WTC Final 2025: Australia Denied Training Access At Lord’s As India Use Facilities
WTC Final: Australia denied Lord’s training access before June 11 clash vs South Africa; India used nets earlier
The ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 final is just around the corner, but controversy has already hit the big stage. On June 11, Australia and South Africa will face off at Lord’s, the iconic cricket ground in London.
However, the defending champions Australia were reportedly denied training access at the venue ahead of the summit clash, while Indian players continued their practice sessions there.
According to a report by Fox Cricket, the Pat Cummins-led side wasn’t allowed to train at Lord’s on Saturday, June 8. India, who are preparing for their five-match Test series against England starting June 20, had already occupied the venue for their net sessions.
What’s raised eyebrows is the fact that India’s first Test at Lord’s is scheduled for July 10, nearly a month after the WTC final. Meanwhile, Australia were only a few days away from the title clash, yet had to wait for their turn at the venue. The Australian squad eventually got access to Lord’s on Sunday, but the delay didn’t go unnoticed.
Pat Cummins Reacts Calmly, Hopes For Civil Atmosphere
Despite the situation, Australia didn’t create a fuss. Captain Pat Cummins addressed the media on Monday and downplayed the issue. He said the ground was quiet and hoped that things would stay peaceful during the match, unlike their last visit to Lord’s in the Ashes 2023.
Back then, tempers flared between MCC members and Australian players, especially Usman Khawaja, after Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping. Recalling that moment, Cummins said:
“There’s no one around, which is great. I’m sure it will be much more civil this time around. Things got pretty heated in the middle of that Ashes series, but I think a lot of them will have learned their lesson and I’m sure they’ll be very polite.”
WTC Final Set For June 11 At Lord’s
While the off-field drama continues, all eyes are on the big game on Tuesday. Australia will be aiming to defend their World Test Championship title, having beaten India in the 2023 final. South Africa, meanwhile, are chasing their first ICC trophy since winning the Champions Trophy in 1998.
Both teams have been in strong form during the WTC cycle, and the clash promises to be a hard-fought battle. The match at the “Mecca of Cricket” might have had a controversial start, but all focus will now shift to what happens between the two teams on the field.
