Jay Shah Rings in the WTC Final at Lord’s
The 2025 World Test Championship Final got a ceremonial touch as ICC Chairman Jay Shah rang the iconic Lord’s bell before the big clash between Australia and South Africa. It’s a tradition at this legendary ground, marking the official start of play, and for Shah, it was more than routine. He described it as a special privilege, sharing his excitement on social media just moments before the action started. Moments like these remind fans and players of the heritage of Lord’s, where cricket’s oldest stories meet its newest chapters.
With Lord’s standing room packed and the air buzzing, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl. The decision was strategic—cloudy English skies, a tinge of green on the pitch, and a reshuffled Australian batting order led Bavuma to throw down the early challenge.
Australia and South Africa Shake Up Their Lineups
Australia’s top order looked a bit different. Marnus Labuschagne was pushed up to open, filling the gap left by David Warner’s absence. Cameron Green, freshly back from injury, slotted in at number three, eager to make an impact. Australia also rolled the dice with all-rounder Beau Webster, giving their middle order some extra muscle and flexibility.
On the other side, South Africa took a gamble by placing Wiaan Mulder—someone who hasn’t faced much red-ball pressure at this level—into the number three spot. With a trophy drought stretching all the way back to 1998, the Proteas needed both boldness and execution on a day where reputations often crack under pressure.
South Africa’s new-ball pair, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, put early heat on Australia. Despite a solid start, Australia was bundled out for 212. Steve Smith played with trademark grit for his 66, but it was Beau Webster who surprised by top-scoring with 72. Their resilience kept Australia in the contest, but Rabada’s and Jansen’s relentless lines meant wickets kept falling just when Australia looked to press on.
- Smith: 66, tough but thwarted late
- Webster: 72, aggressive and composed
- Rabada & Jansen: wickets at key moments
When it was South Africa’s turn to bat, the script flipped fast. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood took charge. They combined pace and precision, tearing straight through the Proteas’ top four. The scoreboard turned bleak quickly—Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Wiaan Mulder were all back in the pavilion before fans could catch their breath, and by stumps South Africa limped to 43/4. Cricket’s famous dogfight between bat and ball was on full display under the gloomy London sky.
This match isn’t just about who lifts the trophy at Lord’s. For South Africa, this is about breaking a 27-year curse and grabbing a first ICC trophy for a generation of fans starved of glory. For Australia, it’s about staying at the top, defending their WTC crown, and continuing a golden era. While some critics have fussed over the WTC schedule and fairness, players on both teams just see it as one of the toughest prizes up for grabs. Pat Cummins called the WTC on par with cricket’s highest achievements—and Day 1 showed exactly why.
Vida Yamini
June 12, 2025 AT 20:19The opening bell at Lord’s always signals a momentous start to a Test. The tradition ties modern players to centuries of cricket history. Jay Shah’s ringing added a personal touch that resonated with the crowd. The Australian lineup showed bold adjustments with Labuschagne moving up the order. Cameron Green’s return to the number three slot gave them fresh energy. Beau Webster’s inclusion gave depth and flexibility to the middle order. South Africa’s decision to bowl first was influenced by the overcast English conditions. The new‑ball pair of Rabada and Jansen extracted early movement off the seam. Their aggressive lines forced the Australians into early mistakes. The Australian top order managed a respectable start before wickets fell. Smith’s gritty 66 illustrated his experience in handling pressure. Webster’s 72 demonstrated the value of all‑round contributions. On the South African side the placement of Mulder at number three was a gamble. Their early collapse to the pace attack highlighted the challenges of adapting to swinging conditions. The day’s events underscored how strategy and execution intertwine in a World Test final. Ultimately the match set the stage for a gripping contest that will be remembered for its intensity.
James Lawyer
June 13, 2025 AT 21:40The World Test Championship schedule seeks to balance global participation with logistical constraints. The recent final exemplifies how rotating venues can honor tradition while promoting equity among competing nations. By selecting Lord’s, the ICC reinforced the historical significance of the game’s oldest ground. Moreover, the inclusion of emerging talents such as Mulder reflects the championship’s role in fostering player development. While some critics argue that the points system favours stronger teams, the current format still rewards consistent performance across series. The decision to allow squad rotations, as seen with Australia’s altered batting order, adds a strategic layer that deepens competitive intrigue. The final also highlighted how weather conditions can influence tactical choices, reinforcing the importance of adaptability. In sum, the event demonstrates that the WTC continues to evolve in response to the sport’s dynamic landscape.
Abby Culbertson
June 14, 2025 AT 21:16i cant belive South Africa got knocked out so quick
Awolumate Muhammed Abayomi
June 15, 2025 AT 20:53What a massive day for the Proteas even if the start was rough lol keep pushing they got the fire and can flip the game next session!
Josh Tate
June 16, 2025 AT 20:30Seeing both sides battle under the grey London sky really shows the heart behind Test cricket and how each player’s effort contributes to the larger story of the championship. The crowd’s energy at Lord’s added another layer of inspiration that lifts both teams even when wickets tumble quickly.
John Smith
June 17, 2025 AT 20:06In fact the WTC points allocation changed after the 2021 cycle, giving a win in a two‑match series the same weight as a win in a three‑match series, which some analysts see as skewing the leaderboard.
Alex Soete
June 18, 2025 AT 19:43Let’s give credit to the bowlers who seized the conditions early; their disciplined lines forced the Aussie batters into uneasy territories and set a tone that any comeback will have to confront. The energy on the field today proves that teamwork and perseverance can turn even a challenging start into a chance for victory.
Cara McKinzie
June 19, 2025 AT 19:20Honestly the whole thing felt like a overhyped circus with the bell clang just another gimmick.
Joseph Conlon
June 20, 2025 AT 18:56The ringing of the Lord’s bell, while steeped in tradition, does not automatically translate to a better cricketing experience for the players on the field. Modern audiences often seek dynamic, fast‑paced action rather than symbolic gestures that may feel disconnected from the competitive reality of a Test match. Moreover, the emphasis on ceremony can inadvertently shift focus away from strategic nuances such as the impact of overcast conditions on swing bowling. While historians cherish the continuity of rituals, the sport’s governing bodies must weigh the relevance of such customs against the evolving expectations of a global fan base. In the case of the 2025 final, the bell’s resonance was certainly audible, yet the pivotal moments unfolded during the early wickets taken by Rabada and Jansen. These moments underscore that skill and adaptation remain the true drivers of outcome, not the echo of a centuries‑old chime. Therefore, future tournaments might consider integrating heritage in ways that enhance, rather than distract from, the core contest. This perspective does not diminish the cultural value of Lord’s, but calls for a balanced approach where tradition serves the game rather than overshadows it. Ultimately, the balance between reverence for history and the push for contemporary relevance will define how cricket portrays itself on the world stage.