South Africa (138 & 285/5) defeat Australia (212 & 207) by 5 wickets in the final to clinch the World Test Championship 2023/25 title

[sweep_shot]

Big wicket. South Africa unlikely to counterattack now. I just don't understand this Mulder experiment.

I have seen teams doing it in ODI format (South Africa promoting up Nicky Boje, Pakistan promoting up Shoaib Malik, New Zealand promoting up James Franklin, Sri Lanka promoting up Chaminda Vaas etc.).

But, it is rare for teams to do this in Test format. That too in an ICC event final.

 

[Hyder]

@Hyder bro do u think considering a posters yesterday's famous argument based on one parameter, starc should come out and bat as opener in every second innings as he has has scored more runs than lot of batsmen .heck with probability , chances, luck etc

Now starc > carey for sure

 

[Rana]

Don’t tell me,

The Sauce

It’s cooking?

 

[Rana]

Might as well build a momentum and go for the runs tonight

 

[followed]

I don't understand why does pat Cummins bat ahead of Mitchell starc all the time.

Mitchell starc is perfect no. 8 test batsman. He has scored so many useful runs down the order. He has 11 fifties in test cricket. Underrated with bat.

 

[followed]

Pitch has eased out a lot. It's easy to score runs now.
It's gonna be a fantastic run chase.

 

[Rana]

Now starc > carey for sure

Who cares what you think? You recon RizBar over Ponting+Gilchrist

 

[Devadwal]

As usually South Africa chokes in ICC events final or knockout games . Nothing new

Match will be finished before the end of day Play . 100+ lose is loading for Africa.

 

[sweep_shot]

SA - 39/1.

243 more to win.

 

[mominsaigol]

@Hyder bro do u think considering a posters yesterday's famous argument based on one parameter, starc should come out and bat as opener in every second innings as he has has scored more runs than lot of batsmen .heck with probability , chances, luck etc

I never said that even once. You're a grown man and an adult BTW.

You can respond to me rather then hiding and asking validation from other posters.

Either ignore me and mind your own business or direct me like a man you sissy.

 

[sweep_shot]

Game should be over by Day 4 Session 1. One way or the other.

 

[mominsaigol]

Now starc > carey for sure

Who cares what you think? You recon RizBar over Ponting+Gilchrist

Tactics of Riz/Bar fans, when Rizzu is compared to Carey, Shift the goal post to starc dominating on an easy pitch .

Every moron knows that this pitch is easier then the one Carey played on. Magar nahi, Fil khush Karnei kei lyei rizwan zindabad.

Best wk batter of all time. Infact best batsmen of all time. Steve smith should be ashamed of being compared with the great Muhammad Rizwan.

36 avg at no 7 and 47 avg at no 6 during ramiz Bradman era. What an amazing achievement. I bet rizwan deliberately choose not to avg 266 out of fear that he doesnt make root upset.

What a champion cricketer. Cares so much for the opposition.

 

[amvbfm]

I have seen teams doing it in ODI format (South Africa promoting up Nicky Boje, Pakistan promoting up Shoaib Malik, New Zealand promoting up James Franklin, Sri Lanka promoting up Chaminda Vaas etc.).

But, it is rare for teams to do this in Test format. That too in an ICC event final.

They have tried quite a few players at 3 without getting consistent results. Keegan Petersen was perhaps the closest they got to a long term fix.

 

[cricfan432]

Cummins is the only one who can extract seam from dead pitches, if he performs aus gonna win.

 

[mominsaigol]

Pitch getting tighter now, its going back to its low nature

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Now I've said it Mulder will probably make a ton but not a fan of this idea of sending all-rounders instead of specialist batsmen up to #3.

Are the FC batting stocks really that bad that Australia and South Africa are having to promote Green and Mulder ?

#3 batters have struggled to average 40+ since 2021 when the new kookaburra was introduced.

Even when they do score , it's usually weaker attacks or when wickets are extremely flat, which is why KW alone averages 60+ in this period

This pitch is not flat and the attacks are top class.

Probably just looking to hit that ball about or blunt it so that it gets a bit easier for the proper batters that follow.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think we may have a very tight finish.

It has been a very competitive WTC final.

