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Which side will you be supporting in the ICC World Test Championship final 2025?

Which side will you be supporting in the ICC World Test Championship final 2025?


  • Total voters
    23

The Bald Eagle

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WTC final is set to take place from 11-15 June, featuring two heavyweights Australia and South Africa. While it is the first final with no Indian presence so the question arise whom Indians would be supporting? The ones who eliminated them or the one that they defeated in T20 WC 2024.

And also most importantly, a bigger question for the non Indian and unemotional fans, whom you guys would be supporting. Given that none of this team dealt them a knock out blow...
 
South Africa. Its important this nation continues to be interested in cricket , winning this would be great for south African cricket
 
Tbf, I wouldn't mind SA winning it as their the one team that keeps choking in embarassing fashion and some pity is due,

But the issue is, Australia is going to crush them, Australia's weakness is opening, Travis Head isn't a good fit for test opening, Usman Khawaja is ageing and Konstas is too young.

Similarly Labu is out of form at no 3.

The main issue is Steve Smith who's essentially a machine and Carey at no 7 who's one of the best test no 7's I've ever seen. Beau Webster is another key wifket at no 6 and if sense prevails and Travis Head is moved back down to no 5, then you have a very scary middle order that sa has to deal with.

To top it off you have a gun bowling attack in English conditons that sa will have trouble against.

Lastly bavuma hinself is a walking wicket.
 
@Devadwal reminded me of BGT times....great memories.

Btw who are you supporting foul mouth Miller or nemesis Aussies
South Africa but australia is going to win . Most of neutral fans will support South Africa because they are likeable team . I don't care about wannabe fan's support.

:kp
 
South Africa but australia is going to win . Most of neutral fans will support South Africa because they are likeable team . I don't care about wannabe fan's support.

:kp
You're neutral? Hahahhahaahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahah

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.

Have you ever told the truth in your life? Even once?
 
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I think Saffers have a good chance, but we all know how they choke at crunch moments. You can never ignore the Aussie winning mentality. They know how to win tournaments.
 
I think Saffers have a good chance, but we all know how they choke at crunch moments. You can never ignore the Aussie winning mentality. They know how to win tournaments.
South Africa batting is not Great but bowling is alright for England condition. :kp
 
Anyone but AU (and if it were to be Ind).

AU has bagged enough trophies. SA has choked too many times in the past to earn sympathy points.
 
It will be nice if South Africa wins it
Klaasen accusing us of ball tampering last winter made me lose respect for South African team.

But I'd like a non Big Three team to win it.

With neutral games I just hope it's close and competitive.
 
South Africa but australia is going to win . Most of neutral fans will support South Africa because they are likeable team . I don't care about wannabe fan's support.

:kp
Australia looks favorite but now no excuse left for saffers as it won't be a LOI. Let's see what they do now
 
Klaasen accusing us of ball tampering last winter made me lose respect for South African team.

But I'd like a non Big Three team to win it.

With neutral games I just hope it's close and competitive.
Klaasen can go to hell, but I like this new South African side. They've found success in a surprisingly short time—it doesn’t feel that long ago that people were calling it a ‘rebuilding phase.’ Sure, they had an easy schedule, but you’ve still got to make that luck count. And honestly, any time a team beats Australia in a final, it deserves to be celebrated—because it doesn’t happen often.
 
One big reason to support Australia is the fact they often humble India.

Anyone who humbles India is my friend and I have my full support for that team/individual/entity. :inti

Go, Aussies.
 
Saffers but Australia are more likely to win. Perhaps more deserving as well.
 
Tbf, I wouldn't mind SA winning it as their the one team that keeps choking in embarassing fashion and some pity is due,

But the issue is, Australia is going to crush them, Australia's weakness is opening, Travis Head isn't a good fit for test opening, Usman Khawaja is ageing and Konstas is too young.

Similarly Labu is out of form at no 3.

The main issue is Steve Smith who's essentially a machine and Carey at no 7 who's one of the best test no 7's I've ever seen. Beau Webster is another key wifket at no 6 and if sense prevails and Travis Head is moved back down to no 5, then you have a very scary middle order that sa has to deal with.

To top it off you have a gun bowling attack in English conditons that sa will have trouble against.

