India’s Mission WTC Final: Shubman Gill’s Side Chases Top-Two Spot as Rahul Dravid Backs Late Surge India’s cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, is locked in a high-stakes battle to secure a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, with former coach Rahul Dravid expressing confidence in their ability to overcome challenges ahead. The team currently sits fifth in the ICC Test rankings with a points percentage (PCT) of 53.33, trailing Bangladesh (55.56) after a 1-1 draw in Australia. To qualify for the WTC final in June 2027, India must defeat Sri Lanka in Colombo and then navigate a grueling schedule against New Zealand and Australia, two of the strongest teams in the competition. Dravid, who previously guided India to the WTC final in 2023, acknowledged the difficulties but remained optimistic about the team’s potential. “It’ll be a great run if India can qualify for the WTC final from here,” he said in an interview with JioStar. “They’ve fallen behind a little bit, but the kind of quality that the Indian team has, you’re not going to write them off at any stage.” His comments came as India prepared for their third and final one-day international (ODI) match against New Zealand, with the team’s focus now on securing a top-two finish in the standings. The path to the WTC final is fraught with challenges. India’s current position in the rankings places them in a mid-table battle, with Australia (80 PCT), South Africa (75 PCT), and New Zealand (72.22 PCT) occupying the top three spots. To overtake Bangladesh and claim a top-three position, India must first defeat Sri Lanka in Colombo, a task that will require resilience and tactical precision. The team’s recent performance in Sri Lanka has been promising, with a win in Galle marking a strong start to their campaign.#india #sri_lanka #shubman_gill #rahul_dravid #icc_world_test_championship
Root’s second term as England Test captain begins with commanding win over Pakistan England secured a dominant victory over Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in their opening Test of the series, taking a 1-0 lead in the home campaign. The result also bolstered England’s position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, while Pakistan fell to the bottom of the table with a point percentage of 19.05. Joe Root’s leadership was evident as England’s team executed a comprehensive performance, dominating all facets of the game. Pakistan, missing regular skipper Babar Azam due to injury, struggled from the outset. The hosts bowled the visitors out for 171 after being asked to bat first, with Ollie Robinson (5/51) and Josh Tongue (5/46) playing key roles in dismantling their top order. Ali Usman’s 5/95 further compounded Pakistan’s woes, leaving them in a precarious position. England’s first innings set the tone for the match, with the middle order delivering a collective performance. Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), Harry Brook (91), and Dan Lawrence (51) combined to build a formidable total, giving the hosts a 238-run lead by the third day. The declaration at 438/7 set a daunting target for Pakistan, who failed to respond effectively. Pakistan’s second innings followed a similar pattern, with England’s bowlers maintaining their intensity. Jofra Archer (3/50) and Ollie Robinson (3/29) struck early blows, while Josh Tongue (3/43) disrupted the middle order. Despite crossing the 100-run mark, Pakistan’s tail collapsed under relentless pressure. Robinson finished with figures of 8/80, with Mohammad Rizwan’s 41 being the only notable resistance. The victory marked a strong start to Root’s second tenure as full-time captain, with his team showcasing maturity and discipline.#pakistan #england #babar_azam #joe_root #icc_world_test_championship
Babar Azam Out for First Test; Salman Agha Named Captain for Pakistan Babar Azam will miss the first Test against England after sustaining an injury during a warm-up match in Beckenham. The injury occurred during a practice session, and the Pakistan captain is expected to be sidelined for the series opener in Leeds. In his absence, Salman Agha has been appointed as the new captain for the ICC World Test Championship series. Pakistan’s head coach, Sarfaraz Ahmed, expressed disappointment over Azam’s injury but remained optimistic about Agha’s leadership capabilities. “Our practice match went really good. We covered all our bases in terms of preparation as a bowling and batting unit both and also won that warm-up game. The spirits are quite high and I have a belief in the whole team that we will do well here,” Sarfaraz stated. He also acknowledged the unfortunate nature of Azam’s injury, noting that the left-handed batsman was hit on the hand. “Hopefully, he will be back for the second match,” Sarfaraz added. The Pakistan team is currently on a three-Test tour of England, with the series serving as the opening fixture of the ICC World Test Championship. The visitors, ranked eighth in the WTC standings, arrived in England following a 1-1 series draw against the West Indies. Over six matches in the current cycle, Pakistan has secured two Test victories and suffered four losses, maintaining a win percentage of 22.22. England, ranked seventh in the standings, have recorded four wins in 13 Tests during the same cycle. The hosts are currently preparing for their next series after a 2-1 home defeat to New Zealand.#england #babar_azam #salman_aghaz #icc_world_test_championship #sarfaraz_ahmed
