Locked out of Lord’s: Australia denied training access before WTC final

Dubai: Australia’s run-in to the ICC World Test Championship final took an unexpected turn after Pat Cummins and his men were reportedly denied permission to train at Lord’s — the very venue where they will meet South Africa in the final starting June 11. Ironically, the Indian team, whose first Test is more than a week away, was allowed to use the ground.

While the Australians were told the ground was “unavailable”, reports suggest that members of the Indian team — in England for a five-Test series that begins on June 20 — were training there at the time. A Fox Cricket report claimed that the Indians were allowed in “at the expense of the Australian team”, with Cummins’ side effectively “booted out”.

Adding to the irony is the fact that India’s Test at Lord’s isn’t scheduled until July 10, the third match of the series.

Sharp words from Cummins

After the initial setback, Australia were finally allowed to train at the venue on Sunday. Speaking after the session, captain Pat Cummins said he enjoyed the empty stands — a reference to the notoriously noisy Ashes crowd at the ground.

“I think this is the best version of the stadium this morning. There’s no one around, which is great,” he said.

“Things got pretty heated in the middle of that Ashes series, but I think a lot of them will have learned their lesson and I’m sure they’ll be very polite.”

Cummins will lead a full-strength bowling attack that includes Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, with Cameron Green expected to slot in as the fourth seam option.

Dry pitch could bring Lyon into play

Conditions at Lord’s might also provide a twist in the tale. Steve Smith hinted at a dry surface that could favour spin — a contrast to the venue’s usual early-season seamer-friendly reputation.

“Yeah, I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” Smith told the ICC. “It is dry, I think... there hasn’t been much rain, which is rare for England, obviously.”

That forecast could be good news for veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who starred in last year’s WTC final with a brilliant 4/41 in the second innings against India. The 37-year-old has 553 Test wickets overall and a strong record against South Africa, with 56 scalps in 14 matches.

While Lyon has proven he can have an impact regardless of conditions, he’ll be hoping the dry Lord’s surface gives him another chance to spin Australia to glory — and defend their title as Test champions.