WTC Final 2025 Preview
The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa begins at Lord’s test Cricket Ground, London, from 11–15 June 2025 . With stakes high — champions take $3.6 million, runners-up $2.16 million — this contest pits form against consistency, bombast against grit, making it a momentous clash in Test cricket history.
How both Team Reached the WTC final 2025
South Africa
- Led the standings with a 69.44% points percentage, winning 7 consecutive Tests across 12 matches
- Secured their spot despite a lighter schedule lacking series against top-ranked teams .
- Coach Shukri Conrad praised their collective strength, reminding critics that underdogs often shine brightest
Australia
- Defending WTC champions, finished slightly below South Africa at 67.54%, undefeated across 19 matches.
- Featured victories over major teams like India, Pakistan, England .
- Harbhajan Singh and experts believe their familiarity with English conditions offers them a competitive edge
Venue & Pitch Conditions in lord’s
Lord’s Test Record
- Hosts 147 Tests; teams batting first have 53 wins, compared to 43; average 4th-innings chase sits at 157.78
- Fast bowlers claim 71.9% of wickets at Lord’s, spinners 23.6% .
Pitch & Weather
- Starting with seam-friendly grass, transitioning dry and sluggish — ideal for spin by days 4–5
- Steve Smith warns footmarks may favor spin bowls
- Weather forecasts vary: clear Day 1 (~4–24 °C), Day 2 rain risk climbs to 60–65%, Day 4 dries up, and rain returns Day 5 (~25%) A reserve day (16 June) is available
Head‑to‑Head & Statistical Snapshot
- 101 Tests at Lord’s: Australia leads 54–26 with 21 draws
- WTC cycle records:
- Australia: 67.54%, undefeated
- South Africa: 69.44%, top of chart
Key stars:
- Kagiso Rabada: Lord’s bowling average of 19.38
- Steve Smith amassed 525 runs at Lord’s — second-most by an Aussie .
Australia’s Likely XI & Strength Analysis
- Players: Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, etc. .
- Bowling Attack: Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon — the proven “fab four”
- Strengths:
- Pace attack balances swing and aggression.
- Batting lineup boasts form and experience.
- Smith stressed pitch adaptability
South Africa’s Likely XI & Strengths
- Players: Bavuma, Markram, Jansen, Stubbs, Rabada, Maharaj
- Strengths:
- Powerful bowling, especially Rabada & Jansen.
- Balanced lineup featuring spin-bowling all-rounders.
- Coach Conrad emphasized physicality and strategy
Key Battles to Watch in WTC final 2025
1. Fast-bowling Showdown
- Can Australia’s trio dismantle SA top order?
- Can Rabada and Jansen respond with equal potency?
- Lord’s favors pace early — this will be decisive.
2. Spin Factor
- Smith highlighted spin’s likely dominance after Day 3 footmarks
- Lyon vs Maharaj, Labuschagne (who thrives against spin) vs Jansen’s bounce — a turning point.
Wicketkeeper Impact
- Alex Carey averages 5.13 dismissals per match in WTC
- SA’s keeper riyan rickelton needs to be sharp amid pivotal spinners’ spell.
Tactical Insights
- Toss matters: With West-African stats showing batters usually dominate first innings at Lord’s, toss-winner may hold early advantage.
- Weather adaptation: SA must aim for early breaks before rain-causing delays; Australia should extend play during rain threats.
- Form guide:
- Australia’s pacers: Cummins is the leading wicket-taker.
- Smith’s dry-weather performance and still-formidable record
- South Africa’s top-order: Bavuma’s recent form and support from Markram and Stubbs.
Conclusion
As the WTC Final 2025 kicks off, expect a storied battle of skill, strategy, and resilience. Australia bring depth, pace dominance, and Test legacy; South Africa stride in with momentum and tactical dissent. With key battles shaping early sessions — especially pace and spin duels — this Lord’s showdown promises to be a high-stakes, enthralling Test.
Stay tuned, as this clash may define the future of Test cricket’s supremacy.
read – RCB victory parade