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As the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final draws near, two teams approach Lord’s with vastly different histories but equally potent ambitions.
Australia, the reigning WTC champions, stand on the cusp of creating history by becoming the first team to successfully defend the ICC WTC mace, having clinched it in 2023 with a dominant victory over India at The Oval. Their title defense isn’t just about silverware, it’s about legacy. Pat Cummins‘ side has already carved out a golden chapter by winning both the WTC and ODI World Cup in 2023. A win at Lord’s would elevate them to an echelon of dominance rarely seen in modern cricket.
For South Africa, the occasion represents something even deeper: the pursuit of a maiden global title. Despite boasting generations of cricketing brilliance, the Proteas have endured a painful string of near-misses and heartbreaks in ICC tournaments, be it the infamous 1999 World Cup semi-final or their exit in the 2015 edition. Now, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma and a revamped squad led by fast-bowling prowess, South Africa will look to finally break the global title jinx and lift their first ICC trophy in history.
James Anderson reveals a duel that could decide the WTC 2025 final
Among the many battles expected to light up Lord’s, the spotlight will firmly fall on Kagiso Rabada vs Steve Smith, a showdown between elite skill sets that could be pivotal in deciding the destiny of the Test mace. England’s veteran seamer James Anderson, speaking ahead of the final, acknowledged the significance of this contest, even going as far as to say it might be the most decisive duel of the match.
“The main one for me will be Rabada against Steve Smith and I think that could be a really good, interesting battle. Smith is one of the best batters in the world, and Rabada is one of my favourite bowlers to watch. I think he’s got so many attributes that just make me want to tune into the TV and watch him. He’s a fantastic player, so I’m really looking forward to that battle,” Anderson was quoted as saying by the ICC.
Rabada’s aggression, control, and ability to produce game-changing spells have made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. Smith, on the other hand, thrives on absorbing pressure and manipulating bowlers over long innings. Their history only adds to the intrigue. In 15 Test innings against each other, Smith has scored 128 runs off 262 balls, at a strike rate of 32.00 and an average of 48.85. While Smith has struck 16 fours and 2 sixes off Rabada, he has also been dismissed four times by the South African speedster. Importantly, Smith has played 207 dot balls, showcasing the discipline and intensity of their contests.
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Lords of Lord’s in their own right
Both Rabada and Smith have exceptional records at Lord’s, the historic venue hosting this monumental clash. Rabada has featured in two Tests at Lord’s, taking 13 wickets at an average of 19.38. His standout performance at the venue came when he recorded figures of 5/52, underlining his threat on the English stage.
Steve Smith, meanwhile, holds a similarly commanding resume at the Home of Cricket. In five Tests and nine innings, he has amassed 525 runs at an average of 58.33, including two centuries and two half-centuries. His most recent outing at Lord’s came during the 2023 Ashes, where he scored a masterful 110, reaffirming his unmatched class in English conditions. Smith’s ability to read conditions, frustrate bowlers, and build innings brick by brick makes him the heartbeat of Australia’s middle order, and possibly their best hope against a fiery South African pace attack.
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