Lastly bavuma hinself is a walking wicket.
Bavumba is a walking wicket?

Guy averaged in test cricket , 2022: 40 avg
2023: 50 avg
2024: 55 avg
2025: 106 avg

I daresay the stats of this "walking wicket" would make him the best test batsman in Pakistan and in talks for "fab 4" status on here were he a Pakistani.
 
Bavumba is a walking wicket?

Guy averaged in test cricket , 2022: 40 avg
2023: 50 avg
2024: 55 avg
2025: 106 avg

I daresay the stats of this "walking wicket" would make him the best test batsman in Pakistan and in talks for "fab 4" status on here were he a Pakistani.
He'll be a walking wicket in wtc, just watch
 
Tbf, I wouldn't mind SA winning it as their the one team that keeps choking in embarassing fashion and some pity is due,

But the issue is, Australia is going to crush them, Australia's weakness is opening, Travis Head isn't a good fit for test opening, Usman Khawaja is ageing and Konstas is too young.

Similarly Labu is out of form at no 3.

The main issue is Steve Smith who's essentially a machine and Carey at no 7 who's one of the best test no 7's I've ever seen. Beau Webster is another key wifket at no 6 and if sense prevails and Travis Head is moved back down to no 5, then you have a very scary middle order that sa has to deal with.

To top it off you have a gun bowling attack in English conditons that sa will have trouble against.

Lastly bavuma hinself is a walking wicket.

Green made another ton yesterday in county cricket. Might be the way to go for us as a potential opener.
 
So many posts obsessing about India when the match doesn't even involve us.

Maybe seeing India win two ICC titles in 9 months have punctured the spirits of all these poor guys with a chihuahua syndrome. :inti
 
Coming to the topic, my full sappott for South Africa.

But Australia will win.
 
The ICC has announced the match officials for the World Test Championship Final 2025, scheduled to take place at Lord's from June 11 to 15. South Africa will face defending champions Australia in the highly anticipated clash. Here's a list of the match officials:
- On-field Umpires:
- Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand) - brings continuity and experience, having umpired in the 2023 WTC Final and last year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final
- Richard Illingworth (England) - current ICC Umpire of the Year, will be officiating in his third consecutive WTC Final
- TV Umpire:
- Richard Kettleborough (England) - reprises his role from the 2021 WTC Final
- Fourth Umpire:
- Nitin Menon (India) - making his debut in a WTC Final, previously served as TV umpire in the 2021 T20 World Cup Final
- Match Referee:
- Javagal Srinath (India) - a seasoned ICC match referee with experience in major events

The ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, expressed confidence in the appointed officials, stating, "We strive to select the most qualified and deserving officials for all matches, and we are confident they will perform admirably." The World Test Championship Final will determine the world's best Test side after a fiercely contested two-year cycle.

Source: ICC
 
Five crucial battles at the World Test Championship Final

Boasting an array of match-winners, South Africa and Australia meet in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

The third ICC World Test Championship Final is upon us.

South Africa will battle it out against defending champions Australia in the summit clash starting on June 11 at the fabled Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The Proteas finished top of the WTC table, winning seven of their last eight matches to seal their berth in the final for the first time. Australia meanwhile booked their second consecutive final spot, securing their place with a home series win against India in their recent home summer.

The two teams possess several match-winners in their squads, who can turn the game on its head. We examine five key match-ups that could decide the clash:

Kagiso Rabada v Usman Khawaja

A new-ball contest between South Africa’s leading wicket-taker and Australia’s highest run-scorer in this World Test Championship cycle could set the tone for the Final.

Kagiso Rabada going full throttle against Usman Khawaja offers an intriguing battle. Khawaja has set the tone going for Australia with 1422 runs from his 19 innings this WTC cycle, while Rabada has claimed 47 wickets from 20 innings.

Holding the advantage in prior contests is South Africa’s premium speedster, who’s got the better of Khawaja five times in 10 matches the duo have collided against each other.

Rabada will also take cue from the left-hander’s recent troubles against quality pace bowling featuring India’s Jasprit Bumrah during the five Tests on Australian soil. Khawaja was dismissed by Bumrah six times during the course of the series.

Khawaja on the other hand, will look back at the success he enjoyed on his last visit to England, scoring 496 runs during the Ashes in 2023.

