Bavuma, Cummins gear up for WTC Final

The ICC World Test Championship Final is set to take place on June 11, at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London between South Africa and defending champions Australia.

Captains Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins have voiced their excitement and determination ahead of the high-stakes clash between South Africa and Australia.

This marks South Africa's first appearance in a World Test Championship Final, and skipper Temba Bavuma highlighted the significance of the occasion for his team and the nation.

"We're really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title," Bavuma said.

"Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. Lord's is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia," he added.

The opening batter also urged fans to attend the final and support both sides in what he called "the greatest ever final."

"The anticipation is increasing with less than one month to go, and I am sure fans around the world would be following the fortunes of both teams come 11 June," he concluded.

For Australia, the upcoming final offers a chance to defend their WTC crown and reaffirm their dominance in Test cricket.

Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the team's consistent effort and commitment over the past two years.

"We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord's. It's a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us," Cummins said.

Looking forward to the showdown, the Aussie all-rounder expressed excitement about facing South Africa.

"We very much look forward to getting together again in England in just a few weeks' time and the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket," he concluded.

ICC unveils record prize pool for WTC Final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a record-breaking prize pool of USD $5.76 million for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 Final, set to take place at Lords between Australia and South Africa in June.

This is more than double the amount offered in the previous two editions of the championship.

The winners of the Ultimate Test will receive USD $3.6 million, a significant increase from the USD $1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023.

The runners-up will take home USD $2.16 million, up from USD $800,000.

To mark the 30-day countdown to the final, the ICC released a promotional video featuring key players from both teams. South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, and top-order batter Aiden Markram were showcased alongside Australia's Steve Smith and Travis Head.

The video also included legendary cricketers such as Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri.

In a statement reflecting on the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship cycle and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming final, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said:

"We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition.

"The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads - a true celebration of cricket.