The grand finale of the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship is finally here, as Australia and South Africa clash for the prestigious title beginning June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
With five days of intense red-ball action expected, cricket fans around the globe are eager to witness a battle between two giants with rich Test histories.
Australia, the defending champions, are appearing in their second consecutive WTC final. Led by Pat Cummins, the Aussies have had a grueling yet fruitful campaign. They retained the Ashes in England, bested India 3-1 at home, and finished second in the WTC standings with 13 wins from 19 matches. Opener Usman Khawaja emerged as their top scorer over the cycle, while all-rounder Cameron Green returns to the squad after injury and is expected to bat at number three. Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Alex Carey form a solid middle-order core, with Beau Webster offering both batting depth and medium-pace bowling.
Australia’s bowling arsenal remains world-class. Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are likely to lead the pace attack, while veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon will bring experience and control. The inclusion of Scott Boland remains a possibility, though selection dilemmas persist.
Turning to South Africa, the Proteas had a slower start, but surged into the final with seven straight victories, topping the WTC table with 8 wins from 12 matches. Batter David Bedingham, familiar with English conditions through county cricket, has been in sublime form. Skipper Temba Bavuma, along with Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne, will form the batting backbone. Ryan Rickelton, after a double century and a warm-up fifty, will be a key figure for South Africa.
South Africa’s bowling will be led by pace aces Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, with Keshav Maharaj as the primary spinner. The third seamer role remains contested, with Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch vying for inclusion.
As 2025 becomes a year of long-awaited sporting triumphs, South Africa seeks to shed its history of near-misses. But Australia, a dominant force in world cricket, will aim to defend their crown and extend their Test legacy. The WTC25 final promises a thrilling contest between Australia and South Africa, two proud cricketing nations chasing history.