Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's witnessed South Africa etch their name in history, chasing down 282 to win by 5 wickets and securing their first WTC title. Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 runs, South Africa faced a late scare as Australia’s bowlers struck thrice, but David Bedingham's calm 21* and Kyle Verreynne's unflappable 4* saw them through to victory in 83.4 overs. Mitchell Starc's incendiary 3/66 presented a challenge, but the resistance of South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram's match-winning 136 before he was sent back to the pavilion, broke a long drought. The day, where three wickets were lost, topped a nail-biting Test match with South Africa deserving champions.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5, Win by 5 Wickets

South Africa resumed at 213/2 (56 overs), needing 69 runs to win. The chase hit turbulence as Mitchell Starc (3/66 in 14.4 overs) dismissed Temba Bavuma (66 off 134, caught by Alex Carey) and Tristan Stubbs (8 off 43, bowled), reducing South Africa to 241/4. Josh Hazlewood (1/58 in 19 overs) removed Aiden Markram (136 off 207, 14 fours, caught Travis Head), ending his historic knock at 276/5, with 6 runs still needed. Pat Cummins (1/59 in 17 overs) had earlier dismissed Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne) on Day 3, while Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Carey) also fell early. However, David Bedingham’s steady 21* off 49 (1 four) and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 4* off 13 forged a crucial 6-run sixth-wicket stand, guiding South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among Lord’s elites like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Lyon (0/66 in 26 overs), toiled on a flattening pitch, but South Africa’s resolve, as emphasized by coach Shukri Conrad, secured the historic win.

South Africa 2nd Innings – 282/5 (83.4 Overs)

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Key Moments: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

• Markram’s Match-Defining Ton: Aiden Markram’s 136* earned him Player of the Match as his fourth-innings century at Lord’s adds to his legacy next to the greats.
• Late Drama: Starc’s double strike taking Bavuma and Stubbs up until that point made a great contest out of it when South Africa were 241/4.
• South Africa’s Historic Triumph: South Africa became the fourth team to beat Australia in an ICC final after 20+ years of heartbreak, with Markram’s redemptive 136 and a lion-hearted skipper Temba Bavuma ending a 27 year drought for an ICC trophy; Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets in both innings sealed the triumph in a year of breaking trophy droughts
• Bedingham’s Calm Finish: David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21 steadied the chase as South Africa crossed the line once Verreynne was dismissed.

Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's saw South Africa take control, reaching 213/2 in 56 overs while chasing 282, where they needed a mere 69 runs to win their maiden WTC title. Australia, resuming at 144/8, were all out for 207 in 65 overs for a target of 282, courtesy of a spirited 59-run ninth-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Aiden Markram's 102 not out and Temba Bavuma's determined 65 fueled South Africa's run chase with a 143 unbroken third-wicket stand, swinging the game their way. With just four wickets lost, Day 3 was a turnabout from the bowler-dominated first two days, after which the stage is set for a thriller Day 4.

Australia 2nd Innings: Bowled Out for 207, Set 282-Run Target

Australia came back at 144/8 (40 overs) and finished at 207/10 in 65 overs, leaving South Africa with a target of 282. Mitchell Starc's dogged 58* from 136 (5 fours) and Josh Hazlewood's 17 from 53 ensured a vital 59-run ninth-wicket partnership, which goaded South Africa's bowlers. Kagiso Rabada (4/59 in 18 overs) sent Nathan Lyon packing early (2 off 13, lbw) and then bowled out Hazlewood (caught by Keshav Maharaj, bowled Aiden Markram, 1/5 in 2 overs). Lungi Ngidi (3/38 in 13 overs) got rid of Steve Smith (13 off 25, lbw), Beau Webster (9 off 11, lbw), and Pat Cummins (6 off 5). Marco Jansen (1/58 in 18 overs) sent back Marnus Labuschagne (22 off 64, caught by Kyle Verreynne), while Wiaan Mulder (1/18 in 8 overs) got rid of Travis Head (9 off 18). Despite fielding lapses, including a dropped catch of Starc by Jansen on Day 2, South Africa restricted Australia, but the pitch, easing from Days 1 and 2, allowed a challenging target.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 213/2, Need 69 Runs

