Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, the team has not played a Test since their victory against Sri Lanka in Galle, which secured their spot in the WTC final.
South Africa confirmed their place in this matchup after defeating Pakistan at home in January. This marks their first appearance in a WTC final since the tournament’s inception in 2019. They’ve clinched victory in their last seven matches, although they haven’t faced top-tier teams like Australia or England during this streak.
The #WTC25 Final starts today ????
Who’s taking home the mace?
How to watch ???? pic.twitter.com/hfSjX8HeJE
— ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2025
Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted that they reached the final “on the back of beating pretty much nobody,” pointing out the unbalanced test schedule that favors Australia, England, and India, while South Africa opts for more lucrative limited-overs formats.
However, a surprising win from South Africa could alter perceptions.
“It’s the biggest event in this team’s history. It’s crucial for South African cricket right now,” remarked coach Shukri Conrad.
Australia has been prepping with training sessions in Beckenham, Kent, as they consider their selection choices.
They need to decide between Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood to complement skipper Pat Cummins, left-arm bowler Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon in their attack.
Changes to the batting lineup are anticipated, with Cameron Green making his return after more than a year. He is expected to bat third, with Marnus Labuschagne opening alongside Usman Khawaja, while Steve Smith comes in at No. 4.
South Africa’s scheduled four-day practice match against Zimbabwe at Arundel last week was largely rained out, but it hinted at Wiaan Mulder moving up to No. 3 in a batting order that has faced inconsistency over the past two years.
Much of their hopes rest on an aggressive bowling lineup featuring Kagiso Rabada, who returns after serving a one-month suspension for recreational drug use.
Australia claimed victory in the last WTC final by defeating India at The Oval two years ago, while New Zealand were the inaugural champions in 2021.
Predicted Playing XI
South Africa playing XI: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Australia Squad: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch
Pitch Report
The pitch at Lord’s has a slight slope that can create awkward bounce if bowlers maintain the right lengths. Successfully navigating this will be crucial for any team aiming to maneuver around the surface. The average score for the first innings at Lord’s is 310, while the second innings averages 299.
Weather Report
On the first day of the Test match, there will be a 5-20% chance of rain throughout the three sessions. Temperatures are expected to be cool, remaining in the sub-20°C range, hinting at the possibility of a curtailed day.
Predicted Winners
The match will showcase Australia’s remarkable winning mentality in major finals against South Africa’s historical struggle to hold the ground under pressure. In that respect, the Cummins-led team appears to be the strong favorites to secure the championship.
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast and live-streamed on the Star Sports Network and the JioHotstar application simultaneously.
(With AP inputs)
