As anticipation builds for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Final, the Australian cricket team is soaking in some high-octane inspiration in London. The Pat Cummins-led side will face South Africa in the much-awaited title clash at Lord’s on June 11. After two years of consistent performance, Australia earned their place in the Final with 13 wins in 19 matches, finishing second in the WTC standings with a commendable points percentage of 67.54.
Key to their qualification was their 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph over India earlier this year—a series that showcased Australia’s adaptability and resilience in subcontinent conditions.
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With rain washing out their scheduled training session, the Aussies decided to switch gears—literally. The team paid a visit to McLaren’s Formula One facility in London, where they were welcomed by Aussie F1 sensation Oscar Piastri and team principal Andrea Stella. It was a day of speed, strategy, and camaraderie as players like Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, and Brendan Doggett took on Piastri in a simulator race at circuits including Melbourne and Silverstone.
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The Australian team shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the visit on Instagram with the caption: “What to do when training gets rained off in London? Take a trip to visit the incredible @mclaren facilities! Thanks for having us.”
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Reflecting on the unique experience, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon said, “It was really special to go there and see what the best F1 team at the moment is doing behind the scenes—something not many people get access to.”
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Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, currently the only Australian driver on the Formula 1 grid, is enjoying a standout season, leading the 2025 Driver Standings with 186 points. The Aussie cricketers will now turn their focus back to cricket, hoping to channel the same elite mindset into WTC Final glory at the ‘Home of Cricket’.
