The stage is set for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, with South Africa taking on Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15, with a reserve day scheduled for June 16. The stakes don’t get much higher than in a contest like this, as the best red-ball team in world cricket will be crowned, so a thrilling contest is expected.
South Africa are making their debut in a World Test Championship Final and are out to make history. Australia, on the other hand, are the defending champions and will be looking to keep their status intact.
Match Details
- Fixture: South Africa vs Australia
- Dates: 11-15 June (Reserve Day June 16)
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Start Time: 10:30 am BST
- On-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (NZ), Richard Illingworth (ENG)
- TV Umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
- Fourth Umpire: Nitin Menon (IND)
- Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)
Path to the Final
South Africa
South Africa managed to top the standings following a solid campaign that included victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as well-earned draws against New Zealand and the West Indies, with a points percentage (PCT) of 69.44%. Their rise was marked by a combination of aggression, pace, and the emergence of new stars under Temba Bavuma’s leadership.
Australia
Australia finished second in the World Test Championship table with a percentage of 67.54%, sealing their place through consistent performances, including home series wins over Pakistan and the West Indies, as well as a draw in the away series against New Zealand. Captain Pat Cummings led a very capable side with both bat and ball, and the team was able to adapt to different conditions.
Squad Analysis
South Africa
South Africa’s squad is a mix of youth and experience, led by Temba Bavuma’s return as captain. The top order features the likes of the aggressive Aiden Markram, classy David Bedingham, and the dynamic Tony de Zorzi, while Tristan Stubbs is on hand to add firepower to the middle order.
Wicketkeepers Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne are both solid options, and the all-round contributions of Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch will be key. The pace attack is led by Kagiso Rabada, who returns from a short suspension, alongside Lungi Ngidi and Dane Paterson, while Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy offer spin.
South Africa’s World Test Championship Final Squad
- Temba Bavuma ©, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.
Ahead of the final, South Africa will play Zimbabwe in a four-day warm-up game at Arundel Castle, Sussex. South Africa vs Zimbabwe is a match the Proteas are expected to win. Interestingly, former England great Stuart Broad will be assisting South Africa during training at Lord’s on June 9.
Australia
Australia head into the final with a well-settled unit. The batting line-up includes stalwarts like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja, supported by the aggressive Travis Head and the rising star Sam Konstas.
All-rounders like Cameron Green and Beau Webster add balance, while Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are wicketkeeping options. The pace attack is world-class: Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood, and Boland offer variety, pace, and accuracy, backed by Nathan Lyon’s spin.
Australia’s World Test Championship Final Squad
- Pat Cummins ©, Steve Smith (vc), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett (reserve).
Conditions and Venue
Lord’s will offer a balanced surface with early seam movement and bounce, especially under cloudy skies. The famous Lord’s slop can test bowlers’ skill and the technique of batters, particularly in the first two days.
As the match progresses, the pitch will flatten, rewarding patient batting. Spinners will likely come into play from Day 4 onwards. Both squads boast potent pace attacks, so you can expect seamers to be key.
Key Battles and Players to Watch
South Africa
- Kagiso Rabada: Fast, aggressive, and experienced – a crucial asset against Australia’s top order.
- Marco Jansen: His left-arm angle and bounce could be lethal at Lord’s.
- Temba Bavuma: Returning from injury, his calm presence in the middle order will be vital.
Australia
- Pat Cummins: The captain leads from the front, offering both leadership and breakthrough bowling.
- Travis Head: His counter-attacking approach can turn games quickly.
- Steve Smith: Known for thriving in English conditions with over 1,800 runs at an average above 55 in England.
Head-to-Head Record
South Africa and Australia share a rich Test rivalry. In their last three bilateral Test series, Australia have had the upper hand, but South Africa have often done well on English soil. South Africa vs Australia sees World Test Championship Final debutants take on the defending champions, which is why the latter start as favourites. The former, however, are hungry to make the breakthrough.
What to Expect
While Australia enter the match as the favourites according to cricket betting online, due to their experience and depth, South Africa have a young, fearless side driven by their burning desire to win their first ICC title in years.
The toss could well play a key role, batting first could be an advantage if the pitch holds up. Expect a tight contest with momentum swings and moments of brilliance from both sides.
Final Thoughts
The ICC World Test Championship Final is a major event in cricket, one that you can follow and place wagers on at BetVictor sports betting. Of course, Australia are expected to win because they have the credentials. However, South Africa are excellent in English conditions, and they desperately want to win. It really feels like this is a match that could go either way. It could even come down to who wants it more.
