been particularly vulnerable, scoring only 104 runs off 271 balls against left-arm quicks, with six dismissals.
Usman Khawaja faced disappointment in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, recording a duck after a 20-ball stay, equalling the third-longest for an Australian in Tests. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, chose to bowl first under overcast skies. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, expressed his team’s readiness and satisfaction with batting first, emphasising their extensive preparation and confidence.
Speculation arose about the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Diageo India denied these reports to the Bombay Stock Exchange. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar refuted claims of his involvement in purchasing the team. He clarified his association with the Karnataka Cricket Association. Lalit Modi suggested a high valuation for RCB.
Team India gears up for a challenging away Test series against England. Indian players have started undergoing rigorous fielding drills to sharpen their skills. The series begins on June 20 at Leeds and continues until August 2025. With senior players retiring, a younger team under Shubman Gill aims to prove their mettle.
Temba Bavuma won the toss, electing to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, citing favorable overhead conditions. Marnus Labuschagne opened for Australia, while South Africa included Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi in their lineup.
Bangladeshi chess player Rani Hamid, 80, arrived in Delhi for a tournament, but her companion Ashiya Sultana was denied entry and deported due to a previous visa violation. This incident has deeply upset Hamid, impacting her performance in the competition. Despite the emotional distress, she appreciates the support from the Delhi Chess Association.
Shubman Gill, 25, has been appointed India’s Test captain for the upcoming series against England, following Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Former cricketers Robin Uthappa and Gary Kirsten have praised the selection, highlighting Gill’s leadership qualities and potential for a long tenure. They emphasized his cricketing intelligence, preparation, and ability to inspire, urging patience as he takes on this new role.