Previous 2 WTC finals were one-sided (India got smashed badly).

 

[RidiculousMan]

Dinesh Karthik: "Prejjar"

 

[sweep_shot]

Dinesh Karthik: "Prejjar"

I am still scratching my head why there are 2 Indian commentators (Shastri and DK).

India is not playing.

 

[RidiculousMan]

I am still scratching my head why there are 2 Indian commentators (Shastri and DK).

India is not playing.

I can get Shastri as a special guest like AB was. But really don't get DK.

 

[mominsaigol]

I am still scratching my head why there are 2 Indian commentators (Shastri and DK).

India is not playing.

I believe they plan them months in advance and dont account for upsets.

For example Ramiz raja was present for all USA matches in t20 world cup. They clearly didnt account for the fact that USA would qualify over Pakistan in that event.

Similarly no one accounted for the fact that NZ would murk india in their own den and them Aus would murk them in BGT.

 

[sweep_shot]

I believe they plan them months in advance and dont account for upsets.

For example Ramiz raja was present for all USA matches in t20 world cup. They clearly didnt account for the fact that USA would qualify over Pakistan in that event.

Similarly no one accounted for the fact that NZ would murk india in their own den and them Aus would murk them in BGT.

Possible.

Just like how India made big celebration plans for 2023 WC final but results didn't go their way.

I can get Shastri as a special guest like AB was. But really don't get DK.

Agree.

 

[sweep_shot]

SA - 51/1.

231 more to win.

 

[Ali Active]

south africa can choke at anytime

 

[sweep_shot]

Australia need wickets.

SA - 63/1.

219 more to win.

 

[RidiculousMan]

SA - 51/1.

231 more to win.

If South Africa were to chase this. Do you think they'll be able to do it today?

 

[mominsaigol]

If South Africa were to chase this. Do you think they'll be able to do it today?

Yes, their like 4 hrs left?

 

[sweep_shot]

If South Africa were to chase this. Do you think they'll be able to do it today?

I think it should end in Day 4 Session 1 (either way).

 

[sweep_shot]

Yes, their like 4 hrs left?

I don't think they will chase down 219 in 1.5 sessions. Unlikely.

 

[Markhor]

#3 batters have struggled to average 40+ since 2021 when the new kookaburra was introduced.

Even when they do score , it's usually weaker attacks or when wickets are extremely flat, which is why KW alone averages 60+ in this period

This pitch is not flat and the attacks are top class.

Probably just looking to hit that ball about or blunt it so that it gets a bit easier for the proper batters that follow.

Fair enough. Seems to be working currently with this positive partnership.

Although more balls are keeping low, these look the best batting conditions of the Test. If Starc could apply himself there's no excuses for the SA specialist batsmen.

 

[Hyder]

I never said that even once. You're a grown man and an adult BTW.

You can respond to me rather then hiding and asking validation from other posters.

Either ignore me and mind your own business or direct me like a man you sissy.

You need validation from papa rana

But you did say because konstas smashed bumrah hence he isn't good

Carey hit 40 hence he is best wkt bat.

 

[Hyder]

Sa need to score as many runs today as possible. Because its matter of 4 wkts aus ll enter tail

 

[Rana]

Markram Backfoot boss player.

 

[Markhor]

What's with Hayden's cowboy hat lol

South Africa's three highest ever Test chases have come against Australia. Victory here would be their sixth highest ever chase, and second highest in England.

Team records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPNcricinfo.com

stats.espncricinfo.com

 

[mominsaigol]

Now comes Bavuma. @jeeteshssaxena Your reputation is on the line

 

[RidiculousMan]

That's the opportunity cost. If a specialist batter is batting at 3 and playing 40-50 balls on this track. He's going to make it count.

 

[RidiculousMan]

I don't think they will chase down 219 in 1.5 sessions. Unlikely.

Would be a bit of bummer to wait till tomorrow to find out the result.

 

[Ice Man]

Badly needed that breakthrough.

 

[Ice Man]

Blargh, dropped.

 

[Markhor]

That's painful.

 

[cricfan432]

Markram is only complete batsman in this team

 

[mominsaigol]

Blargh, dropped.