Marco Jansen v Steve Smith

Much of the fast bowling responsibility at the other end for South Africa will be courtesy of left-arm seamer Marco Jansen. Having made an early impression in the previous WTC cycle, the 25-year-old came into his own in the second cycle, helping South Africa to the final, claiming 29 wickets in six Tests.

A prominent feature of the searing quick has been his use of the angular advantage he holds over right-handed batters. Of his 78 Test wickets, 57 have been right-handers, a staggering 73.07 percent.

It sets up for an exciting match-up against Australia stalwart, Steve Smith, who comes into the final on the back of a memorable tour of Sri Lanka. Leading Australia to a 2-0 clean sweep, Smith compiled two hundreds in the series, and reached 10,000 Test runs, to close his side’s WTC campaign on a high note.

The veteran batter was also a key performer in Australia’s WTC 2023 Final triumph against India at The Oval, where he also posted a scintillating ton.

An exciting young quick facing a seasoned batting icon, this has all the makings of an ‘unstoppable force meets an immovable object’ clash.

Temba Bavuma v Pat Cummins

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma led by example in the back half of the Proteas’ march to the WTC Final.

Missing out on five of the first six Tests South Africa played, Bavuma came back, amassing 609 runs from 11 innings, at an incredible 60.90. His run-scoring eased the pressure of multiple newcomers in South Africa’s red-ball batting lineup.

The experienced campaigner will seek to blunt a ruthless Australian bowling attack led by the irrepressible Pat Cummins.

Returning from a recent injury, the Australian skipper possesses a grave threat to Bavuma and the Proteas batting line-up. Cummins’ diverse arsenal offers him a range of options to utilise against the best of foes, and his impressive haul of 73 wickets in this WTC cycle - second only to Jasprit Bumrah - show for it.

How a newly rekindled batter in Bavuma maneuvers against a dexterous Cummins will be a crucial plot point to the final.

Ryan Rickelton v Mitchell Starc

Another exciting new-ball match-up that is richly-anticipated comes in the form of South Africa’s opener and Australia’s left-arm gun.

The Proteas left-handed sensation has taken little time to establish himself as one of the exciting prospects across formats. To go with his incredible range of shots, Rickelton hasn’t lacked the composure to bat for longer periods, with 451 runs from six Tests in this WTC cycle.

This included a career-best score of 259 against Pakistan, an innings that elevated his stock in the post-Dean Elgar era.

In a fierce quick such as Starc, Rickelton may find his toughest challenge yet when it comes to Test cricket.

The left-arm veteran, reputed for delivering on the big stage, will aim to dictate. Meanwhile, during his short time as an international cricketer, Rickelton hasn’t held back from a full length delivery against the new-ball.

Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham v Nathan Lyon

Bolstering South Africa’s batting in the middle order are Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, two batters who can accelerate the run-scoring with their attacking strokeplay.

While Stubbs has proven his attacking prowess across formats, Bedingham - who has only featured in the longest format for South Africa - has also not second-guessed before taking down the opposition attack once the ball gets old.

With this approach the 31-year-old has finished as South Africa’s leading run-scorer in this WTC cycle (645).

The duo are likely to have Australia’s premier operator Nathan Lyon in their mind in their quest to accumulate quick runs.

Despite the conditions at Lord’s more suited to the seamers, finger-spinner Lyon will offer a handy outlet to Australia, also leveraging the slope of the ground.

Lyon also has an impressive haul from his last outing in the Ultimate Test, when he returned with the best figures in the second innings as Australia clinched the World Test Championship mace.

His battle with the Proteas middle-order duo offers an enticing storyline that may hold the key to how many runs South Africa end up scoring.

ICC
 
Australia.
SA doesn't have a reliable batting lineup.

Agree. SA batting is untested against good sides. They mostly dominated weaker sides.

SA have a young team. They are in a transition phase.

So, Aussies are definitely favorites.

Even if SA were stronger, Australia would've been favorites due to their track record in ICC events.
 
Bavuma is an avg test batsmen, but I cant say anything as you view avg test batters like kohli goats. What can I say
He is not a walking wicket which you said because you don’t have much cricket knowledge and are a casual t20 fan.
You see below average test batter like Head as goat.
What can i say
 
He is not a walking wicket which you said because you don’t have much cricket knowledge and are a casual t20 fan.
You see below average test batter like Head as goat.
What can i say
Wrong, I've constantly stated time and time again that head is not a good test batsmen but you ignore those comments like the plague.

Bavuma is a poor test batter end of.
 
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He is not a walking wicket which you said because you don’t have much cricket knowledge and are a casual t20 fan.
You see below average test batter like Head as goat.
What can i say
Also Head is a better test batter then bavuma will ever be. Come back to me when bavuma scores a wtc final 100
 
Also Head is a better test batter then bavuma will ever be. Come back to me when bavuma scores a wtc final 100

I guess he is hurt because Head played many gem innings against India (particularly 2023 WC final). :inti

Indian fans are astonishingly petty.
 
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I guess he is hurt because Head played many gem innings against India (particularly 2023 WC final). :inti

Indian fans are astonishingly petty.
He hates Head with a passion. Tbf all Indians do. Whatever semantics they utilise in regards to stats or numbers or spin play, its all a coping mechanism for wtc and wc 2023.

I see right through them.

I dont care a out wtc format is really just a translation of We suck in England and want wtc final to be in India 🤣🤣
 
Webster seeks dream pairing in World Test Championship Final

Australia will defend the mace against South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s.

Since his debut against India at the SCG in January 2025, Beau Webster has presented himself as a viable all-round option in the Australia Test setup.

His three Test outings, which yielded 150 runs and three wickets, impressed the selectors enough to select the Tasmanian into the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship Final against South Africa, starting June 11.

Webster further boosted his claims during his county stint with Warwickshire, scoring 172 runs and picking 10 wickets from his four outings. This was a follow-up to his 2024 returns for Gloucestershire, where the all-rounder scored 233 runs and picked 16 wickets in four games.

Cameron Green, Australia’s other pace all-rounder in the squad for the Ultimate Test, has also impressed with his three centuries from five county games for Gloucestershire.

However, Green is returning from a back surgery and hasn’t bowled yet, which means that Webster’s returns with the ball in English conditions assume greater significance.

Green’s excellence as a batter and Webster’s all-round perseverance open up the possibility of both players featuring in the Ultimate Test.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Webster was excited at this prospect.

“He [Green] is a generational talent and a phenomenal cricketer,” Webster said.

“He’s only going to get better. He’s only 25, so he’s got a lot of cricket ahead of him.

“I don’t know what the make-up of the top six is going to look like or which way they’re going to go with in terms of all-rounders, but I’m certainly hoping we can both be in there.”

Webster hoped that his performances in England could catch the selectors’ attention before Australia’s title defence against South Africa.

“I like testing myself with the Dukes ball in different conditions. Hopefully, I can keep putting my name in front of selectors and become hard to drop out of that XI. That’s probably my main purpose coming over, to keep my game ticking over.”

In case of a scenario where both players feature in the XI, someone like Marnus Labuschagne could be pushed up the order to open the innings. Webster backed Labuschagne, who averages nine from three county innings, to deliver his best in the summit clash.

“When he’s at his best, he’s unbelievable. His record speaks for itself. He’s a hundred-maker and a game winner.

"I’m sure going to the top [of the batting] wouldn’t phase him too much. Whoever gets the nod for that final is going to be raring to go.”

The former Australia captain names the squad he believes should take on South Africa in the WTC Final.

Webster’s international journey has been quite a ride, with the all-rounder’s impressive domestic run converting into an international debut at the start of this year in the Sydney Test against India, courtesy of Green’s absence and Mitch Marsh’s unimpressive returns in the summer.

“I’m very, very proud of what I’ve done,” Webster added. “But it’s only the start and I’m looking to build on what I’ve started in the Baggy Green.”

Webster looked back at his Test debut as his most memorable memory. The all-rounder hit the winning runs at the SCG for Australia as they claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a 3-1 margin in the five-Test series.

“It was a bit of a whirlwind. It all went so quickly, and I do wish I had soaked it up a little bit more. To be out in the middle with Travis was something I will never forget.

“To this day [hitting the winning runs] was my favourite cricketing moment, without a doubt.”

ICC
 
Steve Smith needs to score another century in wtc. I want the gap between him and Sachin to rise further and further.
 
