WTC 2025 Final: Australia vs South Africa Showdown Begins at Lord’s

The air at Lord’s buzzes with excitement as the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final begins today, June 11. Cricket fans around the world are glued to their screens as Australia and South Africa battle it out in this high-stakes World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final. Australia, the defending champions, aim to win a second consecutive WTC title. They defeated India in the 2023 final. For South Africa, this match carries greater significance. A win will give them their first WTC crown and end a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy.

Australia Playing XI

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa Playing XI

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Australia had a dominant WTC cycle. Pat Cummins led his side through six unbeaten series, winning 13 out of 19 Tests. South Africa also impressed. The Proteas topped the WTC table and won seven straight Tests. Both teams now stand just one win away from glory.

However, the weather might disrupt the contest. Forecasts predict rain on June 12, the second day of the match. This brings an element of uncertainty. To prepare for that, the ICC set June 16 as a reserve day. Officials will use it only if rain causes time loss that can’t be made up during the first five days.

This marks yet another instance where a reserve day proves its importance. In 2021, rain delayed the final between India and New Zealand. The match extended, and New Zealand lifted the mace. The same rule applies this year. If the WTC 2025 ends in a draw, a tie, or gets washed out, both teams will share the mace.

This possibility changes how teams approach the game. Both squads will monitor the forecast and stay flexible. Australia will rely on Usman Khawaja for early runs and their pace bowlers for breakthroughs. South Africa will lean on captain Temba Bavuma and a strong batting order to fight back. The financial stakes are also high, USD 3.6 million for the winners, and USD 2.1 million for the runners-up.

Despite rain risks, fans expect a thrilling match. The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final offers more than a trophy. It’s a shot at history, pride, and Test cricket glory.