South Africa’s chase began with early losses, with Mitchell Starc (2/53 from 9 overs) removing Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Alex Carey) and Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne), reducing them to 70/2. However, Aiden Markram’s masterful 102* off 159 (11 fours) and Temba Bavuma’s resilient 65* off 121 (5 fours), despite a hamstring injury, forged an unbroken 143-run third-wicket stand, taking South Africa to 213/2 by stumps. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among elite visiting batters at Lord’s, like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Bavuma’s determined knock, battling injury, showcased his captaincy resolve. Australia's bowling lineup, led by Pat Cummins (0/36 off 10 overs), Josh Hazlewood (0/43 off 13 overs), and Nathan Lyon (0/51 off 18 overs), struggled as the pitch leveled out, according to reports. South Africa’s fearless approach, as noted by Wiaan Mulder, left them 69 runs away from a historic win.

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WTC Final 2025 – Day 3, SA vs AUS: Match Scorecard

Australia 2nd Innings – 207/10 (65 Overs)

South Africa 2nd Innings – 213/2 (56 Overs)

Day 2 of the  World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's was a gripping, bowler-dominated spectacle, with 14 wickets tumbling. South Africa began the day at 43/4 and were bowled out for 138 in 57.1 overs, conceding a 74-run lead to Australia’s first-innings total of 212. Australia reached 144/8 in their second innings, Leading by 218 runs at stumps. Pat Cummins' sensational 6/28 and Kagis Rabada's 3/44 were the standout bowlers on Day 2, while Alex Carey’s resilient batting kept Australia in control, setting the stage for a thrilling Day 3.

South Africa 1st Innings: Bowled Out for 138

South Africa began at 43/4 (22 overs) but collapsed to 138/10 in 57.1 overs. Temba Bavuma (36 off 84, 4 fours, 1 six) and David Bedingham (45 off 111, 6 fours) gave some resistance through a 50-run fifth-wicket stand, driving the total to 93/4. But Pat Cummins' superb 6/28 in 18.1 overs inspired a stunning collapse. Cummins, on his 300th Test scalp, sent back Bavuma, Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (13 off 39, lbw), Marco Jansen (0 off 3, caught), Keshav Maharaj (7 off 15, run-out), and Kagiso Rabada (1 off 6, caught). Mitchell Starc (2/41) got rid of Aiden Markram (0 off 2) and Ryan Rickelton (16 off 34), and Josh Hazlewood (1/27) sent back Tristan Stubbs (2 off 13). Lungi Ngidi (8 off 22, Nathan Lyon bowled, 1/23) was the last wicket, and the last six wickets contributed 45 runs (12 extras included). South Africa's failure to capitalize on their overnight position gave Australia a 74-run lead.

Australia 2nd Innings: 144/8, Lead by 218

The second innings of Australia totaled 144/8 in 40 overs, increasing their lead to 218 runs. Alex Carey's belligerent 43 off 50 (5 fours) and Mitchell Starc's undefeated 16 off 47 between them crafted a match-winning 61-run eighth-wicket partnership, taking Australia from 73/7. Kagiso Rabada (3/44) sent early strikes to Usman Khawaja (6 off 23, caught), Cameron Green (0 off 2, caught), and Carey (lbw). Lungi Ngidi (3/35) sent packing Steve Smith (13 off 25, lbw), Beau Webster (9 off 11, lbw), and Pat Cummins (6 off 5, lbw). Marco Jansen (1/31) sent back Marnus Labuschagne (22 off 64), and Wiaan Mulder (1/14) removed Travis Head (9 off 18). South Africa's fielding errors, such as dropped catches and no-balls by Rabada, helped Australia secure a huge lead. Nathan Lyon (1* off 4) and Starc were present on the field at stumps, with Australia in command.

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WTC Final 2025 – Day 2 Match Scorecard: South Africa vs Australia

South Africa 1st Innings – 138/10 (57.1 Overs)

Australia 2nd Innings – 144/8 (40 Overs)

Lord's, London, June 11, 2025 – South Africa opted to bowl first in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's and created early marks, but Australia responded to level the game and manage 212/10. South Africa, in turn, battled against Australia's pace attack and closed Day 1 at 43/4, 169 runs behind. The day featured powerful bowling performances and crucial wickets, and it looks like the match will be a thrilling one.

