The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 features a showdown between Australia and South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, running from 11–15 June, with a reserve day on 16 June. As two Test cricket behemoths lock horns, fans globally await a gripping contest for the coveted World Test Championship title.
Venue & Dates
- Lord’s, London: “Home of Cricket” hosts the Final from 11–15 June, with 16 June held in reserve. Play begins each day at 10:30 AM local (09:30 GMT, 3:00 PM IST).
Qualification & Form
Australia (No. 1 Test team):
- Played 19 Tests in the 2023–25 cycle: 13 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws; key series wins included:
- 3–0 vs Pakistan
- 3–1 vs India
- Drawn Ashes (2–2) in England
- Recent results: 5 consecutive wins over Sri Lanka and India into February–March 2025 .
South Africa (No. 3 Test team):
- Played 12 Tests: topped table with a 69.44% points ratio, featuring an impressive seven-Test winning streak including series wins over West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan
- Warm-up against Zimbabwe was rain-hit, but Aiden Markram emphasized their readiness with a sharp start mindset.
Head-to-Head Record
Out of 101 Tests, Australia leads with 54 wins, South Africa has 26, and 21 draws. Australia hold the historical advantage, but South Africa arrive full of confidence.
Star Players & Leadership
Australia:
- Batters: Steve Smith (ICC No. 5 ranked batsman), Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja—Khawaja amassed 1,422 runs in the WTC cycle.
- Bowlers & Captain: Pat Cummins (captain & No. 3 bowler), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon
- Squad depth: Includes Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, Travis Head & Alex Carey.
South Africa:
- Batters: Aiden Markram (lead batsman), Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma (captain)
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada (ICC No. 2), Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi
- Strong pace attack with Rabada, Ngidi, Jansen, plus spinners Maharaj & Muthusamy.
Key Storylines
1. Underdog Momentum vs. Experience
Australia’s depth and form make them favorites, while South Africa—on their first-ever WTC final appearance—bring hunger, confidence, and fresh belief
2. Test Mix at Lord’s
Australia dominate Lord’s with a ~45% win rate (18/40) compared to South Africa’s ~33% (6/18). Steve Smith has scored 525 runs in London since 2010—a stellar record
3. Pressure & Redemption
South Africa aim to shake the “chokers” tag after limited-overs heartaches and lack of ICC silverware since 1998. A win could be transformational
4. Fat Purses & ICC Confidence
ICC boosted prize money for this Final: USD 3.6 million for winners, USD 2.16 million for runners-up—signaling global Test cricket’s growing importance
Final Take
The 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s is more than a match—it’s a culmination of two years of intense Test cricket, national pride, and personal legacies. As Australia seeks to defend their title and South Africa chases maiden glory, Test purists are in for a showdown of epic proportions. Stay tuned for live updates, fantasy insights, and expert analysis.
