Team India has confirmed its place in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. They will play the WTC final against Australia after 20 years. The INDvsAUS WTC final will happen at the Kennington Oval in London from 7 June. However, a reserve day has also been kept for this. Even on June 12, if the need arises, the match will be held.

Also Read: INDvsAUS: Australia's all six test wins in India since 1970

The last match of the Test series between India and Australia is going on, but before that, the Indian team has already got the ticket for the WTC final. India vs Australia 4th Test match is now moving towards a draw, but before that New Zealand has shattered Sri Lanka's plans and defeated Sri Lanka by 2 wickets in the first match of the two-match Test series played in Christchurch.

The Australian team had already confirmed its seat in the final. Australia became the first team to reach the final by winning the match against India in Indore. There was a contest between India and Sri Lanka for the second position. But now India and Australia have entered the final and with this, the final lineup is clear. The INDvsAUS WTC final is going to happen after about 20 years.

Meanwhile, team India has reached the final for the second time in a row. After that, they have become the first team to enter the final of the WTC twice in a row. However, New Zealand defeated India in the final of the 2019-2021 ICC World Test Championship. Now the same New Zealand has played a big role in taking the Indian team to the INDvsAUS WTC final.

Meanwhile, Australia's stay on top has become confirmed in the INDvsAUS WTC Final. The Indian team will finish at number two. Australia had played 18 matches during the championship before the Ahmedabad Test. In this, they got 11 wins and only 3 losses. Australia got two defeats against India only in the Border Gavaskar series. While India has won 10 matches in 17 matches. Rohit Sharma's team got 5 defeats and 2 matches were drawn. Now the Ahmedabad Test is also heading towards a draw.

Also Read: WTC stats: Most Runs in World Test Championship

India and Australia are the two big teams in the cricket world. But it would be a surprise to know that India did not play a single final of the ICC tournament against Australia for the last 20 years. In the year 2003, under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly, the Indian team reached the final of the ODI World Cup, in the same year Australia also qualified for the final. Then Australia defeated Team India in the final match and the dream of winning the ODI World Cup for the second time remained incomplete. But now Team India will have the full chance to avenge the defeat of that final.

The cricket world, known for its constant evolution, has seen a drastic shift in a month. Over the past month, six notable players have chosen to conclude their careers on the global stage.

From legendary batsmen to powerful all-rounders, these departures mark a significant moment in the history of cricket. These aren't just names; they are players who have shaped matches and won the hearts of millions.

Explore the list of 6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month.

1. Rohit Sharma (Test retirement) | May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of his remarkable journey as a batsman, as well as India's captain in tests. His test career lasted for 12 years since his debut in 2013.

Sharma transformed himself into a brilliant test opener in the latter half of his career. One of his defining moments in Test cricket arrived in 2019 against South Africa, where he hammered a majestic 212 runs as an opener, showcasing his ability to wear down opposition attacks.

He is the fifth-most successful Test captain for India, leading to 12 Test victories.

Rohit Sharma's stats in tests:

2. Virat Kohli (Test retirement) | May 12, 2025

Following Rohit's retirement, India lost the era's most dominant force in test cricket. The announcement of Virat Kohli's test retirement on May 12, 2025, resonated globally, leaving everyone shocked and upset. 

Kohli approached the test format with a fierce competitive spirit and hunger for runs. His dedication and skill set in this format saw him notch 7 double centuries in his test career. He also became the most successful test captain of India during the 8 years (Dec 2014-Jan 2022) of his captaincy tenure, leading to 40 wins.

This decision of Kohli to step away from tests also brought the interests of Indian fans in tests in question. This retirement indeed marked the end of an era.

Virat Kohli's stats in tests:

3. Angelo Mathews (Test retirement) | May 23, 2025

Sri Lanka's enduring test pillar, Angelo Mathews, concluded his test career on May 23, 2025. He left behind a legacy of resilience and crucial performances as an all-rounder. 

Mathews possessed the ability to adapt his game and accelerate when required. His unbeaten 200 runs against Zimbabwe in 2020 stand out as one of his vital contributions. He also took a total of 33 wickets in tests.

He led Sri Lanka in 34 matches as a captain and won 13 among them.

Angelo Mathews' stats in tests:

4. Glenn Maxwell (ODIs Retirement) | June 2, 2025

Australia's one of the most captivating hitters and match-winners, Glenn Maxwell, announced retirement from ODIs on June 2, 2025. Known for his explosive strokeplay and ability to turn the game around, he had an amazing ODI career.

Maxwell's career has many moments to highlight, but nothing can match his astonishing 201* runs against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Coming back with a back injury, this innings was a masterclass in aggressive and controlled batting.

He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, which goes down in the history of ODI cricket.