Australia Innings

Australia was restricted to 212/10 in 56.4 overs following a difficult day against South Africa's pace-oriented attack. Beau Webster top-scored with a gritty 72 off 92 balls, holding the innings together, and Steve Smith made a gritty 66 off 112. Their 79-run fifth-wicket partnership was the standout, but South Africa's bowling unit hit back, led by Kagiso Rabada, who took 5/51 in 15.4 overs, with the early wickets of Usman Khawaja (0) and Cameron Green (4). Marco Jansen backed up with 3/49, picking up Smith through a fabulous reflex catch off Aiden Markram's bowling (1/5). South Africa's tight bowling in the absence of a late charge by Alex Carey (23 off 31) meant that Australia's innings was brought to a quick end, with the final five wickets coming down for 22 runs.

South Africa Innings

South Africa reached 43/4 in 22 overs, falling behind by 169 runs at stumps. The innings began on a poor note as Aiden Markram was dismissed by Mitchell Starc off the first over for a six-ball zero, and then Ryan Rickelton for 16 off 23, caught behind slips. Wiaan Mulder was dismissed for 6 off 44 off Pat Cummins, and Tristan Stubbs for 2 off 13 before being struck by Josh Hazlewood. David Bedingham (8* off 9) and Temba Bavuma (3* off 37) played anchor, but Australia's bowlers, headed by Starc (2/10) and ably aided by Hazlewood (1/10) and Cummins (1/14), maintained the pressure. South Africa's top order struggled in front of the swinging ball, and they have a difficult task on Day 2.

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SA vs AUS, WTC Final 2025 – Day 1 Match Scorecard 

Australia – 212/10 (56.4 Overs)

South Africa – 43/4 (22 Overs)

Indian cricket is more than a game. it is a money spinner that fuels the world cricket economy. A recent case in point is from Lord's, the legendary ground hosting the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025. News is that Lord's will lose almost 4 million in revenue as India failed to make it to the final.

The Financial Power of Indian Cricket

India's participation in any high-profile ICC tournament ensures sold-out crowds, record viewership, and huge sponsorship agreements. The Indian fan community, both within India and around the world, is unparalleled. From ticketing to merchandise sales to broadcasting rights, Indian cricket earns a huge amount of money and is thus the most valuable asset for cricket globally.

The 2021 WTC Final between New Zealand and India at Southampton generated huge interest despite pandemic restrictions. When India hosted Australia at The Oval in 2023, the Indian fans packed the stands and gave an electric environment. India's absence from the 2025 final translates to a decline in revenue, impacting ticket sales, hospitality, and local businesses surrounding the venue.

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Why Does India's Absence Matter?

Cricket boards, broadcasters, and sponsors depend heavily on India's presence to make maximum profits. Indian supporters travel in huge numbers, packing stadiums globally. India's absence makes the commercial viability of the WTC Final suffer. Even neutral supporters admit that an India-powered final generates more engagement and interest than other teams.

The Bigger Picture

This is indicative of the increasing reliance of world cricket on India. Cricket may be a world sport, but no other side has the same economic clout. The ICC and the countries hosting the tournaments are aware that without India, the economics of cricket tournaments take a hit.

India's not being part of the WTC 2025 Final can be seen as a reminder of how Indian cricket is so important to the international game. On or off the field, the influence of Indian cricket cannot be denied.

India vs England 2025 Test Series: Tickets for First Series already in Demand

First 4 Days Tickets in Birmingham Test - Sold Out. First 4 Days Tickets in Lord's Test - Sold Out. - IT'S INDIA vs ENGLAND IN 2025..

Excitement for the much-hyped India vs England Test series in 2025 appears to be at breaking point, as the first four days of all four Tests in England (Edgbaston and Birmingham) and England (Lord's) have been snapped up months in advance. With how amazing this ticket rush is, the India vs England rivalry and Test cricket's worldwide rise to even higher form is evident fully.

First 4 Days Tickets in Birmingham Test - Sold Out.

First 4 Days Tickets in Lord's Test - Sold Out.

