WTC 2023-25 Final, South Africa and Australia: The final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 between South Africa and Australia has started from 11 June at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. This match is very important for both teams, Australia is here to defend their title, and South Africa is playing their first WTC final.
When such a big match is happening, every day becomes very important. But this time, from the first day itself, the weather has created tension, which can directly affect the result of the match.
WTC 2023-25 Final Starts at Lord’s but Weather Creates Trouble
On Wednesday, 11 June, the match began in cloudy weather in London. The sky was full of clouds, and the pitch and match were both affected by these conditions.
The weather forecast for the next four days is also not good. Rain is expected in the coming days, and this can affect the play. Both teams are under pressure because rain can reduce the total time available to play.
And when a match is being played for the World Test Championship title, every hour of play becomes even more important.
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ICC Has Kept a Reserve Day for Lost Time Due to Rain
If rain stops the game for a long time and the umpires think it is not possible to make up for the lost time during the five days, then the ICC has planned a reserve day.
This reserve day is kept for Monday, 16 June. But it will be used only if the match officials feel that the match result cannot be decided in the regular five days.
The match is officially scheduled to end on Sunday, 15 June. But if needed, the reserve day will be used to give extra time. This is done to make sure that the final gets a proper result and is not incomplete due to rain.
Reserve Day Was Also Used in WTC 2019-21 Final
The reserve day rule was first used in the final of ICC WTC 2019-21. That match was played between India and New Zealand in Southampton. The first day of the match was cancelled due to rain.
After that, the sixth day was used to finish the game. At that time too, the same rule was used, if the result cannot be decided due to lost time, one extra day is given.
WTC 2023-25 Final: South Africa Won the Toss and Chose to Bowl, Rabada Took Early Wickets
South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first. Their decision worked well immediately when Kagiso Rabada got Usman Khawaja out for zero after 20 balls. Then, Cameron Green also got out after scoring just 4 runs.
Within one hour, Australia lost two important wickets. The pressure of the final was clearly visible on their batting.
Marco Jansen Took Labuschagne’s Wicket, Australia at 46/3
After Rabada, Marco Jansen also bowled well and got Marnus Labuschagne out for 17 runs. Australia lost their top three batsmen for just 46 runs.
Losing wickets so early is bad for any team in a final match, and this start was perfect for South Africa.
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Australia Has Experience, South Africa Wants Their First Title
Australia is the defending champion of the WTC. Last time they won the final by beating India. Now, they want to win again and show their consistency.
South Africa is playing their first WTC final. This is a big chance for them. They will want to win their first ICC title and give their fans a happy moment.
WTC 2023-25 Final: Weather Can Change the Game, Reserve Day May Be Important
The WTC 2023-25 final between South Africa and Australia has already become a high-pressure match. But now everyone is also watching the weather, because rain can change or delay the result.
ICC has kept a reserve day, which can be used if time is lost. If rain continues in the coming days, then Monday may become an important day for this final. In matches like this, every over and session matters, and now even the sky above Lord’s is becoming a factor in deciding the result.
