September 4, 2024

WTC 2023-25 Final Scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s

Lord’s will host two men’s Test matches this summer, including England’s third Test against India. Additionally, the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final will take place at Lord’s from June 11. Currently, India and Australia lead the WTC points table with 68.52 and 62.50 percentage points, respectively, but the finalists won’t be confirmed until next year. India, who lost in both previous WTC finals, still have ten Tests to play in this cycle—two at home against Bangladesh, three at home against New Zealand, and five away in Australia. Australia, the defending champions, also have a two-Test away series in Sri Lanka.

“Winning the World Test Championship was, and still is, a big goal for this team,” Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, said in a statement. “It is the culmination of hard work and consistency over the two-year cycle for all teams. So hopefully we will be there again, there’s a lot of cricket still to be played between now and then, and the fans can get a chance to watch us defend the title.”

Current World Test Championship Standings and Venue History

New Zealand is currently ranked No. 3 on the World Test Championship table with a points percentage of 50.00. After their historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan, Bangladesh is now at No. 4 with 45.83. England follows closely at No. 5 with 45.00, and South Africa is at No. 6 with 38.89. Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the West Indies are at the bottom of the table.

All three WTC finals so far have been held in England, with the first at Southampton and the second at The Oval.

“We’re delighted to be working with the ICC to bring the World Test Championship final to Lord’s for the first time,” Guy Lavender, the MCC chief executive and secretary, said. “It is our great privilege to be asked to host a final of any kind but to welcome the two best men’s sides in Test cricket – our most cherished format – is a singular honour. It will be an experience not to be missed, adding to the storied 140-year history of Lord’s Tests.”

Next summer, Lord’s will host two Test matches, including the England vs India Test from July 10 to 14. This match is the third Test of India’s tour, which begins at Headingley on June 20. The series will also include Tests at Edgbaston (starting July 2), Lord’s, Old Trafford (starting July 23), and The Oval (starting July 31). If India reaches the World Test Championship final, they will play six consecutive Tests in England.

JP Duminy Appointed Head Coach of Sharjah Warriorz in ILT20

Former South African allrounder JP Duminy has been appointed head coach of the Sharjah Warriorz for the International League T20 (ILT20). Duminy, who started as South Africa’s white-ball batting coach in late 2023, brings extensive experience from his playing career, which spanned from 2004 to 2019. During his career, he played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Indian Premier League (IPL), and Pakistan Super League (PSL). After retiring, Duminy coached the Boland Rocks and led Paarl Royals in the inaugural season of the SA20.

Following the announcement of his Warriorz role, Duminy said: “I am delighted to take up the challenge of being the head coach with the Sharjah Warriorz. This is an excellent set-up, which is vibrant and full of optimism and ideas for the upcoming season.

“We are looking forward to building a strong squad for this year, and we are excited to see what lies in store for us.”