The injury of Steve Smith doubled the impact on the cricket fans of Australia when the team failed to defend their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title. The star Australian batter injured his small finger while he was positioned near the batter. Smith was in pain and left the field in tears. Now, the 36-year-old himself provided an update about his injury. 

Then the title decider match between Australia and South Africa was in an intense situation; slightly, the defending team had started to lose their grip over the match. So, they decided to go a little more aggressive so that even a half chance could be converted. 

"I was standing pretty close with the helmet on, and as we saw throughout the game, a lot of nicks went short of first and second slip. The plan was to stand pretty close, and I lost sight of it with the angle that Mitchell Starc was bowling, and it kind of went inside Bavuma's hip." Steve Smith said. 

Read More: [WATCH] TNPL 2025: Funny fielding effort in Dindigul Dragons vs Siechem Madurai Panthers match

Update from Smith 

He further added, “I didn't quite see it until really late, and it kind of dipped on me a little bit late as well. It was tricky; it didn't go in my hand very well, and fortunately, there is no break there, and it just split the skin and dislocated it, which made me feel pretty ill at that stage." 

The incident occurred on day 3, when South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was looking strong at the crease. According to previously published reports, Steve Smith had 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 later taken to the hospital for x-rays and further treatment. 

The calmness after a storm. Aiden Markram probably experienced his best career moment at Lord's after winning the World Test Championship 2025 (WTC Final 2025). When he sips the beer after the match, he might taste heaven. A journalist asked him about the beer-sipping incident during the post-match press conference; Markam replied in a most hilarious way. 

Aiden Markram proved to be the key figure for South Africa's WTC triumph. The 30-year-old batter scored 136, playing 207 deliveries, with fourteen boundaries. When South Africa was facing difficulties against Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Markram and their skipper Temba Bavuma stepped onto the field to the rescue. But on a slightly sad note, Markram did not hit the winning runs. When SA needed only 6 to win the 'ultimate Test,' the centurion lost his wicket to Hazlewood. David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne did the rest of the business without any further twist. 

After smashing the final run, emotions were flowing all over the stadium. There was no forecast of rain; sun rays were melting on the shiny green grass; white, broken clouds made the day more poetic. A perfect summer place symphony for South Africa. Markram, with a big smiling face, went to a person holding a beer mug in the front area of the gallery space. The hero of the match for SA grabbed the mug and sipped beer from the mug. 

Read More: [WATCH] WTC Final SA vs AUS: Relive History in making as South Africa win ICC title after 27 years

Hilarious reply from Aiden Markram 

Fans and journalists were curious to know about the person waiting in the gallery. Markram said, "That was one of my mates from school. He wanted me to come over, and I said, "Flip, man, I can't; it's too busy; it's chaos." And then he was like, "Well, here's a beer." And I was like, OK, I'm in. So, I've had my first one for today, and I'm pretty sure there'll be a few more." 

It is said that winning the Test mace can prove to be a turning point for the cricket history of South Africa. Markram also felt the same. During the press conference he said, "The No. 1 priority should always be to play test cricket." I've always felt that and believed that, and if we can get that back with the younger people coming through, I think we've done well."

Watch the enjoyable moment here:

 

 

 

 

 

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English batting stalwart Kevin Pietersen heaped massive praise on South African opener Aiden Markram following his match-winning century in the fourth innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, which derailed the defending champions Australia by a margin of five wickets. His innings had the inscription of skill, class, and resilience written all over it. In the epic WTC Final run chase, Markram left no scope for any slip-ups and toiled hard over 370 minutes to score 136 runs in 207 balls, thus single-handedly setting the game for the Proteas. 

See also: WTC Final 2025: Aiden Markram reveals how the T20 World Cup heartbreak propelled him onto the path of glory

Markram's WTC Final ton leaves Pietersen awestruck

During his recent interaction with JioHotstar (via ANI), Pietersen made a confession in regards to Markram's knock, calling it the best knock by any South African in Test cricket. The cricketer-turned-commentator was amazed to see the way Markram went about absorbing the pressure and how successfully he was able to overcome the failures of the first innings.  

"Probably the best innings any South African batter has ever played in Test match cricket. It might not go down as the most attacking or entertaining if you look back at South Africa's Test history -- but when you factor in the expectation, the stage, and the pressure after failing in the first innings, it was extraordinary."

Apart from taking South Africa to glory, Markram also managed to unlock some new milestones in Test cricket. He made it to the elite list of the highest score achieved by any visiting batter in the fourth innings of the Lord's Test. The 30-year-old shares the third spot in the list along with Michael Clarke of Australia.

