In the build-up to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final, Australia’s preparations hit an unexpected hurdle over the weekend.
The team had hoped to train at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 7, Saturday, but were turned away, as reported by Code Sports, apparently because the venue had already been allotted to India for their own training ahead of the Test series against England.
While Australia eventually got the nod to return a day later, the initial denial reportedly left the squad scrambling to find an alternate venue, forcing them into a long commute of almost three hours for a practice session.
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Also read: “When It’s Time to Hang Up the Boots…” - Usman Khawaja Reflects on His Future Ahead of WTC Final
Pat Cummins & Co. Left Out in the Cold as India Settle In at Lord’s - Reports
As India, who aren’t even part of the WTC final, trained at the Lord’s on Saturday instead of Australia, a controversy erupted.
The Australian media is reporting that the Pat Cummins-led side was initially scheduled to train at the Mecca of Cricket in London. But since India had their first practice session at the venue ahead of their upcoming five-match Test series versus England, beginning June 20, the Aussies were denied the access to train at the ground where the WTC final is scheduled.
The optics were not great. With less than three days before they face South Africa in the summit clash, Australia had expected to settle into their routine smoothly.
Instead, they were met with logistical reshuffling and a touch of déjà vu, considering how tense things had been at Lord’s during the 2023 Ashes.
Captain Cummins, though, handled it all with a smile. Speaking to reporters, he made a tongue-in-cheek remark about the empty stands:
"I think this is the best version of the stadium this morning. 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," Cummins said as quoted.
The comment was a cheeky nod to the infamous scenes from last year’s second Ashes Test at Lord’s, where Australian players were heckled by MCC members in the Long Room after Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping done by Alex Carey.
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Selection Headache for Australia
There’s plenty of chatter around the likely XI of Australia for the WTC 2023-25 final. There is a possibility of Marnus Labuschagne moving up to open alongside Usman Khawaja as the team is still experimenting with different combinations in the absence of a settled Test opener post-David Warner.
Sam Konstas may make way if Labuschagne is promoted, which could open up a spot at No. 3 for Cameron Green, who is returning from an injury and will play as a specialist batter.
Also read: “Absolutely No Issues Batting at Three” - Cameron Green Ready for Top-Order Challenge in WTC Final
