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The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as Australia and South Africa face off in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, beginning June 11 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
South Africa and England in the WTC 2025 final at Lord’s
Defending champions Australia, led by Pat Cummins, arrive with momentum after a dominant WTC cycle, highlighted by a 3-1 series win over Australia and a strong all-round performance from their seasoned lineup, including Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, make their maiden WTC final appearance after topping the league table with consistent performances, particularly from their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada and emerging talents like Marco Jansen.
Both teams have earned their place through resilience and quality cricket, Australia with their depth and experience, South Africa with a rejuvenated approach and a potent bowling attack. The Lord’s pitch is expected to offer early assistance to seamers, potentially favoring both sides’ formidable fast-bowling units. With the coveted Test mace and a record prize purse on the line, the five-day contest promises intense, world-class cricket as Australia aim to defend their crown and South Africa chase their first ICC trophy in over two decades.
Lord’s Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The pitch at Lord’s for the WTC Final 2025 is expected to offer a classic English Test match challenge. Traditionally, the surface at Lord’s provides good assistance to fast bowlers, especially during the first two days when there is likely to be movement off the seam and some swing in the air, aided by the early summer conditions in London. As the match progresses, the pitch generally settles down, offering better conditions for batting, although the famous Lord’s slope can always trouble even the best. Spinners might come into play later in the game as the surface wears, but the initial days will likely be dominated by the quicks. Captains winning the toss will have to weigh the temptation of bowling first against the advantage of putting runs on the board in a high-pressure final.
Test Stats and Records at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London
- Total Matches: 147
- Matches won batting first: 53
- Matches won bowling first: 43
- Average 1st innings Score: 310
- Average 2nd innings Score: 299
- Average 3rd innings Score: 256
- Average 4th innings Score: 157
- Highest total recorded: 601/5 (156.3 Overs) by Australia vs South Africa
- Lowest total recorded: 729/6 (232 Ov) by AUS vs ENG
- Lowest score defended: 38/10 (15.4 Ov) by IRE vs ENG
Head-to-head record between Australia and South Africa in Test cricket:
- Matches Played: 101
- Australia Wins: 54
- South Africa Wins: 26
- Drawn Matches: 21
- Australia’s Highest Total Against South Africa: 652/7d
- Australia’s Lowest Total Against South Africa: 47
- South Africa’s Highest Total Against Australia: 651
- South Africa’s Lowest Total Against Australia: 36
AUS vs SA: Probable playing XI of both teams for the second Test
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson
Also READ: Aaron Finch explains why Marnus Labuschagne is doubtful for the WTC Final against South Africa
