World Test Championship Final: All You Need to Know
Pat Cummins-led Australia will be looking to retain the mace that they claimed after defeating India in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June 2023.
On the other side, a determined South Africa aim for their first ICC trophy in over two decades, with Temba Bavuma leading the charge.
Australia lift the mace | WTC23 Final
A memorable moment for Australia as they lift their first mace after winning the World Test Championship Final against India in 2023
South Africa v Australia
Dates: June 11–15, 2025 (Reserve Day: June 16)
Venue: Lord's, London
Start Time: 10:30 AM Local Time
South Africa and Australia announced their squads for the World Test Championship Final on Monday, 13 May.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett
Scene set for epic World Test Championship Final
South Africa and Australia are ready to battle it out in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's from June 11 2025
Matches Played: 12
Wins: 8
Losses: 3
Draws: 1
Points: 100
PCT: 69.44%
The Proteas' WTC journey started with a 1-1 drawn series against India at home, before being handed a 2-0 series defeat by New Zealand.
They then travelled to the West Indies, winning 1-0, before picking up pace with 2-0 wins against both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
This meant that a thrilling two-wicket win against Pakistan at Centurion was enough to help them seal their berth in the final showdown.
They eventually went on to win the series 2-0 against Pakistan, earning their seventh consecutive Test win in this cycle, helping the Proteas qualify as the table toppers.
Also read: Five key questions for South Africa before the WTC25 Final
Matches Played: 19
Wins: 13
Losses: 4
Draws: 2
Points: 154
PCT: 67.54%
The ICC No.1 ranked Test team started their journey to the WTC Final with two Ashes wins before England's comeback to draw the series 2-2.
This was followed by a clinical clean sweep at home, winning three Tests against Pakistan. They were not able to finish the home Test summer unbeaten, dropping the second Test against the West Indies to draw 1-1 thanks to Shamar Joseph's heroics for the tourists in Brisbane.
A 2-0 sweep away from home against New Zealand followed, before Australia hosted India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
After being handed a huge defeat in the first Test, Australia hit back with three wins in the next four Tests to help them seal their spot in the Ultimate Test.
Also read: Five decisions Australia must make ahead of the WTC25 Final
The Aussies' final two Tests of the WTC 2023-25 cycle concluded with the visitors defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in the subcontinent and finishing second in the table.
South Africa: Kagiso Rabada
World No. 2-ranked bowler has been the torchbearer for the Proteas in the pace unit, with his 47 wickets in 10 Tests crucial in South Africa's run to the Final.
His three five-wicket hauls and a sizzling 19.97 average in the current WTC cycle have played a key role in the Proteas' triumphs at home as well as away.
The right-armer also enjoys English conditions, picking up 30 wickets in six Tests there, with a five-wicket haul as well to his name.
Australia: Travis Head
Australia's left-hander has taken part in all 19 assignments for Australia so far in the current cycle, amassing 1177 runs and scoring three centuries, playing a major role in Australia's road to back-to-back WTC Finals.
The eighth-ranked Test batter brings plenty of experience playing in English conditions, making 734 runs in 10 Test outings over his career.
Travis also set the WTC Final stage on fire in 2023, scoring a stunning 163 that took away the Test mace from India at the Oval. Australia would hope for their talented southpaw to repeat his heroic at Lord's.
Highlights: Travis Head deflates India with brilliant century | WTC23 Final
The highlights of Travis Head's brilliant century on day one of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India
On 15 May, ICC have unveiled a massive prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
The champions will walk away with USD $3.6 million, a significant jump from the USD $1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023 while the runners-up will earn USD $2.16 million, up from USD $800,000.