India's Star Batsmen Target Milestones in Sri Lanka Test Series The India-Sri Lanka Test series, set to begin on Saturday, presents a unique opportunity for four Indian batsmen to etch their names in cricket history. The matches, held at Galle Stadium, are part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, with India aiming to bolster its position in the rankings. This will be the first Test series between the two teams since 2017, adding a layer of significance to the contest. Rishabh Pant, the star wicketkeeper-batsman, is on the brink of a historic milestone. With 97 sixes in 50 Test matches, he needs just three more to become the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in the format. Pant also has a chance to join an elite club by becoming the first wicketkeeper to score 3,000 runs in WTC history. His current tally of 2,200 runs places him in a strong position to achieve this feat. A century in the series would further solidify his legacy, as no Indian wicketkeeper has ever scored a Test century in Sri Lanka. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young opener, is targeting 50 sixes in the series, needing just five more to join the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli as the third Indian opener to achieve this feat. Jaiswal is also in a race to become the highest run-scorer among Indian openers in WTC, requiring 187 more runs. At 24, he could also become the second Indian to score centuries in five different countries, following in Tendulkar’s footsteps. KL Rahul, the experienced opener, is closing in on 10,000 international runs. With 9,830 runs from 277 matches, he needs 170 more to reach the milestone. Rahul also has a chance to become the second Asian opener to score 10 Test centuries abroad, following Sunil Gavaskar. A double century in the series would further cement his status as one of the greats.#india #sri_lanka #rishabh_pant #icc_world_test_championship #galle_stadium
Hasan Mahmud's Historic Six-Wicket Haul Lifts Bangladesh to Historic Victory Over Australia in ICC World Test Championship Opener Bangladesh delivered a dominant performance in the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship against Australia, dismissing the world champions for 198 on the first day of the match at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. Hasan Mahmud, the Bangladesh fast bowler, achieved a rare six-wicket haul in his career, finishing with figures of 6/55 from 17 overs. This marked the third-best bowling figures by a Bangladesh fast bowler in Test history, with only Shahadat Hossain (6/27) and Ebadot Hossain (6/46) recording better returns for the nation. Mahmud’s performance also represented the first five-wicket haul by a Bangladesh bowler in Australia, a significant milestone in his career. The match saw Bangladesh take all 10 wickets in a Test innings for the second time in their history, with the previous instance occurring against Pakistan in the second innings at Rawalpindi in 2024. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 217, set in Mirpur in 2017, as Australia’s total of 198 became the lowest score the team has ever recorded against Bangladesh in Test cricket. The Bangladesh pace attack, led by Mahmud, dismantled Australia’s batting lineup with precision, exploiting the conditions to perfection. Australia, having won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to find rhythm against the relentless pace attack. Steve Smith (71 off 109 deliveries) managed a solitary half-century but failed to build a meaningful partnership with Cameron Green, who was dismissed early in the innings. Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain each claimed a brace of wickets, further tightening Australia’s batting order.#australia #bangladesh #icc_world_test_championship #hasan_mahmud #marrara_stadium
Shafique breaks 49-year drought as Pakistan take control Abdullah Shafique etched his name into Pakistan cricket history by becoming the first player from the nation to score over 150 runs in a Test match against the West Indies in the Caribbean since Majid Khan’s 167 in Guyana in 1977. His unbeaten 160* helped Pakistan post a commanding total of 387 in the first innings, giving them a 43-run lead over the hosts in the second ICC World Test Championship match at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. The performance marked a pivotal moment in the two-Test series, as Pakistan sought to level the contest after a 90-run defeat in the opener. Shafique’s innings was characterized by fluidity and aggression, with the right-handed batsman hitting 15 fours and three sixes to dominate the West Indies attack. His achievement placed him among the elite group of Pakistan batters to score over 150 in the region, joining the ranks of Hanif Mohammad (1958), Wazir Mohammad (1958), Majid Khan (1977), and Saeed Ahmed (1958) in the historical table. The innings not only showcased his individual brilliance but also provided Pakistan with a platform to build a strong foundation for the second innings. The West Indies struggled to respond, with their bowlers failing to contain the Pakistan middle order. Sajid Khan played a crucial role in restricting the hosts, claiming four wickets to reduce the West Indies to 103/6 at the close of the third day. The collapse left the Caribbean side reeling, with their top order unable to capitalize on the early opportunities. Despite the setback, West Indies fast bowler Jomel Warrican chipped in with a disciplined performance, taking 6/112 to keep Pakistan’s batting intact.#pakistan #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #abduallah_shafique #queen_s_park_oval
Daren Sammy Aims for Momentum as West Indies Target ICC World Test Championship Climb The West Indies cricket team, under the leadership of head coach Daren Sammy, is seeking to build on recent momentum as it prepares for a crucial Test series against Pakistan. Sammy, who has faced a series of challenging fixtures against Australia, India, and New Zealand since taking charge, emphasized that the team’s recent 1-0 home victory over Sri Lanka could serve as a turning point. The win, which came in difficult conditions, has provided a psychological boost, but Sammy stressed that the focus remains on long-term development rather than short-term success. Sammy reflected on the demanding early phase of his tenure, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the initial Test series against Australia, India, and New Zealand. “When I took on this job, the first three Test series we had were really challenging,” he said. “Australia here in difficult conditions, West Indies in India, West Indies in New Zealand. Phew! That was three really challenging ones.” He acknowledged the need for the players to adapt and refine their strategies, noting that the Sri Lanka series marked a pivotal moment in the team’s evolution. The head coach emphasized a methodical approach to coaching, prioritizing alignment with the team’s vision and the input of key stakeholders, including the director, captain, and players. “My process has always been simple: understand the direction we want to go, have conversations with the director, the captain, and the players, and figure out how to achieve it,” Sammy explained. “That’s why I remain calm—because I know what we’re trying to accomplish as a group, not the noise from the outside.#pakistan #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #sir_garfield_sobers #daren_sammy
