World Test Championship Final: Key Battles in South Africa vs Australia Test

Five Crucial Player Battles in the World Test Championship Final

The countdown to the most anticipated red-ball clash of the year has begun. The World Test Championship Final 2025 will see South Africa and Australia lock horns at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground starting June 11. It’s a summit clash packed with pedigree, narrative, and some truly mouthwatering contests between bat and ball.

Both sides have arrived with conviction. South Africa, riding high after a stellar second half of the WTC cycle, finished at the top of the table, while Australia, the defending champions, are looking to retain their crown after a hard-fought home series win against India. Each team brings its share of match-winners, but the final could well be decided by a few head-to-head duels that have the power to swing momentum.

Here’s a closer look at five crucial battles in the World Test Championship Final that could shape the outcome of this iconic showdown.

Rabada vs Khawaja: A Rivalry at the Top

When Kagiso Rabada steams in with the new ball at Lord’s, all eyes will be on Usman Khawaja. This is more than just a contest between bat and ball—it’s a duel between intent and control. Rabada, South Africa’s strike bowler, has an enviable record against Khawaja, having dismissed him five times in just 10 matches. The quick’s record in England is strong, and his ability to extract steep bounce and movement could cause early problems.

Khawaja, however, isn’t one to back down. He was Australia’s leading run-scorer during this WTC cycle with 1422 runs, and his performance in the 2023 Ashes series, where he scored nearly 500 runs, included multiple high-pressure innings on English soil. He will take confidence from that experience but will also be aware that Rabada will look to target him early, particularly with the ball moving off the seam.

The outcome of this match-up could be a bellwether for how the South Africa vs Australia Test unfolds, especially in those critical first 15 overs.

Marco Jansen vs Steve Smith: Angles vs Experience

This promises to be a tactical contest of the highest quality. Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen has been a revelation in South Africa’s rise, claiming 29 wickets in just six Tests this cycle. His height, angle, and ability to hit the corridor consistently make him a threat, especially to right-handers like Steve Smith.

Smith, for his part, continues to be the nucleus of Australia’s batting. After a brilliant series in Sri Lanka and a strong showing in the 2023 WTC Final against India at The Oval, Smith has looked imperious. He thrives in pressure scenarios and has built a career on frustrating bowlers with unorthodox technique and extreme patience.

What makes this battle fascinating is that Jansen’s left-arm angle naturally challenges Smith’s trigger movements. The left-armer will be keen to target Smith early before he gets settled. For Smith, this is an opportunity to demonstrate once again why he’s one of the best Test batters of this era.

Bavuma vs Cummins: Captain Against Captain

When captains collide, stakes rise. Temba Bavuma, who missed much of the early WTC cycle, has returned with form and fire, scoring 609 runs at an average over 60. His consistency in South Africa’s middle order has been vital in stabilizing a team that has undergone some significant transitions.

Facing him will be Pat Cummins, fresh from recovery and ready to lead with the ball and brain. Cummins’ 73 wickets in this WTC cycle make him Australia’s most potent weapon, and his success hinges not just on raw pace, but on relentless accuracy and variation.

How Bavuma handles Cummins’ short-ball tactics, seam wobble, and sharp bouncers could be the heartbeat of South Africa’s innings. It’s also a match-up of leadership philosophies: Bavuma’s calm resolve versus Cummins’ fierce intent. A match-defining duel awaits.

Rickelton vs Starc: The New vs the Seasoned

South Africa’s post-Dean Elgar era has introduced Ryan Rickelton as a dynamic top-order option. With 451 runs in this WTC cycle and a monumental 259 against Pakistan, he’s shown both flair and composure. Rickelton loves a drive, isn’t afraid to hook, and relishes the new ball—a trait that can either win sessions or cost them dearly.

That makes his encounter with Mitchell Starc absolutely pivotal. Starc, the veteran of Australian cricket, has built a career on striking early. His lethal full-length deliveries, particularly to left-handers, have undone many a batter. He swings it late, and when on song, is unplayable.

This is a classic clash of generation and style. If Rickelton can weather Starc’s opening spells, South Africa’s foundation could be solid. If not, it may be a brief and brutal introduction to high-stakes Test cricket.

Stubbs and Bedingham vs Lyon: Spin Test in Seam Country

Though Lord’s traditionally favours seamers, the slope and wear on the pitch can often assist spinners in the fourth innings. And that’s where Nathan Lyon comes into play. A senior figure in the Australian camp, Lyon was instrumental in the 2023 WTC Final, especially with his second-innings spell that tilted the game decisively.

His challenge this time will come in the form of Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, South Africa’s dynamic middle-order pairing. Stubbs brings modern-day aggression and flair, while Bedingham has quietly become South Africa’s top run-scorer in the WTC cycle with 645 runs.

Both players aren’t averse to attacking spin. But Lyon, with his subtle variations and mastery of angles, will test their patience and technique. How this middle-order duo handles the off-spinner could determine whether South Africa posts competitive totals or finds themselves chasing the game.

Final Word: More Than Just a Final

The ICC WTC Final 2025 isn’t just another fixture—it’s the culmination of a two-year grind in the ultimate format of the game. It’s a battle of contrasting styles: South Africa’s resurgent pace-driven revival against Australia’s battle-hardened stability. These five player battles represent deeper stories of transformation, redemption, and legacy.

Whether it’s Rabada’s thunder or Smith’s steel, whether Stubbs attacks or Lyon deceives—every moment will carry weight. And at the Home of Cricket, it’s not just about who lifts the mace. It’s about who outlasts, outwits, and outperforms.