Are you aussie or Aussie Pakistani like me? I think you're pure aussie lol based of style and communication lol

 

[Ice Man]

Are you aussie or Aussie Pakistani like me? I think you're pure aussie lol based of style and communication lol

Born and bred Australian, mate. Sorry for my Aussie twang haha.

 

[mominsaigol]

I can tell cause I'm the only one that can understand your language . But I won't speak like you on this forumn for obvious reason.

Born and bred Australian, mate. Sorry for my Aussie twang haha.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Markram is batting at a rapid pace. Doesn't seem like he is though

 

[Ice Man]

I can tell cause I'm the only one that can understand your language . But I won't speak like you on this forumn for obvious reason.

Haha, all good, brother.

 

[imshally81]

Markram is only complete batsman in this team

Bavuma says.. Hi

 

[RidiculousMan]

First WTC Final without India and it has been very entertaining. No toxicity on the field and among fans online as well.

 

[RamLakhan]

Now I've said it Mulder will probably make a ton but not a fan of this idea of sending all-rounders instead of specialist batsmen up to #3.

Are the FC batting stocks really that bad that Australia and South Africa are having to promote Green and Mulder ?

Its because the pitches today are too bowler friendly (OR rather today's Top order batsmen are more into strokeplay than defense as most of them play in all formats of the game. A quality batsmen would want to make more money by playing in T20 leagues... e.g., Jaiswal, KL Rahul, etc modified their game - they can otherwise be very tight in defense and also have great technique, skill & temperament for test criccket. Most times they would have scored centuries in Tests very consistently if they had not played T20.)

This is why I think teams today are trying to promote alrounders in the top (to shield the new ball) also some teams like India want to play five bowlers (more alrounders) because anyways most specialist batsmen fail to deliver at No.6 (we no more have players like VVS Laxman coming at No.6), also wicket-keepers in most teams today are very good with bat (as good as specialist batsman) In 90s, only Gilchrist & Boucher to some extent were high quality bats (and hence those 2 teams did well in tests then)

 

[The Bald Eagle]

First WTC Final without India and it has been very entertaining. No toxicity on the field and among fans online as well.

What a great point....and no surrendering too

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Anyone remember that test match between Australia and South Africa from 2018 where Markram scored 140 odd... basically fought a lone battle, but couldn't get South Africa over the line in a 400+ runchase.

I hope this isn't a repeat of that.

 

[imshally81]

50 for Markharam... Good Innings...

 

[Devadwal]

Lord Bavuma injured?

 

[Devadwal]

First WTC Final without India and it has been very entertaining. No toxicity on the field and among fans online as well.

When will Pakistan Play a WTC final ? Maybe if Final happens between Bottom of WTC points table ranking team's

 

[Justcrazy]

Aussies need wickets here , things not looking good for them.

 

[Devadwal]

Sign of reverse swing for Hazelwood? @Nikhil_cric

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Bavuma has improved alot as a batsman

 

[Devadwal]

Both Cummins and Hazelwood are bowling well. Floodgates about to open

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I believe they plan them months in advance and dont account for upsets.

For example Ramiz raja was present for all USA matches in t20 world cup. They clearly didnt account for the fact that USA would qualify over Pakistan in that event.

Similarly no one accounted for the fact that NZ would murk india in their own den and them Aus would murk them in BGT.

That doesn't apply to WTC final. In World Cups , the commentators for each match are determined just before the tournament but you can't account for upsets like AFG knocking NZ out and USA knocking PAK out.

WTC final commentators are picked regardless of who's playing .

 

[Justcrazy]

42 runs partnership so far.

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Typical that Head failed in this WTC Final - there was no Shardul Thakur feeding him pies and the match was not in Australia. The most mediocre batsman who has been hyped to the moon. What an utter FTB HTB! Shameful.

 

[sweep_shot]

SA - 124/2.

158 more to win.

 

[Savak]

Pitch has flattened out significantly and now the Aussie ATG bowling attack looking very pedestrian.

 

[sweep_shot]

First WTC Final without India and it has been very entertaining. No toxicity on the field and among fans online as well.

Agree.

We are seeing a proper game of cricket with no Indian toxicity.

We are witnessing a high quality gentlemen's game. This is how cricket is meant to be.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pitch has flattened out significantly and now the Aussie ATG bowling attack looking very pedestrian.

