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The cricketing world turns its gaze to Lord’s Cricket Ground as Australia and South Africa prepare to contest the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final from June 11 to 15, 2025. This summit clash is more than just a battle for the coveted mace, it’s a meeting of two proud cricketing traditions, each with its own compelling narrative. Australia, the defending champions, are aiming to cement their dominance in the longest format, while South Africa seek to script history by claiming their first major ICC trophy in Test cricket.
Contrasting journeys and shared ambition of Australia and South Africa to WTC 2025 final
Australia’s path to the final was marked by consistency and resilience. Under Pat Cummins, they topped the WTC standings with a points percentage of 67.54%, highlighted by a landmark 3-1 series win over India to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their campaign featured strong performances both home and away, underlining the depth and experience of their squad.
South Africa’s journey was a tale of resurgence. After a shaky start, the Proteas, led by Temba Bavuma, went on a remarkable seven-Test winning streak, notching series victories against West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Their late surge saw them finish with a 69.44% points percentage, earning their maiden WTC final berth and raising hopes of a historic triumph at Lord’s.
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Top 5 key battles to watch out for in the World Test Championship 2023-25 final
1. Kagiso Rabada vs Usman Khawaja
The contest between Kagiso Rabada and Usman Khawaja is set to be a defining early battle. Rabada, South Africa’s premier fast bowler, has been a thorn in Khawaja’s side, dismissing him five times in their ten previous Test encounters. Khawaja, Australia’s leading run-scorer in this WTC cycle with 1,422 runs, will be keen to overcome his recent struggles against high-quality pace, having fallen six times to Jasprit Bumrah during the India series. However, Khawaja’s prolific run in the 2023 Ashes in England, where he scored 496 runs, suggests he’s well-equipped for English conditions. Rabada’s ability to strike early could set the tone for the Proteas, while Khawaja’s resistance will be crucial for Australia’s top order.
2. Marco Jansen vs Steve Smith
Marco Jansen’s left-arm seam has been instrumental in South Africa’s surge, claiming 29 wickets in six Tests this cycle. His angle and bounce have troubled right-handers, who account for over 73% of his Test wickets. Standing in his way is Steve Smith, the bedrock of Australia’s batting and a proven performer in high-pressure matches. Smith, fresh off a successful tour of Sri Lanka and a century in the previous WTC final, will relish the challenge. Their head-to-head is limited, but Jansen’s ability to move the ball away from Smith’s off-stump could be pivotal, especially in English conditions where Smith averages over 55. This duel epitomizes the classic clash between emerging talent and established greatness.
3. Temba Bavuma vs Pat Cummins
Bavuma’s return to form has been central to South Africa’s campaign, amassing 609 runs from 11 innings at an average of 60.90 since his comeback. As captain, his composure and technique under pressure will be tested by Cummins, Australia’s talismanic leader and the second-highest wicket-taker in this WTC cycle with 73 wickets. Cummins’ ability to extract bounce and seam movement makes him a constant threat, and his tactical acumen adds another layer to this battle. Bavuma’s resilience against Cummins’ relentless accuracy could determine South Africa’s fortunes, especially in the crucial middle sessions.
4. Ryan Rickelton vs Mitchell Starc
Ryan Rickelton, South Africa’s emerging opener, has quickly established himself with 451 runs in six Tests, including a career-best 259 against Pakistan. Facing him will be Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pace spearhead renowned for his ability to swing the new ball at pace. Rickelton’s attacking instincts will be tested by Starc’s experience and skill, particularly in English conditions where the ball can move prodigiously. This battle at the top could dictate the momentum, with Rickelton’s ability to withstand Starc’s early burst potentially laying the foundation for a substantial South African total.
5. Tristan Stubbs & David Bedingham vs Nathan Lyon
South Africa’s middle order, featuring the aggressive Tristan Stubbs and the consistent David Bedingham (the team’s leading run-scorer in this cycle with 645 runs), faces a stern examination from Nathan Lyon. Lyon, Australia’s premier off-spinner, was instrumental in their 2023 WTC final win and remains a threat even on seamer-friendly pitches. Stubbs’ attacking flair and Bedingham’s ability to rotate strike will be crucial in countering Lyon’s guile, especially as the ball ages and conditions start to favour spin. This contest could prove decisive in the latter stages of each innings, with Lyon’s knack for breaking partnerships set against the Proteas’ ambition to accelerate.
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