The Ben Stokes-led England are currently in Pakistan for a historic Pakistan vs England Test series. This is the first time in 17 years that England has toured Pakistan and the three-match series will be a part of the World Test Championship. Ahead of the series opener on December 1, Stokes on Monday announced that he would be donating his match fees from the entire series to the Pakistan flood appeal.

Also Read: Why Did Ben Stokes Suddenly Retire From ODI Cricket?

Taking to Twitter, Stokes wrote: "I'm donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan Flood appeal."

In his entire statement, the England Test captain said: "It is great to be in Pakistan for the first time for this historic series. To be back here after 17 years as a Test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be there is special."

"The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and the people," he added.

Further in his statement, Stokes said: "The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it's only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan flood appeal."

"Hopefully this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas of Pakistan most affected by the flooding," he added.

Read Also: Virat Kohli and big tournaments: Is he really a failure?

Pakistan vs England: England Test squad

Ben Stokes (Captain)
James Anderson
Harry Brook
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ben Foakes
Will Jacks
Keaton Jennings
Jack Leach
Liam Livingstone
Jamie Overton
Ollie Pope
Ollie Robinson
Joe Root
Mark Wood
Rehan Ahmed

England's cricket team arrived in Pakistan early on Sunday to play three Tests for the first time in the country since 2005. England played a successful Twenty20 series two months ago in Pakistan but has declined to play a Test match there for 17 years because of the precarious security situation.

The three-match series -- part of the World Test championship -- starts in Rawalpindi on December 1 with the second Test in Multan (December 9-13) and the third in Karachi (December 17-21).

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

The air around Pakistan Cricket is thick with anticipation. Unconfirmed but strong reports indicate that Pakistan Cricket Board (PSB) is set to make a major leadership change, with Salman Ali Agha likely to take over Pakistan's all-format captaincy.

This is not just a routine captaincy change; it's a strategic move by PCB that could fundamentally change the team's trajectory.

What does this decision truly signify for the Green Shirts? Find out.

The current captains: Where do they stand?

Pakistan's captaincy landscape is currently questionable, influenced by their recent performances.

1. Shan Masood (Test Captain)

Appointed in November 2023, Shan Masood's captaincy has been challenging. The team suffered a 3-0 whitewash in Australia (Dec 2023- Jan 2024) which placed his position under significant threat.

Additionally, they also lost 2-0 to Bangladesh (Aug-Sept 2024) which almost marked the end of his captaincy tenure.

2. Mohammad Rizwan (ODI Captain)

Named full-time ODI captain in 2024, Mohammad Rizwan's tenure is also under review. While he had initial success, his position came under threat after their early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, despite being the defending champions.

This include big losses to New Zealand and India in the tournament.

3. Salman Ali Agha (T20 Captain)

Appointed T20 captain in March 2025, Agha has been impressive. Under his brief leadership, the T20I side has reportedly shown "newfound intent" while batting. 

He has impressed both the selection committee and PCB chairman.

PCB's decision to change:

The PCB's move towards an all-format captain, particularly Salman Ali Agha, signals a desire for greater stability, a unified vision, and a fresh approach after a period of mixed results and frequent leadership changes.

The performances under Masood and Rizwan, especially in critical series and tournaments, have undeniably shaped the board's apparent decision towards a new captaincy structure and implement a new era under a single leader.

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.

Test cricket, mostly called the purest format of the game, has seen some of the greatest cricketers and batters showing their skills with patience, stroke-making ability and the perseverance to bat long and score. Past greats and legends like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and many others dominated test cricket during their time. But, with modern cricket kicking in, this time we will look at the list of active players with most hundreds in test cricket.

Players with most Test centuries in cricket history

Before we talk about the current active cricketers, we should and must take a look at all the batters who dominate the overall list. As we all know, Sachin Tendulkar is the batter with most test centuries in world cricket. In fact, his record of 100 international tons might not get broken ever in cricket history. 

Before Sachin broke into the scene, there was Sir Don Bradman, who had retired as the batter with most test centuries (29) and later the little master Sunil Gavaskar broke his record and finished his career with 34 test centuries. But, do they come in the list of players with the most test centuries? Let's take a look at that.

So, sadly, one of the greatest cricketers in cricket history, Sir Don Bradman, does not even come in the top 10 batters with the most test tons in cricket history. Interestingly, only Joe Root is the active cricketer on that list. Hence, you already know who the active cricketer with the most test tons is: Joe Root.

Most Test Centuries by active cricketers

#10. Ben Stokes | 13

Regarded as one of the best test cricketers of the 2010s and 2020s, Ben Stokes is perhaps the greatest match-winner of modern cricket. The southpaw batter is as lethal with the bat in the lower middle order and can change his gear with regard to the needs of the game.