Glenn Maxwell's stats in ODIs:

5. Heinrich Klaasen (International retirement) | June 2, 2025

On June 2, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen announced his international retirement, which marked the end of a relatively short yet impactful career as a destructive batsman in white-ball cricket. 

Since his international debut for South Africa in 2018, he has been a hard-hitter of the ball and has become one of the most feared finishers in limited-overs formats. His phenomenal 174 runs off just 83 balls against Australia in an ODI in 2023 stands as a testament to his raw hitting power and ability.

Heinrich Klaasen's international stats (2018-2025)

6. Nicholas Pooran (International retirement) | June 10, 2025

The West Indies batter, Nicholas Pooran, announced his international retirement on June 10, 2025, at the age of just 29. This marked one of the earliest retirements for a high-profile West Indies player.

As a left-hander wicket-keeper batsman, Pooran quickly established himself as an electrifying hitter in white-ball cricket. He brought an aggressive approach to the crease, with the potential to turn the game in his favour.

He has done exceptionally well in his short-lived international career. His 98 runs off 53 balls against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup perfectly tell the story of his talent.

Nicholas Pooran's international stats (2016-2025):

The anticipation for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final has reached its peak. All eyes are set for the big game on June 11, 2025 at Lord's, where South Africa will aim to win it for the first time against then defending champs Australia.

In a crucial development, captain Temba Bavuma announced South Africa's playing XI against Australia for WTC Final 2025, providing a clear indication of their strategic approach for this match.

This final selection reveals the strengths and calculated risks SA is prepared to take on the grandest stage of Test cricket.

Bavuma's strategic choices: What the selection reveals

Temba Bavuma's chosen team for the WTC Final reflects a calculated approach aimed at maximizing South Africa's chances. Here are the key strategic decisions revealed by his selections:

Trust in Wiaan Mulder at number 3

The decision to place Wiaan Mulder at number three shows significant confidence in his developing batting skills. This move suggests a desire for a stable presence early in the innings, potentially allowing for a more aggressive approach from the openers.

Emphasis on pace and swing with three seamers

The selection of a strong pace trio – Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi, indicates a clear intention to exploit the typical Lord's conditions, which often favor fast bowlers who can generate swing and seam movement.

Ngidi over Paterson for experience

Bavuma explicitly mentioned that Lungi Ngidi's raw pace, height, and valuable past experience playing at Lord's were key factors in his selection over Dane Paterson, prioritizing proven performance in English conditions.

Left-arm variety from Jansen

The inclusion of Marco Jansen, a tall left-arm fast bowler, provides a crucial point of difference in the attack. His unique angle and ability to swing the ball away from right-handers can be a significant challenge for Australia's strong batting lineup.

Lone Specialist Spinner in Maharaj

The decision to include only one specialist spinner, Keshav Maharaj, highlights that South Africa is relying primarily on their fast bowlers to take the bulk of the wickets.

Maharaj's role will likely be to provide control, break partnerships, and exploit any turn later in the match.

It’s been 27 long years since #SouthAfrica last lifted an ICC trophy, & skipper #tembabavuma knows just how much a win in the #WTCFinal would mean to his nation!

Can he bring the glory home and script history for #OfficialCSA? 🏆🇿🇦#WTCFinal 👉#SAvAUS | WED, 11th June, 2 PM on… pic.twitter.com/6B75VUjAxN

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 10, 2025

South Africa playing XI for WTC Final 2023-25

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.

Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Jasprit Bumrah | India

Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09. 

Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

Jasprit Bumrah stats in WTC 2023-2025

Pat Cummins | Australia 

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa. 

His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.

Pat Cummins stats in WTC 2023-2025

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

Mitchell Starc | Australia 

Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.

Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.

Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025

Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25

Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.

Read Also: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Here are the other players who crossed the 60 wickets mark and deserves a shoutout in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

In October 2017, the ICC announced a Test League which would involve the top nine teams playing series over two years with the top two teams qualifying for a World Test Championship Final. The first ICC World Test Championship started with the 2019 Ashes series and finished with New Zealand lifting the trophy after defeating India in the final in June 2021. Let's take a look at the players with the most runs in WTC 2023-25 cycle.

As the WTC 2023-25 is approaching its end, it is now time to look at those huge numbers by some sensational test batters.

Also Read: Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

1. Joe Root | 1968 Runs

England's experienced batsman Joe Root leads the most runs in WTC 2023-25 list. Across a distinguished Test career that began in December 2012, Joe Root has scaled numerous batting peaks. However, it was during the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle that the English maestro arguably hit his most prolific stride. 

Scoring 1,968 runs from just 40 innings at an impressive average of 54.66, Root registered seven centuries in the span, elevating his career tally from 29 to 36 and breaking a host of long-standing records along the way.

