One mace. Two nations. A legacy on the line. Lord’s awaits.
After another intense two-year grind, the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle reaches its grand finale. From June 11, the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host Australia and South Africa in a high-voltage final that promises high drama, elite cricket, and history in the making.
First-time finalists South Africa, a squad on the rise with aspirations to end a 27-year ICC trophy drought, will face the defending champions Australia, a team that understands how to dominate ICC finals. This isn’t just a finale—It’s a clash of contrasts.
Why This Final Matters?
This WTC Final isn’t just another Test match. It’s the culmination of two years of grit, grind, and drama across continents.
- For South Africa, it’s the ultimate breakthrough. No ICC trophy since 1998, and never been to a WTC final — until now.
- For Australia, it’s a shot at becoming the first team to win two WTC titles, after beating India in 2023.
Match Details:
Match Start Time in India: 3:00 AM IST
Fixture: Australia vs South Africa, WTC Final 2025
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Dates: June 11–15 (Reserve Day: June 16)
Ball: Dukes (standard for England)
India Broadcast: Star Sports (TV), JioHotstar (Streaming)
Head-to-Head: AUS vs SA in Tests
- Total Tests: 101
- Australia wins: 54
- South Africa wins: 26
- Draws: 21
At Lord’s:
Australia at Lord’s: 18W, 7L, 15D in 40 matches.
They’ve met just once at this venue — 1912.
Australia won by 10 wickets
South Africa’s record at Lord’s: 6W, 8L, 4D in 18 matches.
The Aussies have historically dominated this rivalry, but South Africa has had their moments of fight and flair. Interestingly, the only Test these two sides played at Lord’s was in 1912.
Playing XI :
Australia’s Probable XI-
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
Key Players:
- Steve Smith – 854 runs vs SA, average 44.94
- Starc – 72 wickets in this WTC cycle
- Cummins – never wicketless in a UK Test
- Hazlewood – big final player
- Lyon – 56 wickets vs SA
South Africa’s Probable XI-
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wlaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kesav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Key Players:
- Rabada – 49 wickets vs AUS @ avg 23.08
- Markram – 480 runs vs AUS @ avg 60.00
- Bavuma – 483 runs vs AUS @ avg 40.25
- Jansen – wildcard with bat and ball
- Maharaj – needs 2 wickets for 200
Key Player Battles:
- Rabada vs Smith – Rabada has dismissed Smith four times. Can he do it again on the big stage?
- Starc vs Markram – Starc’s swing vs Markram’s technique will be a critical early contest.
- Lyon vs Stubbs – The young South African will be tested by Lyon’s control and bounce.
Weather & Reserve day :
Weather: Overcast spells predicted — seamers will love it.
Pitch: Traditionally helps swing early, flattens on Day 3–4.
Dukes ball + cloudy skies = bowler’s paradise.
If rain causes delays, June 16 is available as a reserve day.
English Conditions: What To Expect
Batting will be challenging early; discipline is key for top-order players
The Dukes ball offers more swing and seam — a dream for bowlers like Rabada, Cummins, and Hazlewood
Spinners may need patience, but Lyon and Maharaj can exploit dry spells.
Key Stats & Records on the Line:
Markram – needs 143 runs to hit 3000
Khawaja – needs 70 runs to reach 6000 Test runs
Labuschagne – 104 runs short of 4500
Starc – 1 six away from 50 sixes in Tests
Cummins – needs 6 wickets for 300
Rabada – 4 wickets away from overtaking Allan Donald
Maharaj – 2 wickets from 200
WTC 2023–25 Cycle: Journey to Final
| Teams | M | W | L | D | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 South Africa (Q) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 69.44% |
 Australia (Q) | 19 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 67.54% |
 India | 19 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 50.00% |
 New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 48.21% |
 England | 22 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 43.18% |
 Sri Lanka | 13 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 38.46% |
 Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 31.25% |
 West Indies | 13 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 28.21% |
 Pakistan | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 27.98% |
Australia’s Road:
- Started by winning the inaugural WTC final vs India in 2023.
- Recently thrashed India 3-1 in the BGT 2024–25, showing supreme control.
- Stayed consistent both home and away across the cycle.
- Maintained the best bowling average across teams, led by Starc, Cummins & Lyon.
- Depth, experience, and belief — they tick all the boxes for a repeat run.
South Africa’s Road:
- After finishing 3rd last time, they climbed into the top 2 this cycle.
- Beat strong teams in tight, gritty battles, especially at home.
- Temba Bavuma’s calm leadership has brought balance and fight.
- A blend of fresh talent and experienced core pushed them over the line.
- Now, they stand one step away from their first-ever ICC Test title.
Interesting Streaks & Subplots:
- Josh Hazlewood has never lost a final he’s played in
- Temba Bavuma has never lost a Test as captain.
One of those streaks is going to end at Lord’s
Pressure Points:
- South Africa’s inexperience at this stage
- Australia’s middle-order inconsistency in English conditions
- How long can Bavuma’s unbeaten record last?
- Can Australia deliver again without slipping into overconfidence?
Final Thoughts & Prediction:
Australia come in with experience, composure, and the kind of squad depth built for finals. South Africa bring hunger, momentum, and the dream of history.
If the weather stays clear and nerves hold steady, we’re in for a cracking contest.
Prediction? Australia start as favourites — but South Africa have the fire to flip the script.
This final has everything — a trophy, a legacy, and two teams with unfinished business. Let the best story win.