This was Markram's third Test century in the fourth innings. The 30-year-old now has the second-highest number of Test centuries in the fourth innings of the Test match after Sunil Gavaskar (4) and Graeme Smith (4). Pietersen highlighted that Markram was under immense pressure early doors when he lost Rickelton and Mulder in quick succession. But his calm demeanour and his mental toughness brought the mighty Aussies down on their news in the mega WTC Final.

South Africa's spinner Keshav Maharaj was overcome with emotions as the side claimed victory over Australia by 5 wickets in their final match at Lord's to secure the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, which they had not accomplished for quite the lengthy period of time throughout a jinx. A choking Maharaj struggled to fight back tears with Graeme Smith, who was interviewing him post-match after he held the trophy aloft. Maharaj's raw emotional effects clearly captured the feeling, and he also thought it was appropriate to thank the fans, his teammates, and the nation. "It's special. It's an honor to lift the cup for everyone out here and at home. It's what the country is about, the unity amongst everyone in the last five days," Maharaj said with obvious emotion in his voice. The accomplishment represented more than just another sporting accomplishment; it was also a moment to reflect on past victories and a moment of dignity and honor for the players. It represented resilience and unity in their nation and their hope for future victories.

The WTC final was a reflection of South Africa's spirit, with the team starting Day 4 needing only 69 runs to be crowned champions. With Aiden Markram already at a century and Temba Bavuma with a 50 from Day 3, the chase was looking decidedly comfortable. There was a shake-up in momentum despite early wickets from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc taking out Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs. Once again, Markram's confidence was shining through with a magnificent 136 before Travis Head produced an extraordinary catch that halted Markram's innings. All that was left for Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham was to add the last few runs needed for victory. It was a win celebrated by millions back at home and an occasion of great pride for South Africa, demonstrated through tears of joy.

Keshav Maharaj , the only Indian-origin player to touch the WTC trophy.

His Interview with graham smith can make Even Adult Cry 🥲

Congratulations South Africa 🇿🇦 and Captain Temba For making this History.#WtcFinal2025#SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/3aZYGK3AZl

— Devendra Soni (@DevendraSo37461) June 14, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] WTC Final SA vs AUS: Relive History in the Making as South Africa win ICC title after 27 years

Maharaj’s Tears Represent a Nation’s Journey 

Maharaj’s emotional breakdown during the interview distilled the enormity of what had just been accomplished. While Smith attempted to ask him questions, Maharaj's gratitude flowed, saying, “Thanks to everyone that’s been supporting us; through adversity we’ve stood tall," despite his voice cracking. It is safe to say this occasion was a first for the WTC mace, but more than just the trophy, it served as a culmination of so many years of disappointments and heartbreak, and finally, this moment has turned into triumph. For the first time, South Africa is elevating the WTC mace; it represents something bigger than just a box on a statistical sheet. By lifting this mace, South Africa is sending its message of hope and how we can unite in that. 

The cricket community reacted immediately. Fans and analysts were each touched by Maharaj's spontaneity and an unfiltered display of emotion. In a pool of tears, Maharaj's tears represented more than just the emotions attached to the trophy; a whole nation’s journey in unison drew from the common aspirations, beliefs, and sacrifices made and witnessed. Seeing South Africa win was as much a celebration of Maharaj's tears as it was of the hard-fought championship. 

As South Africa looks ahead, this victory captured under Temba Bavuma is heralded as the foundation for new achievements, so Maharaj's statements would not be taken as a light promise of more great things to come. The imagery of Maharaj crying on camera will etch itself in memory as the representation of a team and nation that never gave up, and indeed, South African cricket's future lies ahead.

Experience hit at the crucial moment, a dream delivery from Mitchell Starc. Tristan Stubbs had no clue how to deal with the delivery.

When the situation looked all settled for South Africa to win their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) title, Starc struck. Credit also goes to Captain Pat Cummins for utilizing the experienced pacer during such a pressure situation.

After playing over forty deliveries, Stubbs was not looking comfortable on the wicket and tried to go aggressive multiple times but failed to execute. Before being bowled out against Mitchell Starc, Stubbs lived dangerously against Nathan Lyon and then Starc before the wicket-taking delivery. The 35-year-old pacer tried to put extra force on the weak link of the batting pair, which was Stubbs.

Read More: ICC declines India’s request to host upcoming WTC final: Report

A cutter, went in to shattered the wickets

Strac tried to use the bounce from the pitch and the angle through his runner-up. Stubbs escaped a catch behind the wicket by a narrow margin against the same bowler, but his fortune faded away during the 3rd delivery of the 71st over. 

This time, the speed star used a scrabble seam delivery on the up, swung in to expose the batter's defense, and brushed the top of the timbers. The bails, red lights on, spinning out from the wickets. After facing 43 deliveries, Tristan Stubbs departed for only 8 runs. Australia got the wicket when South Africa was on 241. 