Root scored 412 runs against Australia, helping England level a fighting 2023 Ashes at home. He also overcame Indian spinners with 320 runs from 10 innings in early 2024, and carried on his juggernaut with a monumental haul of 666 runs in just six Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home with an average of over 70.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1798 Runs

India's young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal comes second in the most runs in WTC 2023-25 list, having scored 1798 runs in 36 innings of 19 matches at an impressive average of 52.88. Jaiswal has four centuries (two double centuries) and ten half-centuries to his name.

Jaiswal, who made his Test debut at the onset of India’s 2023-25 WTC campaign. The talented left-hander started off his career with an epic 171 against West Indies in Roseau to conclude his maiden series with 266 runs at an average of 88.67. In just his second Test series later that year, Jaiswal’s vulnerability against the short ball was laid bare by South Africa’s fiery pace attack. Nonetheless, the youngster bounced back against England later in the same month, whacking 712 runs from nine innings at an average of 89, smashing two successive double hundreds at one stage, both in winning causes.

Jaiswal’s twin fifties in Kanpur, and another in Chennai against Bangladesh led to India’s comfortable 2-0 series win at home. However, he failed to replicate his home success against New Zealand during India’s 0-3 thrashing in October-November 2024. Jaiswal also aggregated 391 runs in five Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests in Australia, in a series where no other Indian player managed to scale 300.

3. Ben Duckett | 1470 Runs

England’s top-order batter Ben Duckett fetched 1,470 runs for his nation from 41 innings spanning 22 Tests from the 2023-25 WTC. The cricketer maintained an average of 36.75 and held on to a strike rate of 84.33, the highest among all WTC batters with over 200 runs to their names, let alone 1,400+. The attacking left-hander smashed two tons, including a hundred each in India and Pakistan, in addition to his eight half-centuries.

Duckett made 321 runs against Australia in the 2023 Ashes, 343 runs on hostile spin conditions of India in early 2024, and 364 runs in six home Tests in mid-2024 against West Indies and Sri Lanka. The star opening batter also scored 262 against Pakistan bowlers at 52.40, before concluding his campaign with 180 runs in New Zealand.

4. Harry Brook | 1463 Runs

Despite missing the entirety of England’s five-match Test series in India in early 2024, Harry Brook concluded his WTC 2023-25 campaign as one of its highest getters, gathering 1,463 runs from 29 innings at an average of 50.44 and with an impressive strike rate of 83.36. 

The attacking English batter blasted 363 runs against an experienced Australian attack during the 2023 Ashes at a strike rate of nearly 80, and followed up with 377 quick runs against West Indies and Sri Lanka in six home Tests the following season.

Brook also mounted a huge triple ton in England’s high-scoring win in Pakistan to accumulate 373 runs overall in five innings of the series, before flaying New Zealand with two tons and a fifty en route to 350 additional runs in three Tests to cap his WTC cycle.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

5. Usman Khawaja | 1422 Runs

Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who was earlier at number one, is now fifth among the leading run-scorers in the WTC 2023-25. Khawaja tallied 1,422 runs from 37 innings spanning 19 Tests of the 2023-25 WTC cycle at an average of 41.82, whacking two centuries and six fifties in the process.

The elegant Australian opener started off by logging 496 runs in the drawn Ashes series of 2023 in England, which included a match-winning 141 in Edgbaston and three additional fifties in the remainder of the series. Khawaja dropped the ball, at least to a certain extent, in the subsequent five home Tests against Pakistan and West Indies, aggregating 359 runs in 10 innings at a below par average of 39.88 with just two fifty-plus scores across both series.

Also Read: Most Runs for India in a Test Series

The seasoned opener also struggled against New Zealand (away) and against India (at home), with Jasprit Bumrah largely tormenting him in the latter of the two series. Yet, just as when the flame seemed to fade, Khawaja made a return in Australia’s dominant 2-0 series victory in Sri Lanka, plundering a majestic 232 in Galle against a formidable spin attack.

Till now, 11 Indian cricketers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Former Indian captain and legend MS Dhoni became the latest Indian to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame list. 

Read Also | India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

Along with MS Dhoni, Aussie great Matthew Hayden, South African legend Hashim Amla, former South African captain Graeme Smith, former Kiwi leader Daniel Vettori, and former Pakistan captain Sana Mir and English legend Sarah Taylor were also inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame 2025.

Unorthodox, unconventional and effective 🙌

A cricketer beyond numbers and statistics 👏

MS Dhoni is inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame 🥇

More ➡️ https://t.co/oV8mFaBfze pic.twitter.com/AGRzL0aP79

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

Here are the Indian cricketers who have been inducted into the prestigious "ICC Hall of Fame". 

Indian Cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame