‘Why don’t we leave ENG vs IND series?…’: Matthew Hayden interrupts Kevin Pietersen, shifts focus during WTC Final discussion

The World Test Championship (WTC) final wrapped up in style on Saturday, as South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets at Lord’s, securing their first ICC title since 1998. This victory brings the 2023-25 WTC cycle to a close, shifting attention to the upcoming Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India.

The five-match Test series will begin on June 20, with the opening game set to take place at Headingley in Leeds next Friday. During the post-match coverage of the WTC final, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen and Australian legend Matthew Hayden were discussing the upcoming series when an awkward moment unfolded between them.

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While Pietersen was analysing how India could exploit England’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack, Hayden momentarily stepped away from the frame to bring in one of South Africa’s standout performers, Kagiso Rabada, to join the discussion.

“Why don’t we leave the India-England series because right now we have an absolute legend with us in Kagiso Rabada,” Pietersen said, after Hayden dragged Rabada into the picture.

This sudden move prompted Pietersen to shift the conversation, redirecting attention to South Africa’s historic triumph. Meanwhile, Pietersen praised Aiden Markram’s brilliant knock of 136, highlighting it as a key factor in South Africa’s WTC title win.

After being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, Aiden Markram bounced back with a superb 136, featuring 14 boundaries, playing a vital role in South Africa’s successful chase of 282 before lunch on day four. The win ended the Proteas’ 27-year wait for a major ICC title, putting an end to years of heartbreak in tournament knockout stages.