South Africa is a good team but they just don’t have the batting firepower or mental toughness to win a high stakes game like this. Australia on the other hand have one of the atg batters, the most well rounded pace attack that test cricket has seen for some time and most importantly their relentless competitive spirit. I hope it’s a good competition but experience and intuition say otherwise. Good luck to both teams.
 
Pakistan ...oh wait they finished the bottom of he WTC table 😂

Btw Pakistan me top kiya hai chahe niche se kyu na kiya ho

:kp
When someone mentions India, why do you get triggered? Its none of your business.
 
Stuart Broad to coach South Africa: Former England bowler to work with Proteas ahead of World Test Championship final versus Australia

Former England bowler Stuart Broad will work with South Africa as a consultant ahead of the World Test Championship final on June 11, his first coaching role since retiring in 2023.

Broad will attend the Proteas' training on June 9 at Lord's in a bid to help Temba Bavuma's side dethrone Australia as defending champions.

The England seamer bowed out from Test cricket in style by helping inspire a series-levelling 49-run win against Australia in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval two years ago.

Broad hit his final ball in Test cricket for six, took wickets on the final evening and four in the match.

Broad took 604 wickets in 167 Tests and is second only to James Anderson (704) among England's all-time leading wicket takers in the format.

He took 153 of those wickets against Australia - the most by any player in Test history. The seamer also boasts a strong record at the WTC final venue Lord's, taking 113 wickets in 28 Tests there.

Stuart Broad was given a guard of honour by Australia after announcing his retirement from cricket in 2023.

South Africa face Zimbabwe in a warm-up game at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground in Sussex from Tuesday, before their final meeting with Australia on June 11.

 
Jansen plots Australian assault with legend in Proteas' corner

Marco Jansen plans to be point of difference at Lord's with the help of Stuart Broad in the World Test Championship Final.

Key South African quick Marco Jansen believes Lord's conditions and the knowledge imparted by Stuart Broad could make him a point of difference in the 2025 World Test Championship Final.

Taking nine wickets at an average of just 13.11 on his first Test tour of the UK back in 2022, Jansen was a thorn in England's side when the Proteas visited Lord's, claiming four scalps in the space of just 11.4 overs as the tourists stormed to an innings victory.

Towering at over two metres tall, the left-armer found prodigous swing with the Dukes ball on the tour, and stands as one of Australia's biggest threats in their World Test Championship defence when the teams meet from June 11.

Looking back on the match, where he also made runs down the order, Jansen carries a confidence for the upcoming Final knowing there is scope for improvement.

"I remember from a bowling point of view, the ball was swinging a lot more than I was expecting.

"Getting used to the Dukes ball, when it starts to swing, and just getting used to all the different angles or whatever goes with that (is important).

"And then batting, I batted well. There's a few good things (South Africa took from the 2022 match). And then there's a lot of other things there where I think we and me in particular can do a lot better."

The Proteas have an extra weapon of sorts for the Final, bringing in England fast bowling legend Stuart Broad as a consultant for the Final.

Not only did the quick take 153 of his 604 Test wickets against Australia (the most by any player in red-ball history), Broad also boasts 113 wickets in the format at Lord's.

Jansen is eager to soak up Broad's knowledge in a bid to help the Proteas lift the mace.

"Obviously he's played a lot against Australia at Lord’s. (I want to) maybe pick his brain on what they did back then or what they did when he was playing to get certain batters out.

"You might get a guy out with a ball that you never even planned on bowling. So it's good to have the information.

"Once you're on the pitch on that day though, you have to figure it out for yourself. And then whatever plan you have or plan you think could work, (you) just try and do that and hope it pays off and you hope you execute well."

Two tons, classic catches and brilliant bowling - relive the most memorable moments of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India

Jansen was also a strong performer when the Proteas last faced their Final combatants in the 2022/2023 Australian summer, though the tourists failed to land a punch in a 2-0 series defeat.

The quick acknowledged his side weren't at their best against world-class opponents, though the variables around a neutral venue with a World Test Championship mace on the line mean the Final is destined to take a different.

"They have good bowlers, good batters. So we know it's going to be tough.

"The conditions are completely different. The way you're going to approach it will probably be different. And the thing that would probably stay the same is the analysis work and trying to see how you can get them (Australia's batters) out.

