The Australian opener's future in Test cricket has been a topic of discussion for the past few months. He has finally put an end to all speculations. David Warner confirmed the date of his Test retirement. The southpaw said that he wishes to retire after the New Year's Test against Pakistan. Warner has been contemplating retirement for quite some time. He also said that the 2024 WT20 will be his final appearance for the Aussies at the international level.

Read Also: "I still feel he has got plenty of cricket left in him," Gavaskar believes this India star has a point to prove in the WTC Final

"I've always said the (2024) World Cup would probably be my final game," David Warner opened up about his retirement

Warner clearly said that he would not be taking part in the series against the West Indies after the Pakistan Tests. "You've got to score runs. I've always said the (2024) World Cup would probably be my final game," Warner was quoted as saying on Saturday, June 3. "I probably owe it to myself and my family. If I can score runs here and continue to play back in Australia - I can definitely say I won't be playing that West Indies series," he stated.

Warner is set to play in the World Test Championship final against India to be played from June 7 at the Kennington Oval in London. Thereafter, he will take part in the Ashes, which will start in the middle of June. Then, Australia will play a three-match Test series against Pakistan from Thursday, December 14.

"If I can get through this (WTC final and ensuing Ashes campaign) and make the Pakistan series I will definitely finish up then," David Warner added.

Warner has taken part in 103 Test matches till now. In which, he has scored 8158 runs with an average of 45.57 with 25 hundreds and 34 fifties. Warner's highest individual of 335 not out came back in November 2019 against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval.

The World Test Championship 2023-25 Final isn't just another game for the Proteas; it is an opportunity for them to get rid of the "chokers" label that the team has long carried from past failures in big tournaments.

Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia? Let's check out the odds and what the numbers say about their fight for redemption.

The weight of the tag: Why "chokers"?

South Africa carries a unique burden of the "chokers" tag, which is not merely a casual insult, but a deep-seated reputation earned through a series of painful failures. Despite having world-class talent and often dominating in the group stages, they have a history of stumbling when the stakes are highest.

Here's some of the most significant losses in crucial stages, which originated the "chokers" tag:

1. 1992 World Cup Semi-final vs. England

South Africa, needing 22 runs off 13 balls, faced a controversial rain rule that dramatically revised their target to an impossible 22 runs off just one ball.

While not a "choke" in the traditional sense, but this marked their first major semi-final heartbreak.

2. 1999 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia

South Africa needed just 1 run to win off 4 balls, while their explosive batsman Lance Klusener was on strike. However, a horrible mix-up led to the run-out of Allan Donald and the match ended in a tie.

Australia made it to the finals eventually for having better net run rate.

3. 2003 World Cup group stage exit vs. Sri Lanka

SA miscalculated the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) target which led to their elimination from the tournament. Mark Boucher, believing they have reached the par score to win, blocked the last ball of an over, after which heavy rain stopped the game.

They were, in fact, just 1 run short of the D/L par score, resulting in a tie as well as their elimination.

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

4. 2011 World Cup Quarter-final vs. New Zealand

They collapsed from 108/2 while chasing 222 runs and lost 8 wickets for 64 runs in a shocking defeat. They were bowled out for 172 runs.

5. 2015 World Cup Semi-final vs. New Zealand

Dropped crucial catches while defending in the second half and was was unable to play under pressure in the final overs. Everything let to a dramatic last-ball loss.

6. 2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 stage vs. Netherlands

South Africa needed a win to secure a semi-final spot in the tournament. Despite being strong favourites, they failed to chase a decent target, suffering a 13-run defeat.

7. 2023 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia

South Africa found themselves in a familiar pattern of faltering under pressure while defending 212 runs. Despite great efforts, they could not make it and lost by 3 wickets.

8. 2024 T20 World Cup Final vs. India

While they did reach the finals after breaking their semi-final curse, they ultimately lost to India by 7 runs. Despite being in a good position at one stage, they could not maintain the required run rate in the final overs due to right bowling from Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

Read Also: ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get

South Africa vs Australia Head-to-Head in tests: What are the odds?

Australia has the upper hand in terms of past records when the two sides met. Here's what the head-to-head stats in test cricket looks like:

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mark Boucher's perspective ahead of WTC Final:

As a former South African wicket-keeper batsman and head coach, Mark Boucher understands the immense pressure associated with their cricket history. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he provided an insight about the mindset and the game.