Not only that, his skill to bat with the tail and chase nearly impossible totals in the last inning is quite remarkable. 

Stokes has 13 test centuries against his name in 105 test matches for the Three Lions. His 258  in just 198 balls against South Africa in Cape Town saw him make the fastest test double century by any English cricketer. That is also the highest test score by a batter batting at number six.

And, yes, who can forget his immortal innings of 135 at Edgbaston in the 2019 Ashes Test, where he single-handedly achieved England's highest successful run chase in Tests, with Jack Leach at the other end.

#9 Tom Latham | 13

Tom Latham, the Kiwi opener, is surely one of the best top-order batters of this generation. Although he has always been in the shadow of Kane Williamson, Latham has contributed well to his country since his test debut in 2014. In the last ten years, Latham has played 81 test matches and scored 5516 test runs so far, including 13 test centuries, which places him at number nine in this list.

Latham's unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2018 is the highest score by any opener while carrying his bat. Not only that, he is only the second Kiwi cricketer to carry his bat in test cricket.

Latham is currently the vice-captain of the test team and one of the reasons for New Zealand's success in recent years.

#8. Mominul Haque | 13

Mominul Haque, the stylish and gritty test batter from Bangladesh, is at No. 8 on this list with 13 test tons. The top-order batter started his test career with a record-breaking 181 against Sri Lanka, which is the highest debut score by any Bangladeshi batter.

Since then, he has been one of the pillars of the Bangladeshi batting lineup in tests. From 2013 to 2017, Haque averaged over 50 with the bat, which dropped to below 40 post-2022. 

 He is one of only six batters, including the likes of Don Bradman, Kumar Sangakkara and Jacques Kallis, to score seven test tons at a single venue; Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

#7 Usman Khawaja | 16

Another top-order batter in the list, who has made tons of runs in the last few years for Australia. Usman, who was born in Pakistan and later moved to Australia as a young kid, made his test debut in 2011, replacing the great Ricky Ponting at number. At that time, he became the first Muslim cricketer to play for Australia. Despite a decent debut match, Khawaja was never given a long run and kept losing his spot in the team.

In 2015-16, he made another solid return to the test squad, but his failure in away tests always kept him in and out of the team. But, after his comeback with two tons in a single test match in 2022 against England in Sydney, Khwaja has emerged as one of the best batters for Australia. His move at the top of the order has also helped him regain his lost confidence at the international level.

Post a stunning 2023, where he scored 1210 runs in 13 test matches at 52.60, Khawaja won the 2023 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.

In 80 test matches so far, Khawaja has scored 5930 test runs, including 16 test tons and 27 fifty-plus scores. He is also the fifth-highest run-scorer (3165) in the World Test Championship's history, despite playing only 39 matches. 

#6 Dimuth Karunaratne | 16

Dimuth Karunaratne has been one of the greatest modern-day batters for Sri Lanka in recent years. The opening batter comes from the same St Joseph's College, which produced players like Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera. Dimuth debuted for Sri Lanka in tests in 2012 and gradually cemented his place in the team despite a duck in his debut inning. 

In 2014, he scored his debut hundred against New Zealand in Christchurch and has scored 15 more in his test career since then. Three years later, he missed his first double ton by four runs when he played an outstanding knock of 196 against Pakistan in Dubai. In 2021, he scored hundreds in three back-to-back test matches, and one of them was a 244 against Bangladesh, his best in test cricket. 

Dimuth is the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in the World Test Championship with 2642 runs in 35 test matches so far. He has scored 6 tons in WTC history as well.

#5 Dinesh Chandimal | 16

Another Sri Lankan in the list of active batters with the most test centuries prove why, despite not being considered a force, they have done well in recent times. Dinesh Chandimal, one of the most underrated cricketers going around, has climbed up in the list with a stunning hundred (116) against New Zealand at Galle. 

Chandimal, just like Angelo Mathews, emerged on the scene as one of the best talents in the country and became a mainstay in the middle order after the retirement of the legendary Sangakkara-Jayawardene pair. At 23, he was chosen as the T20I captain and as Mathews' deputy in tests.

Read Also | Most Runs in WTC 2023-25 

In 2013, Dinesh scored back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh and then played an unbeaten 162 against India in 2015 to nearly drag Sri Lanka to a win from an impossible position. His 164 against India in Delhi in 2017 was one of his remarkable innings after leading Sri Lanka to a 2-0 victory against Pakistan, away from home.

