The culmination of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) sees Australia and South Africa vying for the coveted title. Scheduled from June 11 to 15, 2025, at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, this final promises a clash of titans in the realm of Test cricket.
📅 Match Details
- Dates: June 11–15, 2025
- Reserve Day: June 16, 2025
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Start Time: 10:00 AM GMT / 11:00 AM BST
🏆 Teams’ Journey to the Final
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia enters the final as the top-ranked team in the WTC standings, boasting a 67.54% points percentage. Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, they secured significant series victories, including a 3-1 triumph over India, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.
🇿🇦 South Africa
South Africa clinched their maiden WTC Final appearance by finishing second with a 69.44% points percentage. Captained by Temba Bavuma, the Proteas showcased consistent performances, including series wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
🧢 Squads Overview
Australia
- Batters: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head
- All-rounders: Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh
- Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey, Josh Inglis
- Bowlers: Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Bolandnewsnews
South Africa
- Batters: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Tony de Zorzi
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder
- Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
Note: Squads are subject to change based on fitness and selection decisions.
🔝 Leading Run-Scorers in WTC 2023–25
Australia
- Usman Khawaja: 1,422 runs at an average of 41.82
- Steve Smith: 1,324 runs at an average of 41.37
- Travis Head: 1,177 runs at an average of 35.66ESPN Cricinfo
South Africa
- Temba Bavuma: 609 runs at an average of 60.90
- Aiden Markram: 572 runs at an average of 33.64
- Tony de Zorzi: 486 runs at an average of 30.37ESPN Cricinfo
Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo’s WTC 2023–25 statistics.
🎯 Leading Wicket-Takers in WTC 2023–25
Australia
- Pat Cummins: 73 wickets at an average of 24.54
- Mitchell Starc: 72 wickets at an average of 27.27
- Nathan Lyon: 66 wickets at an average of 24.00theaustralian.com.au
South Africa
- Kagiso Rabada: 47 wickets at an average of 19.97
- Keshav Maharaj: 40 wickets at an average of 20.57
- Marco Jansen: 29 wickets at an average of 20.82
Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo’s WTC 2023–25 statistics.
📈 Recent Form – Last Five Test Matches
Australia
- vs India, Sydney: Won by 6 wickets
- vs India, Brisbane: Draw
- vs India, Melbourne: Won by 184 runs
- vs India, Adelaide: Won by 7 wickets
- vs India, Perth: Lost by 295 runsESPN Cricinfo
Australia secured a 3-1 series victory over India, showcasing resilience after an initial loss.
South Africa
- vs Pakistan, Cape Town: Won by 10 wickets
- vs Pakistan, Centurion: Won by 2 wickets
- vs Sri Lanka, Gqeberha: Won by 109 runs
- vs Sri Lanka, Durban: Won by 233 runs
- vs India, Johannesburg: Lost by 135 runs
South Africa enters the final on a four-match winning streak, demonstrating strong form.
🏟️ Venue Insight: Lord’s Cricket Ground
Hosting its first WTC Final, Lord’s is renowned for its rich history and challenging playing conditions. The pitch often offers assistance to seamers early on, with spinners coming into play as the match progresses.
🔮 Final Thoughts
The WTC Final 2025 promises a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides. Australia aims to defend their title, while South Africa seeks their first WTC crown. With world-class talent on both sides, cricket enthusiasts are in for a memorable five-day spectacle at the ‘Home of Cricket.’
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