"That'll probably stay the same. But going about it and playing in these conditions will be a lot different, in my opinion.

"For me, it's just on the day, what can you do to get one particular batter out? And if you're batting, what can you do to not go out? And, yeah, I think they're probably going to think the same way as well."

ICC
 
Maharaj lauds Proteas' driven youngsters for Test revival

The Protea lead spinner feels the youngsters have added fresh energy that has helped in the smooth team transition.
Keshav Maharaj has been a key member in South Africa's journey to The World Test Championship final that began with three losses out of the four Tests in this cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

The Proteas saw through the transition phase with new young players coming in, went on to top the WTC points table and will now take on Australia in the Final at Lord's from 11 June. Only three players in South Africa's World Test Championship final squad have experience of playing 50 Tests or more and Maharaj is one of them.

Speaking on the role of a senior ahead of the Ultimate Test, Maharaj felt the core of four-five experienced players have always tried to be a shoulder for them.

Keshav Maharaj hails South Africa's recent rise in Test cricket heading into the World Test Championship Final against Australia.

"Since the time the transition came, when the Test side started its journey, we've always been the support and tried to be there to support them both on and off the field.

"In terms of this week coming (ahead of the big final), just to settle the nerves, make sure everyone's nice and calm and focused on what we have, the task at hand."

Maharaj added that the support was a two-way factor since the young energy augurs well with the brand of cricket that the Proteas aim to play and helped the team transition nicely.

"I think they've also been a support for us, bring that sort of new energy, that sort of exuberance of youth.

"The exuberance of youth, it filters into the way we play our brand of cricket and probably the reason why we're here today, building up towards the WTC final."

The other senior, captain Temba Bavuma, along with coach Shukri Conrad, have kept the boys motivated ahead of the big final with different styles of leadership, reckons Maharaj.

"Temba is a good motivator, he reads the game really well and is a brilliant leader on the field," Maharaj added. "But with regards to Shukri, I think he gives you clarity.

"He's open and honest, and I think he just allows you to have the freedom to express yourself, be yourself, and just show everyone what you're capable of."

Maharaj also felt the experience from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 final will help the team draw the confidence to stand up in big moments.

"It's just about staying calm, trusting your skill, trusting the hard work, not just now but over the years and years that you've put in, and making sure that we're enjoying it out there.

"I think that's one thing that's probably been a standout out of most teams from our Test side, is that the enjoyment factor among each other has been absolutely superb to watch."

Source: ICC
 
If it was any other team, I wouldn't have much hope. But South Africa have shown in the past that they are more than capable of putting down the Aussies. And this is a very exciting South African test side.

Let's go Proteas! 🇿🇦
 
Markram hoping 2025 trend continues as Proteas plot WTC25 glory

In their quest to finally break his country's trophy drought, key South Africa batter Aiden Markram hopes a run for underdogs continues.

Key South Africa batter Aiden Markram hopes a run of sporting trophy droughts broken in 2025 rings true at the World Test Championship 2025 Final, with the Proteas taking on defending champions Australia from June 11.

In the cricket world, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally tasted men's IPL success, beating Punjab Kings in the tournament final, while in football, Paris Saint Germain lifted the UEFA Champions League earlier this month for the first time.

While Markram acknowledges it hasn't been a storyline taken on by the Proteas looking to finally break their duck, the right-hander hopes it may just be an omen for his team.

"(There's) not much chat along those lines in terms of watching the other events, but hopefully that trend can continue," Markram told ICC Digital ahead of the Final.

"Obviously we've been chasing it now for many years as a squad.

"Across all formats, we've probably improved slightly throughout and had sniffs to win it. If we can get ourselves into a position over the five days of the Test match to win, we'll push really hard for that."

South Africa have been in the mix across formats at ICC events in recent years, reaching the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final last year, falling at the final hurdle to India.

The side also reached the semi-final stage at both the 2023 Cricket World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy, and come into the Lord's finale having topped the table.

Giving insight into South Africa's mindset, Markram says each player has received clear instructions in their pursuit of the mace.

"I think it's the collective decision for each guy to bring their best skill. It's going to be a tough game.

