A high-stakes clash awaits at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa gear up to face off in the World Test Championship Final from June 11. For South Africa, this isn’t just a shot at a global title—it’s a chance to end a 25-year-long wait for an ICC trophy, a drought that has haunted them since their heartbreak against Australia in the 1999 World Cup semi-final. With that painful chapter lingering in memory, the Proteas now stand on the brink of rewriting history in the longest format. Meanwhile, Australia arrive with the confidence of experience, having already lifted the WTC mace in 2023 and put in another dominant run this cycle.
Australia’s path to the final was marked by a strong start in the Ashes, followed by a clean sweep of Pakistan at home and a landmark Border Gavaskar Trophy win over India. Though a shock defeat to West Indies briefly jolted them, victories in Sri Lanka and consistent performances kept them comfortably atop the Test rankings.
South Africa, on the other hand, stumbled early with losses to India and a second-string tour of New Zealand that ended in a 0-2 defeat. But under Temba Bavuma, they bounced back with away wins in the West Indies and Bangladesh, before cruising past Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home. That final 2-0 victory against Pakistan sealed their maiden WTC final spot, setting up a fiery finale against their old rivals at the Home of Cricket.
Who won the first two WTCs?
The inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) Final took place in 2021, with New Zealand emerging as the first-ever champions. They defeated India by eight wickets in a rain-affected match at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Led by Kane Williamson, the Kiwis showcased disciplined bowling and calm batting under pressure, with Kyle Jamieson earning Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Australia clinched the second edition of the WTC in 2023, overpowering India once again—this time at The Oval in London. Pat Cummins’ side dominated across all departments, with Travis Head’s counterattacking century in the first innings setting the tone. Australia sealed a 209-run victory, becoming the second team to win the coveted Test crown.
When and where is the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa?
The ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa will be held from June 11 to June 15, 2025, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, England.
The match will start at 3:30 PM (IST), with the toss expected to take place at 3:00 PM (IST).
Australia vs South Africa, WTC Final: Playing XIs
Australia have made a few adjustments to their playing XI for the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, with skipper Pat Cummins confirming that Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting alongside Travis Head. Youngster Sam Konstas continues to miss out following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green return to the lineup after recovering from injuries that kept them out of Australia’s recent Test series.
South Africa, in contrast, have largely stuck with the core that secured a series win against Pakistan. The only change sees Lungi Ngidi return from injury, replacing Kwena Mphaka in the pace attack.
Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Where to watch WTC Final between Australia and South Africa in India?
In India, the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network. You can also stream the match live on JioHotstar app and website across multiple languages.
Australia vs South Africa, WTF Final: Record at Lord’s
Australia
- Matches Played: 40
- Won: 18
- Lost: 7
- Drawn: 15
South Africa
- Matches Played: 17
- Won: 6
- Lost: 7
- Drawn: 4
What is the head-to-head tally of Australia vs South Africa in Tests?
Across the 101 Test played between the two sides, Australia have won 54 Test, with South Africa winning 26 and 21 matches ending in a draw.
What is the prize money for the WTC winners?
The 2025 World Test Championship Final offers a record prize pool, with the winners set to earn US $3.6 million and the runners-up taking home US $2.16 million. This is a major jump from the past two finals, where the champions received $1.6 million and second place was awarded $800,000.
What is the Lord’s pitch report for the AUS vs SA, WTC Final?
Both Australia and South Africa enter the WTC Final with limited experience of playing at Lord’s in early June, making conditions somewhat unfamiliar. A dry start to the English summer means the pitch is on the drier side, potentially offering more help to spinners than usual. Traditionally, the surface aids seamers early on with the Dukes ball swinging throughout the day, but batting gets easier as play progresses.
In the last Test at the venue in September 2024, Joe Root scored a century as England beat Sri Lanka by 190 runs.
What is the weather forecast for London?
The weather for the WTC Final at Lord’s is expected to be mostly favourable, though the opening day may see some overcast conditions and rain is likely on Day 2, June 12. The following three days should bring improved playing conditions with sunshine and occasional clouds. Overall, there’s an 8–25% chance of rain during the match, with temperatures ranging between 17C and 25C.
What happens if the WTC Final is drawn, tied or called off?
The World Test Championship Final has a sixth day—June 16—set aside as a reserve day. This will only come into play if time is lost during the first five days due to weather and it cannot be recovered within the scheduled match duration. The idea is to allow enough time for a result if rain or bad light hampers play, much like what happened in the 2021 WTC Final between India and New Zealand, where Day 1 was completely washed out and the reserve day was used.
However, if the match still ends without a result—either through a draw, tie, or washout even after using the reserve day—then both Australia and South Africa will share the WTC title. The reserve day exists purely to compensate for lost playing hours and cannot be used just because a match is tied or heading toward a draw.
Where did Australia and South Africa finish in the WTC 2023-25 points table?
South Africa topped the table for the first time in history with eight wins from 12 matches and a win percentage of 69.44. Australia finished ahead of India with 13 wins in 19 matches and a win percentage of 67.
When did South Africa and Australia last win an ICC title?
South Africa won their last ICC title in men’s cricket in 1998. Australia’s last ICC title came as recently as 2023 when they lifted the ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad.
Who was the Player of the Match for Australia in their maiden WTC final win?
Australia beat India by 209 runs at the Oval in the World Test Championship final in 2023. Australia posted 469 in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head.
In response, India were bowled out for 296 despite 89 from Ajinkya Rahane and handy knocks from Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur.
Australia went on to add 270 in their second innings before bundling India out for 234 in the final innings.
Travis Head won the Player of the Match for setting the tone with his blazing 163 off 174 balls.