Here's what he said:

"We're playing for a trophy, so I guess a lot of people are saying no [we can't win] but I think it's a different feel in Test match cricket. It's played over a longer period of time and you've just got to win big moments in the game as well. Yes, there will be that tag [chokers] that gets thrown our way until we win a trophy. You're not going to get rid of the tag. Is it deserving on these youngsters coming through? No, it's almost like they're carrying the burden of what happened in previous years, which is always going to be tough on them but they're the ones in control of their futures at the moment."

He also added: "If we win it, I think then that could be the turnaround for Test cricket in our country."

Read Also: Most runs in WTC 2023-25 | Updated

WTC 2023-25 Final: What this win would mean for South Africa

For South Africa, winning the WTC final would be breaking free of the "chokers" tag that has haunted them for decades. This win would also live upto the nation's expectations, inspire future generations, and earn them global respect as true champions.

In test cricket, we often expect batters to dominate the scoring. But what if the biggest surprise came from a bowler? We're talking about the incredible feat of Jasprit Bumrah, who broke all the previous records for most runs in an over in tests.

Dive into this list of players who shaped this record for most runs in an over in tests.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (35 runs) | India

• The over: 4, WD, 4, NB, 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 1
• Opposition: England

The current undisputed king of the "most runs in an over" record in test cricket is Jasprit Bumrah. He came out as an unlikely record-breaker and stunned everyone.

In July 2022, facing Stuart Board in England, Bumrah, who was captaining the side, smashed 35 runs in a single over.

The over included fours, a massive six off a no-ball, a wide, and even boundary off a bye, totalling 35 runs. Of these, 29 runs came off his bat directly.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

2. Brian Lara (28 runs) | West Indies

• The over: 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4
• Opposition: South Africa

The West Indies batting legend, Brian Lara, was the first to achieve this milestone of scoring 28 runs in a single over, which is the second-highest score.

In December 2003, facing South African left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, he showcased his destructive power with a combination of fours and sixes.

Lara's ability to dominate even the best bowlers was a hallmark of his career.

3. George Bailey (28 runs) | Australia

• The over: 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6
• Opposition: England

A decade later, in December 2013, Australia's George Bailey equaled Lara's record during an Ashes Test against England in Perth.

Bailey hit 3 sixes and 2 boundaries, along with a quick two runs, to score 28 runs in an over facing England's pacer, James Anderson.

Read Also: Most Test wins as a captain

4. Keshav Maharaj (28 runs) | South Africa

• The over: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, b4
• Opposition: England

Adding to the list is another surprising knock of South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who joined the list for most runs in an over in tests by scoring 28 runs off an over.

In January 2020, he took on England captain and part-time spinner Joe Root, in a match played in Port Elizabeth.

Other players with 25+ runs in an over in tests:

One of Test cricket's most esteemed rivalries, the Pataudi Trophy, contested between India and England, has been officially renamed the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This major decision was taken by ECB and BCCI, announced and confirmed ahead of the upcoming highly anticipated series, set to begin on June 20, 2025.

Explore why was Pataudi Trophy renamed as Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ahead of India vs England test series below:

Honouring Legends: Why Tendulkar and Anderson?

The renaming of Pataudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is a move to honor and celebrate two legendary figures of test cricket of the contemporary era.

The 'God' of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, holds an unmatched array of records, including most runs and centuries in tests. Similarly, James Anderson stands as most successful fast bowler in the history of Tests. His career was nothing short of extraordinary skills, achivements, and consistent excellence.

The renaming therefore celebrates not just individual brilliance of these legends from India and England, but also earned them a rightful place at the forefront of this historic rivalry's new identity!

End of an Era: The Pataudi Legacy

The Pataudi Trophy, which has represented the Test series between India and England for decades, now passes onto history. Named in the honor of former Indian captains, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, it symbolised a rich connection between Indian and English cricket.

It was first awarded in 2007 and India won it in the English soil.

Read Also: Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

A joint ceremony to unveil the new legacy:

The newly named Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is set for its official unveiling by both the legends. Tendulkar and Anderson will unveil the trophy at Lord's, during the WTC (2023-25) Final, which commences on June 11, 2025.