West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Preview: WTC 2025-27 Clash at North Sound The second Test of the Sri Lanka tour of the West Indies 2026 is set to take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, marking a pivotal moment in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle. The West Indies entered the match with renewed confidence after a resounding victory in the opening Test, which saw them dismiss Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs. This result has shifted the series momentum decisively in their favor, leaving Sri Lanka under significant pressure to mount a strong response. The second Test carries immense weight, not only for the outcome of the series but also for the broader implications in the World Test Championship standings. Both teams currently share equal points in the WTC table, though their records tell a different story. The West Indies have played more matches in the cycle, with their sole win coming against Sri Lanka in the first Test. Their overall campaign has been challenging, marked by seven losses from nine matches. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s record is more efficient, with one win and one loss in three matches, though their loss to the West Indies was a heavy defeat. A series win for either side in Antigua would significantly impact their WTC standing, with the stakes heightened by the need to secure points in a competitive tournament. The West Indies’ recent form has been a mix of struggles and resurgence. Before this series, they had lost their previous Test series against New Zealand 2-0, including a crushing 323-run defeat in the third Test and a 9-wicket loss in the second. Their performance against India was also poor, with a 7-wicket defeat in their most recent encounter. However, the first Test against Sri Lanka marked a turning point.#sri_lanka #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #north_sound #sir_vivian_richards_stadium
West Indies and Sri Lanka Set To Battle for The Sobers-Tissera Trophy in Antigua The West Indies Senior Men’s team is preparing for a high-stakes Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua, with the match serving as a pivotal moment in their campaign for the ICC World Test Championship. The series, part of the current cycle, will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, a venue where the West Indies have maintained an unbeaten record against Sri Lanka since their first visit to the Caribbean in 1997. This history of dominance, coupled with the return of key fast bowlers, has fueled optimism for a strong performance. The team’s head coach, Daren Sammy, emphasized the importance of preserving this record, which has been a cornerstone of their home cricket identity. The West Indies’ home advantage is further bolstered by the return of fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who missed recent tours to India and New Zealand in 2025. Their inclusion has revitalized the pace attack, which has become one of the team’s most formidable weapons on home soil. Since the start of 2024, the West Indies have posted a bowling average of 23.13, the best among all full member nations. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has historically rewarded their fast bowlers, with Kemar Roach leading the charge by claiming 54 wickets at an exceptional average of 17.07. Alzarri Joseph, meanwhile, has taken 24 wickets at 24.95 in his home matches, underscoring the team’s strength in this format. The series also marks a significant milestone for Roach, who is just six wickets away from becoming only the fifth West Indian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets. His performance at the stadium has been instrumental in this pursuit, and his presence adds a layer of anticipation for fans.#sri_lanka #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #sir_vivian_richards_stadium #sobers_tissera_trophy
Joe Root Achieves Historic 6,500 Runs in ICC World Test Championship Joe Root marked a significant milestone in his career by becoming the second player to reach 6,500 runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), achieving the feat on Day 2 of England’s second Test against New Zealand at Kennington Oval in London. The accomplished batter, already a key figure in the tournament, surpassed the milestone during the match, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific run-scorers in WTC history. Root’s achievement comes as he continues to dominate the format, with his tally now standing at 6,535 runs after 76 matches in the championship. Root’s journey to this milestone was highlighted by his performance in the ongoing Test, where he contributed 46 runs in the first innings. After New Zealand posted a total of 391, Root walked in at 68/2 alongside Emilio Gay, forming a 74-run partnership for the third wicket. He then added another 28 runs with Harry Brook before being dismissed by pacer Matt Henry. England’s score at the end of the innings was 170/4, showcasing Root’s ability to anchor the innings despite the challenges posed by New Zealand’s pace attack. The 6,500-run milestone is a testament to Root’s consistency and adaptability across formats. In his 76th WTC match, the English batter has amassed an average of over 51, a remarkable statistic that underscores his reliability in Test cricket. His record of 23 centuries in the championship is the highest in WTC history, surpassing even the likes of Steve Smith, who is the second-highest with 14 centuries. Root’s conversion rate is equally impressive, with 22 half-centuries to his name, reflecting his ability to score runs across all conditions.#harry_brook #joe_root #icc_world_test_championship #emilio_gay #kennington_oval