Watch the brilliant delivery here

STARC GETS STUBBS WITH A BEAUTY. pic.twitter.com/xOUZJf1AXP

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 14, 2025

South Africa are edging closer to creating history in the ongoing World Test Championship Final 2025 (WTC). With only 69 runs remaining in the bank and eight wickets to go, South Africa emerge as the strong favorites to clinch their maiden ICC title since 1998. A fighting partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma has turned the tables on Australia, putting the Southern African nation on the cusp of a historic cricketing moment. 

South Africa's resounding progress in the WTC final match has left many Australian cricket experts alarmed. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden went hard on Pat Cummins, calling him out for being way too defensive in his approach. After concluding their second innings on a high, Australia had mounted a reasonable target of 281 on the board. Much to their delight, the Aussie quicks, including Mitch Starc, made an ideal start by removing Rickelton and Mulder in quick succession to give Australia a definite advantage. 

But all that advantage was lost in an instant once they were met with fierce resistance from Bavuma and Markram. Australia had South Africa reeling but failed to make further breakthroughs, allowing them to conclude day three on a high with all eight wickets intact.

See also: Top 5 wicket takers for South Africa in Test cricket ft Kagiso Rabada

Haydos blasts the Australian skipper to let South Africa off the hook

As quoted by Hindustan Times, Hayden slammed Cummins for being too defensive against Bavuma, who had just walked out to bat after Mulder's dismissal. After bundling them out cheaply for 138 in the first innings, Cummins was expected to adopt a very aggressive approach. But the absence of his aggressive approach baffled the Aussie great. 

He further highlighted the lack of protection in the catching cover regions and stressed that the field placement should have been more attacking, which would have helped them cut down unnecessary singles.

“You know, this defensive effort here from Australia, it was all about how they were going to take wickets and how they were going to do that early. You know, when they got through to Mulder, they got through Rickelton, and they had to put at that point pressure on Bavuma. They had to put those catching cover areas, had to be less defensive, more attacking. Can you imagine if those first couple of balls had been chipped up? South Africa now it's three down. Australia got control of the match. So for me, that was a trick," 

The 2023 defending champions are on the verge of a catastrophic defeat in the WTC summit clash. Although the job is yet to be fully finished, and given South Africa's all-time reputation of "chokers", we cannot say for sure whether they are out of the woods. The Aussies, who have proven their tactical brilliance in the knockout matches time and again, can't be taken lightly as they will look to leave no stone unturned to retain their crown at all costs. 

The early hours of Day 2 of the World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) started off with controversy. Again, the Decision Review System (DRS) is on the center of the stage. South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma can feel himself fortunate enough to escape an LBW shout by a controlled Australia.

Josh Hazlewood was on a charge and able to swing the ball back in and struck Bavuma, followed by a strong LBW appeal. Bavuma was just in front of the wickets, and the ball was at his knee height. So the umpire didn't take too long to raise his finger pointed towards the sky.

Bavuma, then on 17, and South Africa, on 66 for the loss of 4 wickets, signaled for a decision review. After recapping the incident on screen with the help of high-tech technologies, the third umpire reversed the decision and decided to announce "not out" to the Protean skipper, and thus how Temba Bavuma has survived.

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But he didn't sustain his innings too long 

According to the DRS on the screen, Bavuma was able to get a slight edge on his blade, and for that reason, the field umpire's decision has been overturned. But was there a clear nick from the bat? The question remains, as there was probably some gap between the bat and the ball.

The right-handed batter chose to play a counter-attacking game against Australia, and for some distance he succeeded in his plans but did not manage to stay in the yard too long and was dismissed for an individual 36. Australia skipper Pat Cummins removed the SA skipper on the 2nd ball of the 40th over. South Africa lost the 5th wicket before making 100 on the board. 

Watch the moment here 

DRS saved Temba Bavuma pic.twitter.com/7nQu78Gf1w

— Gurlabh Singh (@gurlabhsingh610) June 12, 2025

Viewers who turned on the channel to see Australia vs. South Africa ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 (WTC Final 2025) might be surprised to see Sam Konstas on the field and Steve Smith out of the ground.

On Day 3 of the 'Ultimate Test' match at Lord's, South Africa was looking comfortable during the final chase. Like in the first innings, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma emerged as the main barrier in front of the destructive Aussie bowling line-up. 

Opener Aiden Markram, already settled on the crease, later joined by Bavuma, has been posing a continuous threat from the defending champion side. Australia had a golden opportunity to dismiss Temba early, but they couldn't succeed, and in the process, Steve Smith managed to injure himself so badly that he had to leave the ground with tears. Sam Konstas immediately came into the field to replace Smith.