"It's a Test match, of course, against Australia and a Dukes ball, Lord’s, all those sorts of things, but ultimately, the guys have a skillset that have got them here, got them selected, throughout the cycle performed as well, doing those skills.

"So it's about backing that, our best skill versus their (Australia’s) best skill, and we'll see where it lands us at the end of the day."

Australia stand as imposing opponents, coming in as defending champions and sealing their Final spot after a series win over giants India on home soil.

The Proteas fell 2-0 to the Aussies on tour in the 2021-2023 cycle, though Markram believes there is little he and his side haven't seen from their opponents.

"We pretty much know what the Australians are all about and their skill levels, their characters and all those sorts of things.

"It's always a challenge that we get really excited for and we generally get up for it and look forward to it. I've got no doubt this time it'll be any different."

In their quest for victory the Proteas have set up in Arundel, taking on Zimbabwe in a warm-up match, before travelling to Lord's to join England fast bowling legend Stuart Broad who comes in as a consultant for the team's fast bowling battery.

Markram says vibes in the camp are positive ahead of the Final.

"The energies have been good, obviously lots of excitement in the air for the time being.

"(I'm) sure when we get a bit closer to the game or a few nerves will start kicking in."

ICC
 
Proteas provide hints to WTC25 Final line-up in Arundel warm-up

South Africa mull over possibility of Wiaan Mulder up the order in World Test Championship Final.

South Africa's batting line-up for the World Test Championship Final has been hinted through their warm-up exploits at Arundel, with Wiaan Mulder emerging as the likely No.3 three to take on Australia at Lord's.

Mulder batted in the spot against Zimbabwe in their final hit out ahead of the June 11 final, though only made 26 before falling lbw to Tanaka Chivanga.

After losing Aiden Markram for 13 early in the day, the Proteas batting unit picked up through half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (62), Temba Bavuma (58), Tristan Stubbs (58) to eventually post 313/2, retiring several players to give others batting time in the middle.

With head coach Shukri Conrad all but confirming Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton to stand at the top of the order, the No.3 spot will fall to Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs or Mulder, with the three also against David Bedingham for spots further down the order.

De Zorzi made 28 before being retired batting at No.6, though should they turn out with a similar make-up from the warm-up game, de Zorzi would likely be the unlucky player to miss out.

Mulder could shoulder an increased bowling workload should the pitch be as fast bowling friendly as predicted, and assuming spinner Keshav Maharaj is picked to help the quicks.

Despite the murmurs, and considering Mulder's role in the side, batting coach Ashwell Prince kept his cards close to his chest.

"At the moment, the best way to prepare for us as a squad is to keep all possibilities open," Ashwell told media present at Arundel.

"We don't know what the surface is going to look like when we get there. Should it be a case where he's required to do that job, we want to make sure that he's at least had some sort of preparation but we don't know whether he's going to be required to do that, because we haven't had a look at the surface.

"We'll only be able to tell when we get there."

Mulder is yet to bowl in Zimbabwe's innings, with the side led by Craig Ervine resuming on day for on 48/1 from 11 overs.

ICC
 
our support for a team doesn't wane just because their chances of winning might be slim
True Pakistani fans (Not only Australian fans) would want Australia to win as it allows Aus to remain ahead of India in the trophy cabinet.

Aus won 2023 since then india won't 2 trophies. If aus wins this win, it'll balance out the temporary lead India nullified by getting one over.
 
True Pakistani fans (Not only Australian fans) would want Australia to win as it allows Aus to remain ahead of India in the trophy cabinet.

Aus won 2023 since then india won't 2 trophies. If aus wins this win, it'll balance out the temporary lead India nullified by getting one over.
So, it looks like you'll be providing a certificate for a true Pakistani fan—how exciting and amusing! Honestly, I couldn't care less about where India stands in the rankings or ratings. For me, it's all about enjoying a good final match. It will be absolutely thrilling to see South Africa win. Here's to a fantastic game ahead!
 
So, it looks like you'll be providing a certificate for a true Pakistani fan—how exciting and amusing! Honestly, I couldn't care less about where India stands in the rankings or ratings. For me, it's all about enjoying a good final match. It will be absolutely thrilling to see South Africa win. Here's to a fantastic game ahead!
Yes, I verify who's a proper cricket fan and who is agenda based. You fall into the agenda based category.
 
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