India and England will kick-off the new WTC Cycle by playing a five-Test series starting at Headingley (Leeds) from June 20.

The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

Overton replaces Atkinson

Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.

Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

Carse, Woakes included in the squad

Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.

Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.

Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.

Ben Stokes to lead the team

England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.

Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Also Read: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

ENG vs IND Test Series Schedule

• 20-24 June 2025 - 1st Test, Headingley
• 2-6 July 2025 - 2nd Test, Edgbaston
• 10-14 July 2025 - Third Test, Lord's
• 23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
• 31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval

ENG vs IND | England full squad

Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

The player who scores the most runs in a single season of the IPL wins the Orange Cap award. This award has been given to the highest run-scorers since the first season of the Indian Premier League (2008). Cricketers must consistently play some brilliant innings and deliver match-winning performances in a season to win the Orange Cap.  So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.

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Orange Cap History:

• Shaun Marsh (616 runs in 11 matches in 2008) was the first player to win the award.
• The record for most runs in a single IPL season is held by Virat Kohli (973 runs in the 2016 edition).
• David Warner has the record of winning the Orange Cap the most number of times (3).

Rules for Orange Cap:

• The Orange Cap is awarded to the leading run-scorer of the IPL season.
• The batsman who holds the Orange Cap during the season is allowed to wear it while in the field during the games, as long as he holds the top-scorer spot in the tournament.
• In a season where two or more batsmen are tied on runs, the batsman with a better strike rate is awarded the Orange Cap.
• In a season where an opposition batsman overtakes the tally of the current holder of the Orange Cap, the previous holder is allowed to wear the Cap until the end of that particular innings in which another batsman overtakes him.

Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008

2008 - Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh from Punjab Kings is the Orange Cap winner of the inaugural edition of the IPL. The Australian batsman started the IPL journey with a bang. He scored 616 runs in only 11 matches with an average of 68.4 and a strike rate of 139.68. His 616 runs include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.

2009 - Matthew Hayden

The next Orange Cap winner is Matthew Hayden. Even after his international retirement from the Australian Cricket team in early 2009, he proved his worth in that season. He showed a spectacular performance and scored a total of 572 runs in 12 matches. In the 2nd edition of IPL, he played for Chennai Super Kings and scored 5 half-centuries with an average of 52 and a strike rate of 144.81.

2010 - Sachin Tendulkar

The God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also enlisted his name in this list of Orange Cap winners. In the 2010 IPL, the then captain of Mumbai Indians aggregated 618 runs including 5 half-centuries in 15 matches. He represented his team in the best way possible and took the team to the final as well but unfortunately, MI finished their journey as runners-up after losing against CSK in the finals. In the 3rd edition of IPL, he played in 15 matches with an average of 47.53 and a strike rate of 132.61

2011 - Chris Gayle

What is a list of top T20 scorers without Chris Gayle? It is incomplete indeed. Chris Gayle is undoubtedly one of the best players in the T20 format and one of the greatest hitters in all the formats of cricket. In the 2011 IPL, he scored a massive 608 runs in only 12 matches. One of his most distinguished factors is his strike rate. He played with a strike rate of 183.13 which is the highest of any Orange Cap winners in the tournament. Also, his total runs include 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries with an average of 67.55.

2012 - Chris Gayle

In the very next year, Chris Gayle again created several storms on the field and became the top run-scorer in the IPL 2012 season. No one could ever dare to come in the way of his extreme rise in the T20 format. In the 4th edition of IPL, the Jamaican cricketer scored a massive 733 runs including 1 century and 7 half-centuries in 15 matches. He played with an average of 61.08 and a strike rate of 160.74.

Read Also: The IPL Effect: How the Tournament Transformed the Dynamics of T20 Cricket Worldwide

2013 - Michael Hussey 

Michael Hussey, popularly known as Mr cricket has also made his name into this list with 733 runs in 17 matches. The Orange Cap winner of the 2013 IPL smashed 6 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 129.5. He made a huge contribution to CSK's entry into the finals. Unfortunately, MI won the title of the season.

2014 - Robin Uthappa

One of the impactful players of IPL 2014 was Robin Uthappa. He played a key role in taking Kolkata Knight Riders into the finals and also winning their second title. Uthappa played in 16 matches and scored 660 runs including 5 half-centuries with an average of 44 and a strike rate of 137.78.

