The 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide as Australia faces South Africa at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15, with June 16 reserved as a contingency day . This marks the first WTC Final hosted at Lord’s, following previous finals at Southampton in 2021 and The Oval in 2023.
🏏 The Finalists: Australia vs South Africa
Australia: Defending Champions
Australia enters the final as the reigning WTC champions, having secured the title in 2023 against India . Their journey to the final included crucial victories over India in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, overcoming a challenging start to their campaign . The squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, with key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green returning to bolster the team's strength .
South Africa: First-Time Finalists
South Africa's path to their inaugural WTC Final was marked by resilience and strategic play, securing seven consecutive Test victories against teams including West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan . Under the leadership of coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, the team has demonstrated a strong collective effort, with standout performances from bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen .
🏟 Lord’s: The Historic Venue
Known as the "Home of Cricket," Lord’s provides a neutral ground for this high-stakes encounter. Australia has a favorable recent record at Lord’s, remaining unbeaten in their last three Tests at the venue, including victories in the 2015 and 2023 Ashes series . Steve Smith, in particular, has excelled here, averaging over 100 in his last three matches . South Africa, meanwhile, has also found success at Lord’s, winning two of their last three Tests, with Rabada delivering match-winning performances .
🔮 Key Players to Watch
Steve Smith (Australia): With an impressive average at Lord’s, Smith's experience will be crucial for Australia's batting lineup .
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): Having taken 13 wickets at an average of 19.38 in his two matches at Lord’s, Rabada's pace and precision make him a formidable threat .
Pat Cummins (Australia): The Australian captain's leadership and bowling prowess will be vital in their title defense .
Temba Bavuma (South Africa): As captain, Bavuma's strategic acumen and batting stability will be key for South Africa's success .
💰 Prize Money and Broadcast
The ICC has announced a record prize pool for the final, with the champions receiving USD $3.6 million and the runners-up earning USD $2.16 million . Cricket fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports, ensuring global coverage of this monumental event .
Lets Connect