Read More: WATCH: Jitesh Sharma match winning knock in Semi Final 1 of Vidarbha Pro T20 League 2025

Confirmations from both ICC and Australia 

According to a report published by the International Cricket Council (ICC), "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." 

Later, Cricket Australia confirmed that Steve had dislocated his finger, so for treatment, he was taken to the hospital. "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," Cricket Australia confirmed. 

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

An action-packed World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) ongoing at Lord's between Australia and South Africa. Arguably, two of the most lethal bowling combinations are now facing each other, where only one will manage to win the Test mace.

After a couple of days of competition between South Africa and Australia, which bowling attack impressed the most? Australia's former international Matthew Hayden chose his favorite combination between these two finalists—Australia, the defending champion, and South Africa, in search of their first WTC title.

According to the Aussie legend, the way Australia bowlers are doing their job and possessing threats so far, undoubtedly, Pat Cummins and his boys are the best. One step further, the former cricketer turned cricket expert labeled the current Australian bowling line-up in front for the combination of the legendary trio Glen McGrath, Brett Lee, and Jason Gillespie.

Read More: 5 T20 Mumbai League 2025 stars IPL teams should target ft. Sairaj Patil

Awesome foursome: Mathew Hayden 

"The trio of Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc might just be Australia’s best-ever pace attack—even better than McGrath, Gillespie, and Lee—because they’ve bowled more together, in more combinations. Add Nathan Lyon to the mix, and it’s an ‘awesome foursome.’ Australia did well to pull ahead despite pressure. South Africa fought back hard, making this a seesaw contest. "It’s been a fantastic Test match so far, and Day 3 promises more drama," said Hayden.

In the ongoing final, Pat Cummins created history by taking 6 wickets in an innings at Lord's and kept his team in the front seat. Along with Cummins's 6, Mitchell Starc snatched a couple of scalps, and Jose Hazlewood captured a wicket in the first innings. After that, so far in the second innings, Starc already clinched the wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder. During the development of this article, South Africa needs 206 runs to win the final match. 

From 126/6 to 138/10, that's the path of a storm named Pat Cummins. In a final at the iconic Lord's, the captain of team Australia unveiled his best when his team needed it the most.

With the help of skipper Temba Bavuma, South Africa was dreaming of making a comeback in the World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) when the leader of the defending champion struck. Cummins first hammered on the main pillar of the SA batting unit, Temba Bavuma; thanks to Marnus Labuschagne for the outstanding diving catch in the cover region.

When Bavuma departed, South Africa was on 94 for 5, and David Bedingham looked well controlled. Cummins started the carnage with the red ball in hand from the 52nd over. One by one he plucked the wickets of Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. Before these 4 wickets, he got the wickets of Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder. In total, 6 wickets haul—18.1-6-28-6—that's the bowling figure of Pat Cummins, the captain of the Australia cricket team.

Read More: Watch: Pat Cummins ripper gets Wiaan Mulder's wicket in SA vs AUS WTC Final

Performance like a champion 

The Aussies have started the match as the clear favorite. But Kagiso Rabada made the contest more intense with his fifer, and Cummins replied with 6. Australia scored 212 in the first innings, and South Africa owned 138. 

Cricket fans are absolutely stunned to witness the class of Pat Cummins under such a pressure situation. For now, Australia is leading the race, but South Africa has ample space to make a comeback in the 'ultimate test.' 

The best-ever bowling figures by a captain in a Test at Lord's!

Simply incredible from Pat Cummins 🤩 pic.twitter.com/e6itwIrDFc

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 12, 2025

🚨 Pat Cummins becomes the first Captain to pick up a 5 wicket haul at Lord's after 17 Years...! pic.twitter.com/sANk3ZfDnH

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 12, 2025

Pat Cummins 6/28 V South Africa in #WTCfinal

- Best bowling figures in WTC & ICC finals
- Best bowling figures by a captain at Lord's
- 300 Test wkts
- Lead wkt taker in WTC 2023-25
- Lead wkt taker in ICC finals across formats

The leader, player & legend he is👏 🐐 pic.twitter.com/NBkZqBYcT3

— AYESHA (@JoeRoot66Fan) June 12, 2025

Pat Cummins is one of the smartest bowlers in the game. Never saw him go dull after an intentional bouncer. Just look at ball 51.3 set up Verreynne perfectly, then nailed him with a booming inner. Genius. I almost called it right after that bouncer something is gonna happen pic.twitter.com/0E7N2hbKxi

— GUY (@whattaaguyy) June 12, 2025

Lights were brightest, Stage was biggest, opposition was the best. Sir Pat Cummins arrived and thrived.

BEST TEST BOWLER IN THE WORLD. pic.twitter.com/RBO8WMdWYd

— Rafi (@rafi4999) June 12, 2025