The World Test Championship final between India and Australia at The Oval in England is just around the corner, and the cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation. Apart from the prestigious title at stake, there is a considerable financial incentive awaiting the victorious team and the runners-up. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently disclosed the expected prize money, setting the stage for an intense battle on and off the field.
In line with the inaugural edition of the championship, the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21, the winners of the Australia-India final will be awarded a substantial sum of $1.6 million, while the losing finalists will receive $800,000. This prize money structure reflects the ICC’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the longest format of the game. A total prize pool of $3.8 million will be divided among all nine participating teams in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.
Hence, Pakistan would get almost half a million dollar , as total amount would be devided in all the teams
Looking back at the previous edition, New Zealand emerged victorious in a thrilling contest against India in the final held in Southampton. Led by the indomitable Kane Williamson, the New Zealand team not only clinched the prestigious Mace but also secured a winners’ prize money of $1.6 million. Their triumph showcased their skills and determination, cementing their place in cricketing history.
As the final approaches, teams like South Africa, England, and Sri Lanka have also made their mark in the championship standings, earning significant financial rewards for their performances. South Africa, finishing third in the rankings, has been rewarded with $450,000. England, who demonstrated a late resurgence with their aggressive style of play, secured the fourth position and a prize money of $350,000. Sri Lanka, who were in contention for a place in the final until their series defeat in New Zealand, settled for the fifth spot, receiving a prize money share of $200,000.
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The remaining teams in the standings, namely New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh, will each receive $100,000 for their respective placements in the championship. While the financial rewards may not match the grand prize, they serve as an acknowledgment of the teams’ efforts throughout the tournament and provide an added incentive to continue striving for excellence in the Test format.
In the lead-up to the final, the Indian team has wasted no time in making preparations. A batch of players, including Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav, accompanied by the support staff led by coach Rahul Dravid, has already arrived in England. Under the watchful eyes of Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour, and trainer Soham Desai, the Indian cricketers underwent their first training session, focusing on honing their skills and strategizing for the crucial encounter. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with other squad members, are set to join the team after the conclusion of the IPL 2023, ensuring they have sufficient time to acclimatize and fine-tune their game plans.
Adding to India’s advantage, experienced batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been in England for the past few weeks, actively participating in county cricket matches. His extended stay in the country has allowed him to adapt to the conditions and gain valuable match practice, providing the team with an additional edge in their pursuit of Test match glory.
For India, this will be their second opportunity to claim the Test mace in as many editions of the championship. In the previous final, held under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, they fell short against New Zealand, leaving them eager to rectify their previous defeat and emerge as the rightful champions this time around. The players, coaches, and fans are all focused on the final showdown, fully aware of the magnitude of the occasion and the potential rewards that lie ahead.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the World Test Championship final, the clash between India and Australia promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Both teams will leave no stone unturned in their quest to etch their names in the annals of cricketing history, as they vie not only for the prestigious title but also for the significant financial reward that awaits the ultimate victor. The final represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence, making it a defining moment for the players and a source of immense pride for their respective nations.
With the world’s attention turned towards The Oval, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the grand finale of the World Test Championship. The stage is set for an exhilarating contest that will not only crown the champions of Test cricket but also underscore the importance of recognizing and rewarding the efforts of the teams. As the players take to the field, the hopes and dreams of millions of fans will ride on their shoulders, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement, anticipation, and an unwavering passion for the game. May the best team emerge victorious and etch their name in the record books as the worthy champions of the prestigious World Test Championship.
