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The cricketing world braces itself for a high-stakes battle as South Africa and Australia gear up for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s. While Australia eye a historic back-to-back title win, South Africa are fueled by a more emotional quest to end their 27-year drought for an ICC trophy.
South Africa’s WTC journey under Temba Bavuma
The Proteas’ last major international triumph came in 1998, when they won the ICC KnockOut Trophy. Since then, South Africa have repeatedly stumbled at the final hurdles of ICC events, from the heartbreaks in 1999, 2015, and 2023 World Cups to underwhelming performances in T20 tournaments. Now, in their first-ever WTC final, they have a chance to change the script.
The Proteas finished the WTC 2023-25 cycle as the top-ranked team under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, earning a points percentage (PCT) of 69.44. This consistency was built on strong home performances and competitive away results, powered by a versatile pace attack and emerging talents like Stubbs. Australia, meanwhile, booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win over India, finishing second in the table with a PCT of 67.54. They are the defending WTC champions, having beaten India in the 2023 final.
Matthew Hayden names South Africa’s X-factor for the WTC 2025 final against Australia
Adding intrigue to the clash, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has picked Tristan Stubbs as South Africa’s X-factor for the final. Speaking on Star Sports, Hayden compared Stubbs to none other than Kevin Pietersen, citing his potential to disrupt and dominate top-class bowling.
“Someone like Tristan Stubbs, I think, can be a bit of an X-factor. Similar to the way that Kevin Pietersen was in the England side against Australia, who can come out, start to dominate,” Hayden said.
At just 24 years old, Stubbs has emerged as a dynamic all-format player for South Africa, combining aggression, composure, and natural power. Despite limited experience in red-ball cricket, Hayden believes Stubbs could be the surprise package in the final. Since his Test debut against India in January 2024, Stubbs has steadily developed into a dependable batter. In nine Tests, he has scored 500 runs at an average of 41.47, including three half-centuries.
Stubbs showcased his readiness for the big stage in a recent warm-up match against Zimbabweans, where he scored a solid 58 off 120 balls in the first innings while batting at number five, a spot he has not traditionally occupied. His ability to adapt and score against the red ball gives South Africa a potential middle-order anchor who can also accelerate when required.
Also READ: James Anderson predicts the key face-off that will determine SA vs AUS 2025 WTC Final result