2015 - David Warner

David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad was the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2015. The team played their debut match in 2013 and Warner made 2015 a good season for the team and the fans by scoring 562 runs in 14 matches. His total runs also include 7 half-centuries with an average of 43.23 and a strike rate of 156.54

2016 - Virat Kohli 

A list of achievements by batsmen is incomplete without the King of Cricket Virat Kohli. The captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore is the highest run-scorer in a single edition of IPL. In 2016 IPL he smashed 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries to aggregate a total of 973 runs in 16 matches. In that season, he played with an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. The 2016 IPL has been a good year for the team as they made it to the finals but unfortunately could not win the title.

2017 - David Warner

Once again David Warner had a spectacular season in the marquee T20 league and became the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2017. The captain of the defending winning team smashed 641 runs including 1 century and 4 half-centuries in 14 matches. He played with an average of 58.27 and a strike rate of 141.81.

Read Also: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of Every Team

2018 - Kane Williamson

IPL 2018 changed the T20 career of the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Before the season, he was not that appreciated as an impactful T20 player. But he utilized the opportunity and gave his best and proved his worth to everyone as a great batsman in all three formats. In 17 matches, he scored 735 runs including 8 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 142.44. The captain represented the team and took it to the final as well as won the Orange Cap.

2019 - David Warner

The only cricketer to win the Orange Cap 3 times in IPL history is none other than David Warner. He achieved this milestone in IPL 2019 by scoring 692 runs in 12 matches. He smashed 1 century and 8 half-centuries to score a total of 692 runs with an average of 69.2 and a strike rate of 143.86. His impactful performances along with his opening partner Jonny Bairstow took the team to the playoffs in IPL 2019 but unfortunately, they did not win the title.

2020 - KL Rahul

The skipper of Punjab Kings, Kl Rahul won the 2019 Orange Cap. He and his teammates were unable to end the journey on a good note but the captain made sure to glorify the team's name and became the highest run-scorer of the season. In 14 matches he scored 670 runs with an average of 55.83 and a strike rate of 129.34. His whopping 670 runs also include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.

2021 - Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings's present skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the IPL 2021 orange cao for his sensational batting. He scored 635 runs in 16 innings at an average of 45.35. He was one of the few reasons CSK won their fourth IPL title in 2021. Gaikwad struck 4 half-centuries and one century that season with a best score of 101 not out. 

2022 - Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler was just unbelievable in the IPL 2022 season. Rajasthan didn't win the title but Buttler won hearts. He struck 863 runs in 17 innings at an average of 57.53 with 4 centuries and as many as half-centuries. He also became the second batter after Virat Kohli to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season. Buttler also struck a whooping 45 sixes that season, the fourth highest by a player in a season of the Indian cash-rich league.

2023 - Shubman Gill

Gujarat Titans' present captain Shubman Gill had a season to remember in IPL 2023. He broke several records and won the prestigious Orange Cap. Gill finished as the leading run-scorer, amassing 890 runs in only 17 matches. He played big knocks in pivotal moments in the tournament to guide his side to back-to-back IPL finals. However, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth IPL title by defeating GT in the final. Gill’s 890 runs came at an impressive average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80 while scoring three centuries and four fifties.

2024 - Virat Kohli

The 2024 was a brilliant season for Virat Kohli with the bat and he finished at the top of the highest run-getter charts in the Indian Premier League. He couldn't take RCB to the Final but did his part with the bat. RCB qualified for the playoffs after making a stupendous comeback, winning all their last six group-stage matches and lots of credit goes to Kohli. But, they got knocked out of the tournament after losing to Rajasthan in the Eliminator. Virat scored 741 runs at a spectacular average of 61.75 and a great strike rate of 154.69 which includes five half-centuries and one century. He was by far the best batsman of the 2024 season and won his second-ever orange cap in the history of the competition.

2025 - Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. It was the form of their top three that powered GT’s run to the playoffs this season and Sudharsan led the way in a lineup that included his captain Shubman Gill and an all-time T20 great in Jos Buttler. Sudharsan finished the season with 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21 and maintained a strike rate of 156.17. He scored six half-centuries and one century.