Smith dropped a catch. Things could've been different had he taken it.

Anyway, I still expect Aussies to win it but SA are putting up a good fight.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Cricket Australia have confirmed Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger

Australia veteran left the field after hurting finger



Steve Smith left the field at Lord's to receive treatment on his finger.

Australia suffered a massive scare when Steve Smith hurt his finger when attempting a catch on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa.

Smith was standing in close at slip with a helmet on when South Africa captain Temba Bavuma edged one into the cordon off pacer Mitchell Starc and the Australia veteran grassed the chance with Bavuma on just two at the time.

The drop was further heightened with Smith hurting his finger and having to leave the ground to receive treatment.

Smith commenced the final session of the day off the field to receive further treatment, Australia confirmed.

"Smith currently being assessed in the dressing room. Likely to go for scans," Australia said via a statement.

Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournam...an-leaves-field-after-hurting-finger-in-catch

 

[sweep_shot]

Agree.

We are seeing a proper game of cricket with no Indian toxicity.

We are witnessing a high quality gentlemen's game. This is how cricket is meant to be.

If India was playing, I would've expected lots of paindoo behaviors from Kohli and Bumrah. These two turds always ruin the environment.

SA - 126/2 (33.5 overs).

156 more to win.

 

[sweep_shot]

Cricket Australia have confirmed Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger

Australia veteran left the field after hurting finger

View attachment 155321

Steve Smith left the field at Lord's to receive treatment on his finger.

Australia suffered a massive scare when Steve Smith hurt his finger when attempting a catch on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa.

Smith was standing in close at slip with a helmet on when South Africa captain Temba Bavuma edged one into the cordon off pacer Mitchell Starc and the Australia veteran grassed the chance with Bavuma on just two at the time.

The drop was further heightened with Smith hurting his finger and having to leave the ground to receive treatment.

Smith commenced the final session of the day off the field to receive further treatment, Australia confirmed.

"Smith currently being assessed in the dressing room. Likely to go for scans," Australia said via a statement.

Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournam...an-leaves-field-after-hurting-finger-in-catch

@mominsaigol

Looks like Smith may not make it to Windies tour. Hard for him to reach 11,000 runs this year now.

 

[Hyder]

Bavuma battling it out in the middle.

 

[Justcrazy]

58 runs partnership , game slipping away from hands of Australia.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Head should be given a few overs. His style of bowling will suit on this track.

 

[sweep_shot]

Head should be given a few overs. His style of bowling will suit on this track.

Agree. Part-timers often get breakthroughs.

Markram got Smith, for example.

Markram also broke the last partnership (Aussie 2nd innings).

 

[RamLakhan]

First WTC Final without India and it has been very entertaining. No toxicity on the field and among fans online as well.

Similarly there wouldn't have been any contest if those two WTC Finals were played in India (or anywhere outside England & NZ perhaps... Or even no overcast conditions for that matter)

 

[Justcrazy]

Lyon is a big disappointment so far , he needs to get wickets here , Aussies need to step on here.

 

[sweep_shot]

Markram is playing a gem of an innings. He is on 62*.

 

[cricfan432]

Starc creating chances on dead wicket, what pace can do

 

[maha3us]

It is interesting the four specialist bowlers of Australia in this match are the same bowlers who failed to defend a bigger total in Brisbane against India in 2021 in the fourth innings. That was in home condition. Can they defend a more moderate total in Lords?

 

[Savak]

Couldn't quite understand the selection of Cam Green and Beau Webster. These two cannot bowl and cannot be relied upon with the ball, the likes of Starc, Hazelwood, Cummins, Lyon are not always going to be successful or have a good day. What was the back up plan in the event the Australian premier bowlers failed?

 

[sweep_shot]

Couldn't quite understand the selection of Cam Green and Beau Webster. These two cannot bowl and cannot be relied upon with the ball, the likes of Starc, Hazelwood, Cummins, Lyon are not always going to be successful or have a good day. What was the back up plan in the event the Australian premier bowlers failed?

Webster was selected for batting I believe. He did well in BGT (was averaging 50+).

 

[shaz619]

I will be like this if SA pull of the miracle: