A fresh controversy has erupted in the cricketing world just days before the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s. Reports indicate that the Australian team was denied access to train at the iconic venue on Saturday, June 8, while the Indian team was granted permission to use the facilities on the very same day.
Australian Team Faces Training Roadblock
The Pat Cummins-led Australian side, who are set to compete in the WTC final starting June 11, were reportedly informed that the training grounds at Lord’s were unavailable on Saturday. This forced some Australian players, including Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green, to undertake a three-hour round trip to Beckenham in South London to find an alternative training venue. The denial of access created a significant disruption to Australia’s crucial preparations for the championship decider.
India’s Presence at Lord’s Raises Questions
Adding to the complexity, the Indian cricket team, currently in England for a five-match Test series against the hosts, was reportedly seen training at Lord’s on Saturday. India’s Test series doesn’t commence until June 20, and their match at Lord’s is scheduled for July 10, the third Test of the series. This disparity in access, with India using the main venue for their acclimatization while the WTC finalists were turned away, has sparked questions and criticism in the cricketing fraternity. Some Australian media outlets claimed that India was granted access “at the expense of the Australian team.”
Cummins Reacts to the Situation
While the exact reason for the denial to Australia remains unclear, Australian captain Pat Cummins later downplayed the issue, noting that his team eventually gained access to the Lord’s training facilities on Sunday, June 9. He also made a subtle remark referencing the heated atmosphere during the 2023 Ashes series at Lord’s, suggesting a hope for a more “civil” environment this time around.
Preparations Underway for WTC Final
Despite the initial setback, both Australia and South Africa are now in full swing with their preparations for the WTC final. Australia, the defending champions, will be aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win consecutive WTC titles. South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking to secure their first major ICC trophy since 1998. The highly anticipated final is set to begin on Wednesday, June 11, at Lord’s.