Kane Williamson Announces Retirement from International Cricket, Ends Era of New Zealand Cricket Kane Williamson, the legendary New Zealand cricketer and former captain, has officially retired from international cricket, marking the end of an era for the nation’s cricketing history. The announcement came on June 12, 2024, just days before the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be his final tournament. Williamson’s international career spanned 16 years, during which he became one of the most decorated players in the sport, leaving behind an indelible mark with his batting prowess and leadership. His retirement has sent shockwaves among fans, who have celebrated his contributions to the game and his role in shaping New Zealand’s cricketing identity. Williamson’s career was defined by consistency, resilience, and a remarkable ability to perform under pressure. Over the course of his 16-year journey, he amassed an impressive array of records, many of which remain unmatched. His career totals include 19,346 international runs, the second-highest in history, with 48 centuries and six double centuries. As the sixth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, he also holds the record for the most Test runs by a New Zealand player. His batting averages of 54.06 in Tests and 48.69 in ODIs further underscore his dominance across formats. In addition to his batting achievements, Williamson’s leadership as New Zealand’s captain was instrumental in the team’s rise to global prominence. Under his guidance, New Zealand secured 47 Test victories, the second-highest in the country’s history, and became a formidable force in limited-overs cricket. His captaincy was marked by strategic acumen and a deep understanding of the game, which helped the team win key matches in high-stakes tournaments.#icc_t20_world_cup #new_zealand #kane_williamson #icc_cricket_world_cup #icc_world_test_championship
India Slips to 6th in WTC Rankings as Bangladesh Surpasses It Bangladesh has overtaken India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table after defeating Pakistan 2-0 in a home series. The result has pushed Bangladesh to fifth place with 58.33% points, while India dropped to sixth with 48.15% points. This marks a significant shift in the rankings, raising concerns for the Indian team, which had previously been a strong contender in the competition. Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan in two consecutive Test matches—winning by 104 runs in the first game and 78 runs in the second—solidified their position in the standings. Pakistan, now ranked eighth in the WTC cycle, has accumulated one win and three losses, with their points percentage severely impacted by the defeat. The series result has also highlighted the growing competitiveness of Asian teams, as India’s team, led by Shubman Gill, now trails behind three other nations. India’s decline in the rankings is attributed to poor performances in recent Test series. The team’s last Test match was against South Africa in Guwahati in November 2025, where they suffered a crushing 408-run defeat. Additionally, their series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw two losses that further eroded their winning percentage. With no Test matches played this year, India’s absence from the WTC cycle has contributed to their drop in the rankings. Australia and New Zealand remain at the top of the table, with Australia leading at 87.50% points after seven wins in eight Tests. New Zealand follows at 77.78%, securing second place with two wins and one draw in three Tests. South Africa and Sri Lanka occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively.#pakistan #india #shubman_gill #bangladesh #icc_world_test_championship
Pat Cummins Outlines Return Timeline from Back Injury Australia's cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has detailed his recovery plan to return to competitive cricket following a long-term back injury. The skipper emphasized that while he is still in the process of rehabilitation, he is making progress and has set a timeline to rejoin the sport. Cummins revealed that he is currently bowling in the nets every third day and aims to be fit for the latter stages of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) with Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Australia captain confirmed he would not participate in the early stages of the IPL, which begins on Saturday, but expects to be available for the middle of the tournament. He expressed confidence in his recovery, stating that the team has mapped out a plan to ensure he is ready for the second half of the IPL, including the finals. "I'm still recovering from a back injury, but it's good. I'm back bowling in the nets," Cummins said during a recent interview on the Business of Sport podcast. "The IPL is starting soon. I won't make the start of that, but it shouldn't be too long before I'm back out there playing." Cummins' return timeline aligns with Australia's busy international schedule, which includes a two-Test series against Bangladesh in August and a three-Test series against South Africa later in the year. The latter fixture is particularly significant as it will serve as a chance for Australia to seek revenge for their defeat in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord's. Additionally, the team will face white-ball matches during their tour of South Africa in September and October, as well as a four-Test series against New Zealand in the upcoming summer.#australia #indian_premier_league #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #icc_world_test_championship
