London : In a historic and symbolic gesture, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair Jay Shah rang the iconic Lord’s bell to mark the commencement of the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa. The ceremonial bell ringing, a cherished tradition at the “Home of Cricket,” officially signaled the start of what promises to be a thrilling five-day contest between two cricketing heavyweights.
Jay Shah, who took over as ICC Chair earlier this year, became the first Indian administrator to perform the bell-ringing honour at a WTC Final. Dressed in formal attire and greeted with applause from the packed stands, Shah shared a brief moment of pride with cricket dignitaries and fans as he rang the bell just minutes before the players took the field.
“This is not just a match — it’s the culmination of two years of dedication, discipline, and brilliance in the longest format,” Shah said in a brief address before the match began. “To witness two top teams like Australia and South Africa compete at Lord’s for the ultimate Test crown is a testament to the enduring spirit of red-ball cricket.”
The final, being held under bright London skies, sees Australia aiming to defend their WTC title after their 2023 triumph over India, while South Africa is eyeing its first-ever WTC crown, having impressed throughout the championship cycle.
Shah’s presence at Lord’s also underscores India’s growing influence in global cricket governance. As the youngest-ever ICC Chair and the first from India, his leadership marks a new era for international cricket, with a strong emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and the continued globalisation of the game.
As the red cherry took center stage and the players walked out to a rousing cheer, the sound of the Lord’s bell served as a timeless reminder: Test cricket still remains the purest, most revered format of the game — and the WTC Final is its grandest modern-day stage.
