WTC Final 2025: South Africa vs Australia at Lord’s – Schedule, Squads & Analysis

WTC Final 2025: South Africa vs Australia Set for Lord's Showdown

The stage is set for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, and the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London will host what promises to be a classic showdown. Two of cricket’s fiercest Test nations, South Africa and Australia, will battle for red-ball supremacy from June 11 to 15, with a reserve day in place on June 16 in case of weather disruptions.

While Australia returns as the defending champions after their 2023 victory over India, South Africa will make their first-ever WTC Final appearance, marking a new high in their red-ball resurgence.

Lord’s: The Venue of Prestige

The choice of Lord’s as the venue adds prestige and challenge in equal measure. With its seaming conditions and historical legacy, it’s a ground where moments become memories. While Australia has enjoyed recent success here unbeaten in their last three Tests South Africa isn’t far behind, with an innings victory over England in 2022 still fresh in memory.

Steve Smith’s record at Lord’s stands out with an average of 101.80, including two centuries. Kagiso Rabada, on the other hand, has taken 13 wickets at an average of 19.38 in just two appearances, proving he thrives on this stage.

Road to the Final: A Tale of Dominance

Australia’s journey to the WTC Final was built on high-stakes series wins. Victories over India (3-1), Pakistan (3-0), New Zealand (2-0) and Sri Lanka (2-0) secured their place. Despite drawing the Ashes and the West Indies series, Australia closed the cycle on a four-match winning streak.

South Africa’s path, however, was one of incredible comeback. After an early dip in form and sending a second-string team to New Zealand due to scheduling conflicts with the SA20 League, they bounced back to win seven consecutive Tests. Their victories against West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan lifted them to the top of the WTC standings with a points percentage of 69.44.

Squads Announced: Power Meets Promise

Australia named their 15-player squad early, led by Pat Cummins, who returns alongside Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green after recovering from injuries. Notably, teenage sensation Sam Konstas has been included, and Beau Webster keeps his spot after a strong Test debut season.

Australia Squad:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Reserve: Brendan Doggett

South Africa announced a formidable squad packed with pace options. Kagiso Rabada, now cleared after a suspension, is joined by Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Dane Paterson. Batter David Bedingham and skipper Temba Bavuma face late fitness tests, but their inclusion signals confidence.

South Africa Squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne

Conditions and Match Format

The WTC Final will likely be played using the Dukes ball, which swings more and retains its shape longer—ideal for seamers. England’s unpredictable weather means the ICC has scheduled a reserve day to compensate for any lost time, though it will only be used if more than an hour is lost during the first five days.

Should the match end in a draw or tie, both teams will be declared joint winners, as per ICC rules.

What’s at Stake?

Beyond glory, the WTC Final winner will take home the Test Championship Mace and a cash prize, which was set at USD $1.6 million in the previous editions. The runner-up will receive half that amount.

For players, coaches, and fans alike, it’s the culmination of two years of hard work, planning, and resilience in cricket’s most demanding format.

Where to Watch

Australian fans can catch every ball on Prime Video, which has exclusive broadcast rights for ICC events through 2027. The streaming platform offers live coverage, replays, and expert analysis throughout the series. Viewers outside Australia should check with their local broadcasters or streaming platforms. 

Who Has the Edge?

While Australia boasts more recent experience at Lord’s and a settled core of players, South Africa’s hunger, raw pace, and recent form make them a serious threat. The matchup between Australia’s batting depth and South Africa’s aggressive seam attack could be the defining contest of the final.

Both sides play hard, competitive cricket and have immense respect for each other a recipe for a Test match to remember.