The ICC WTC Final 2025 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cricketing events of the year. As the culmination of a two-year-long journey of high-quality red-ball cricket, this final match brings together the top two Test teams in the world to determine the true champions of the longest and most traditional format of the game.
Following a fiercely contested cycle of matches played across various conditions and continents, Australia and South Africa have earned their place in this ultimate showdown. Fans from across the globe are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a gripping and competitive Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
ICC WTC Final 2025: The Battle for Test Supremacy
Test cricket continues to hold a special place in the hearts of purists and modern fans alike. Unlike the shorter formats, the World Test Championship (WTC) is built around endurance, skill, mental toughness, and strategy over five days. The ICC WTC Final 2025 brings together two cricketing powerhouses with rich histories, elite players, and passionate followings.
This clash is not just a match — it’s a celebration of cricket’s oldest format, where every session matters and momentum can shift dramatically.
ICC WTC Final 2025 Squads
Australia Squad
- Captain: Pat Cummins
- Players: Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
- Travelling Reserve: Brendan Doggett
Australia enters the final with a highly experienced and settled squad. With key players like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc in form, the team appears well-rounded in both batting and bowling departments. The return of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood from injury further boosts their firepower.
South Africa Squad
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Players: David Bedingham, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk)
South Africa’s squad features a mix of young talent and experienced campaigners. While players like Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen bring proven ability, others like Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton will be eager to leave their mark on the big stage. The squad also sees a return to fitness for key batters Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham, both of whom recovered in time for the final.
Team News: Injury & Suspension Updates
Ahead of the final, both teams have received significant boosts:
- Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play after serving a suspension.
- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have both returned from injury and are expected to feature in the playing XI.
- Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham have recovered from recent injuries and add much-needed stability to South Africa’s batting lineup.
These updates are likely to influence team strategies and final squad selections.
ICC WTC Final 2025 Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
The legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in London is set to host the final. Known as the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s offers unique playing conditions that can test the adaptability and skill of even the best international teams.
Pitch & Conditions:
- The surface traditionally favors seam and swing bowlers, especially during the early sessions of the match.
- Spinners tend to come into play on Day 4 and Day 5 as the pitch wears out.
- The ground has a 2.5-meter slope, which influences both bowling trajectories and batting footwork.
- Weather is expected to be cool and overcast in the mornings, which may help fast bowlers extract movement. Intermittent rain interruptions are possible, which could affect match timing and rhythm.
Australia’s pace attack, led by Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, will be particularly lethal under these conditions, while South Africa’s Rabada, Ngidi, and Jansen can also make use of the swing-friendly atmosphere.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win ICC WTC Final 2025?
Australia: The Clear Favorites
Australia comes into the final with a much more balanced and experienced squad. With multiple match-winners in their ranks and consistent performances across the Test Championship cycle, they look well-positioned to dominate. The presence of big-game players like Steve Smith, Labuschagne, and Cummins, combined with their recent form, makes them the team to beat.
South Africa: The Challengers
While South Africa has shown flashes of brilliance in this WTC cycle, their inconsistency and over-reliance on a few key players may hurt them in a high-pressure final. Rabada’s recent form has been patchy, and their batting lineup still looks vulnerable against top-quality pace attacks. However, if their young players like Bedingham, Jansen, and Verreynne click, they could surprise everyone.
Final Verdict
If recent momentum, team depth, and player form are any indicators, Australia are the clear favorites to win the ICC WTC Final 2025. Their strong pace attack, experienced top order, and the return of key players from injury all give them the edge. South Africa will need a near-perfect performance across all five days to pull off an upset.
That said, this is Test cricket – the format where anything can happen. A strong first innings, a standout performance, or even a weather interruption could change the course of the match. Either way, fans can expect a classic Test match with plenty of drama, skill, and intensity.
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