However, after that, he could not keep his form, and it wasn't until 2022 that he came back to his best with an unbeaten 206 against Australia at Galle to deny the mighty Aussies a test series win.

Till now, Chandimal has scored 16 test centuries in 88 test matches and looks like a strong candidate to be the first one to reach 20 test centuries among the active Sri Lankan cricketers. 

#4. Cheteshwar Pujara | 19

Although he has not been a part of the Indian test team since 2023, Cheteshwar Pujara is still an active test cricketer. The modern wall of Indian cricket, who was among one of the rarest batters in this counterattacking generation to tire the bowlers down and play a whole day of test cricket, without giving it a second thought.

Pujara's temperament was one of the main reasons why he was called up for the national team in 2010. After a very impressive 72 against Australia on debut, it was only a matter of time before Pujara became a mainstay of the Indian team.

Soon, he became the joint-fastest Indian to 1000 Test runs, and quickly he became the new Wall of Indian cricket. Till now, in 103 test matches, Pujara has scored 7195, including 19 centuries. 

Recent drop in form has kept in out of the Indian team, but his love for the game has kept him going at the domestic level. Pujara is one of the 13 players in test cricket history to bat in each day of a five-day test match. 

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

#3 Kane Willamson | 33

Kane Williamson has been the best Kiwi cricketer of the last two decades, and even the great Martin Crowe believed that he would finish as the greatest batter from New Zealand. 

Debuted in 2010, Kane scored a ton against India in Ahmedabad and since then, has never had to look back. 24 years and 151 days old, Kane then became the youngest New Zealand cricketer to score 3000 test runs. In 2015, Kane hit his first double ton against Sri Lanka in Wellington and since then has scored five more test double tons.

Read Also | Most international runs in Cricket history

As a leader, Kane in 2018 became the fourth Kiwi captain to win a test series in England, followed by a first-ever series triumph against Pakistan, away from home.

Williamson, with 9276 test runs, is the player with the most test runs for New Zealand. He also holds the record for most test centuries scored by a Kiwi batter (33). He is also the quickest batter in test history (by innings) to reach 33 test tons.

Moreover, Williamson was also the first-ever Kiwi captain to lead them to an ICC trophy success when he led them to the WTC title in 2021 against India. The former Kiwi captain is also New Zealand's highest run-getter in WTC history with 2822 runs at 61.34 average and 11 test tons. 

#2 Steve Smith | 36

After starting as a leg spinner in 2010, Steve Smith's journey to become one of the greatest test batters for Australia is quite remarkable. Despite getting banned for 12 months due to the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, Smith made a great comeback to test cricket and has scored 9 test centuries since 2019.

Smith scored his first century in 2013 against England at the Oval and scored three more in his next six matches. Before he was made the captain in 2015, he was already the No.1 ranked test batter in the world, scoring seven centuries in 17 test matches in 2014-15, including centuries in four consecutive test matches. 

In 2017, he scored six test tons, including a double ton in just 11 test matches to win his second ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award second time, after winning it in 2015.

Though in the past few years, bowlers have found some ways to stop him from scoring runs with his unorthodox style, he scored five centuries in 13 innings from July 2022 to June 2023.

In 2024, Smith scored two consecutive test centuries in the Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With 36 test tons in just 116 tests, he is now the active batter with the joint-most test tons.

#1 Joe Root | 36

2021 Test Cricketer of the Year, nominated again in 2023 for the same award, most runs and tons in World Test Championship history, most test runs by any English batter, most test tons by any English batter; these are the few achievements Joe Root made in the last seven years. 

The youngest of the "fav four", Root debuted in 2012 on England's tour to India and impressed with a 73 from 229 balls, and everyone saw his ability to stay at the crease and play long.

Five tests later, he scored his first test hundred in England against New Zealand in 2013. Two tests later, he followed that up with a 180 against Australia at Lord's.

Read Also | Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Who is ahead after 145 Test matches? Full analysis 

Before he was made the captain in 2017, he had already played 53 test matches in five years with a batting average of over 50. 190 in the first inning as test captain, and all knew he would go on to break all the records for England. Root finished 2017 with 1481 for England despite scoring only two tons.

The story continued the same way for him in the following year, as despite scoring lots of fifty-plus scores, Root could score only two test tons as England struggled in tests as a team.

But, everything changed for him in 2021 as he started the year with one century and one double century in the first three tests. Another back-to-back hundred against India at home would mean he would go on to win the 2021 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Award.

Root that year nearly broke the record of the most test runs scored in a calendar year with 1708 test runs, missing the record by 80 runs.

Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 13 test tons, scoring 3475 runs at an average of 53.46. In WTC, he is the highest run scorer with 5543 runs, with a record 18 centuries.