The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a substantial increase in prize money for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC). This year’s final, featuring Australia and South Africa at Lord’s from June 11-15, will see the winners take home $3.6 million (R65.7 million), more than double what New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) received in the previous finals.
The losing team will also benefit, as the prize money for the runners-up has been raised to $2.1 million (R38.3 million), which is more than the previous top prize of $1.6 million. This increase reflects the ICC’s commitment to elevating the stature of Test cricket as they continue to develop the World Test Championship competition.
World Test Championship Prize Money Breakdown
- Winner: $3.6 million
- Runners-up: $2.16 million
- Third place: $1.44 million (India)
- Fourth place: $1.2 million (New Zealand)
- Fifth place: $960,000 (England)
- Sixth place: $840,000 (Sri Lanka)
- Seventh place: $720,000 (Bangladesh)
- Eighth place: $600,000 (West Indies)
- Ninth place: $480,000 (Pakistan)
A Celebration of Test Cricket
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed excitement about the upcoming final, noting that the 2023 cycle was one of the most thrilling yet, with the finalists only determined in the final stages. “This has been a fantastic third cycle of the championship, with outstanding performances throughout. The final between Australia and South Africa is sure to be a fitting conclusion to an exciting journey,” he said.
The Final Countdown to Lord’s
Both team captains are eager for the challenge. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, expressed pride in reaching the final, especially at Lord’s, a historic venue. “It’s a huge honor for us to defend our World Test Championship title at such a prestigious venue,” he said. “We can’t wait for the challenge South Africa will bring.”
Meanwhile, South African captain Temba Bavuma also shared his excitement, noting that the WTC adds valuable context to the Test format. “This is a significant opportunity for us to win an ICC title, and playing at Lord’s will make it even more special,” he said.
South Africa’s Squad for the Final
The Proteas have named a 15-player squad for the final, alongside a 12-member management team. The squad includes top players such as Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj, with Temba Bavuma leading the team. The prize money from the final will likely be shared among the 27 members of the squad and management.
The South African squad for the final includes:
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- David Bedingham
- Corbin Bosch
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Lungi Ngidi
- Dane Paterson
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne
Management Team
- Shukri Conrad (Head Coach)
- Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager)
- Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach)
- Piet Botha (Bowling Coach)
- Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach)
- Runeshan Moodley (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
- Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst)
- Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist)
- Dr. Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor)
- Kyle Botha (Logistics & Masseur)
- Lucy Davey (Media Manager)
- Brian Khonto (Security Officer)