- IT'S INDIA vs ENGLAND IN 2025..!!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hL4MmpDxWF

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 30, 2025

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Edgbaston Test: Historic full:
Test in a five-match series, which was due to take place in 2025 from July 2-6 at Edgbaston. With the cricket fans' response being more than what was expected, they have sold out the first four days almost 7 months before the fixture.
What is noteworthy about the sell-out is that this is the first time that EdgbassiAshes Aside have been bought up so quickly for a non-Ashes Test match. The ground, known as England's box The Fortress for its excellent history of wins will always be a crowd favourite with the electric feel said to benefit England. But Indian fans are equally vocal in their support for sport so the next match is sure to be a hotly contested energy affair.
Lord's Test: A Test For The Sports Spectacle:
The second Test scheduled to be played at ground Lord’s Cricket from 10th to 14th July 2025 attracted a similar level of fervour. Lord's, one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the entire world; of course, has always been special to cricket fanatics. Lord's Stadium is one of a kind and the historical background of the ground ensures that sights it global fans rank the stadium on their bucket- lists.

Significance of instant sell-out at Lord's, the venue in recent years faced fears over Test match attendances particularly. The demand for the India-England encounter shows that mega matchups will still have plenty of eyeballs, reigniting the moribund concept of the game in traditional formats.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, ended his illustrious career with 705 Test wickets after bowling 40,031 legal deliveries, the most by a fast bowler in the history of cricket. Although Anderson missed a fairy tale farewell similar to his former bowling partner Stuart Broad, his final Test match was a testament to his enduring class and remarkable career.

James Anderson’s legendary career

James Anderson’s career is filled with numerous highlights and milestones that have cemented his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Making his debut in 2003, Anderson played 188 Tests over 19 years, consistently delivering match-winning performances. He holds the record for the most wickets, most deliveries, and most matches by a fast bowler, showcasing his longevity and endurance in a demanding role.

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The final test match

In his final Test match against the West Indies, England hammered the visitors by an innings and 114 runs, bowling them out for 136 in the second innings. The match lasted only two days and a session, with Anderson taking four wickets, including a three-wicket haul. Despite a stellar debut performance by Gus Atkinson, who picked up 12 wickets, it was Anderson who led the team off the ground to a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd.

Missed fairy-tale farewell

Anderson’s retirement came shortly after Stuart Broad announced his departure from all forms of cricket. Broad fittingly took a wicket with the final ball he bowled to win the Test for England. Anderson, however, missed out on this iconic moment. In his last over, Anderson bowled to Motie, who was beaten on the flick with a short-of-length delivery. An appeal for LBW was half-hearted and dismissed due to the height and angle down leg.

Anderson’s Last Over

In the 44th over of the West Indies’ second innings, Anderson had the chance to end his career on a high note with a wicket. However, he dropped a straightforward return catch, a rare lapse in an otherwise impeccable career. The crowd remained supportive, appreciating Anderson’s contributions over the years.

England’s dominant victory

England’s comprehensive victory was marked by Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut. The 26-year-old pacer picked up seven wickets in the first innings and five in the second, overshadowing Anderson’s farewell performance. Nonetheless, Anderson’s presence and leadership on the field were evident as he guided the young bowler.

Anderson’s emotional send-off

The Lord’s crowd gave Anderson a fitting send-off, rising to their feet to applaud his efforts. Anderson received a guard of honour from his teammates at the start of the day’s play, an emotional moment that he handled with grace. His composure and humility were on full display as he bowed out of international cricket.

Career statistics

James Anderson’s career statistics are a testament to his greatness. With 705 wickets in 188 Tests, he stands as the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in history. His tally of 40,031 deliveries is a record for fast bowlers, reflecting his consistency and endurance.

James Anderson in Test cricket
Mats: 188
Wkts: 704
Avg: 26.45
SR: 56.8
ER: 2.79
BBI: 7/42
BBM: 11/71
5-fer: 32
10-fer: 3

Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut

Gus Atkinson’s debut performance was a highlight of Anderson’s farewell match. The young pacer’s 12-wicket haul showcased his potential and hinted at a bright future for England’s bowling attack. Anderson’s mentorship and guidance were evident as he partnered with Atkinson on the field.

Gus Atkinson’s two 5-fers in the match is the first time for an England bowler on debut since 1934 and the first by a pacer since 1972 when Bob Massie (AUS) took against England at Lord’s.