Winners: 3,600,000 USD
Runners-up: 2,160,000 USD
Several international broadcast partners have come on board to bring live and highlights coverage of the ICC World Test Championship Final to a global TV audience
India: Star Sports & Jiostar
Australia: Amazon Prime Video
South Africa: SuperSport TV
UK: Sky Sports Cricket
USA & Canada: Willow TV and Willow TV app
Caribbean & South America: ESPN Caribbean and ESPN Play Caribbean
New Zealand: Sky Sport Network
Middle East & North Africa: TSM via Nagorik TV, e&
Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports
Afghanistan: Ariana Television
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV
Singapore: StarHub
Malaysia: Astro
Hong Kong: PCCW
Pacific Islands: PNG Digicel
Rest of the World: ICC.tv ICC World Test Championship Final, 2025NewsAustraliaSouth Africa
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Cricket Council
4 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Waseem and Tryon named ICC Players of the Month for May 2025
· The UAE's Muhammad Waseem wins men's award for the second time after fine performances in both ODIs and T20Is · South Africa's Chloe Tryon wins maiden award for her all-round effort in the Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series · More about the ICC Player of the Month awards is available here . The United Arab Emirates batter Muhammad Waseem and South Africa all-rounder Chloe Tryon have been named as the ICC Men's and Women's Players of the Month for May 2025. Waseem wins the award for the second time after a string of good performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 and a home T20I series against Bangladesh. The 31-year-old scored 169 runs in five ODIs batting in the middle order and was the Player of the Series in the series against Bangladesh in Sharjah which his side won 2-1. He led the team in this T20I series and scored 54 and 82 in the first two matches opening the batting. Waseem, who also won the award in April 2024, edged all-rounders Brendon McMullen of Scotland and Milind Kumar of the United States. Tryon had a memorable tour of Sri Lanka as she scored 176 runs at a strike-rate of 131.34 in three ODIs and took six wickets in the three-team tournament in Colombo that also featured India. Tryon had scores of 67 (against India), 35 and 74 (against Sri Lanka) but the highlight was a haul of five for 34 against Sri Lanka which included a hat-trick. The West Indies captain Haley Matthews and India batter Jemimah Rodrigues were the others shortlisted for the monthly award this time. Mohammad Waseem said: 'I am delighted to win the ICC Player of the Month award for the second time. I want to thank the ICC and all the fans who voted for me. I also want to thank all my team members and support staff as this award is as much for them as it is for me. "The month of May brought us a historic series win over Bangladesh in Sharjah. The victory indicates the growth of UAE cricket and the depth of talent in the country. The series was won due to a total team effort and what delighted me the most was the performance of the debutants and the youngsters in the squad who displayed incredible passion and heart. "Our aim is now to continue our progress and not only compete but beat bigger teams and make our presence felt in major international events. I am sure that with the current lot of players, UAE cricket will continue to thrive and prosper. I would also want to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for their support and backing. "At an individual level, my aim would be to work even harder, to stay consistent and to play according to the demands of modern day T20 game for the benefit of our team." Chloe Tryon said: 'I probably didn't expect this award, but I see it as a great achievement. I've been trying to find consistency for a while, so I'm happy that it finally came together in Sri Lanka. 'Hopefully, I can build on those performances and help the team through the big year ahead. We've got a World Cup at the end of the year, so I'm hoping to continue being consistent for the team. 'I am really happy at my five-wicket effort and the hat-trick. I was pretty tired most of the time, but I'm happy to have achieved that. You always want to add those milestones to your memories as a cricketer. I'm glad I finally got to tick that off my list. It's still a bit of a blur, to be honest. I think the team carried me throughout that day. I was a little bit sick, so that didn't really help much. 'But everything came together, and I'm just really happy that I could perform and help the team win.' Both players were crowned following a vote conducted among global fans registered at and a specialist panel comprising former international players and media representatives. Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite cricketers across all formats of international cricket in the ICC Player of the Month awards by registering at The media release announcing the shortlist with more detail on other shortlisted players and the complete specialist selection panel is available here. ENDS
Int'l Cricket Council
5 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
ICC Men's Player of the Month for May 2025 revealed
Speaking on his victory, 'I am delighted to win the ICC Player of the Month award for the second time. I want to thank the ICC and all the fans who voted for me. I also want to thank all my team members and support staff as this award is as much for them as it is for me. "The month of May brought us a historic series win over Bangladesh in Sharjah. The victory indicates the growth of UAE cricket and the depth of talent in the country. The series was won due to a total team effort and what delighted me the most was the performance of the debutants and the youngsters in the squad who displayed incredible passion and heart. "Our aim is now to continue our progress and not only compete but beat bigger teams and make our presence felt in major international events. I am sure that with the current lot of players, UAE cricket will continue to thrive and prosper. I would also want to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for their support and backing. "At an individual level, my aim would be to work even harder, to stay consistent and to play according to the demands of the modern day T20 game for the benefit of our team."
Int'l Cricket Council
7 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Labuschagne: Test cricket ‘in a great place' ahead of showpiece at Lord's
Marnus Labuschagne believes Test cricket is in a 'great place' ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final as his Australia side bid to defend their crown. The 30-year-old was part of the XI which defeated India by 209 runs at The Oval in 2023 to lift the trophy for the first time. They now take on South Africa, the country of Labuschagne's birth, at the conclusion of the third edition of a competition the batter feels has helped reinvigorate the game's oldest format. 'It is an exciting tournament,' he said. 'It means every Test you play has something on it, it brings all the countries into play, and anyone can make the final. 'It's exciting to play in, you're playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle. I think it has worked great. Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome. 'I'm looking at it from a player's perspective and it looks like the game is in a great place. 'Every time Test cricket is on, people want to watch it. India, Australia and England are probably carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket, but we really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket.' Labuschagne has been a lock-in as part of Australia's top order since becoming Test cricket's first-ever concussion substitute at Lord's, the venue for the upcoming final, in the 2019 Ashes. After 14 Tests, his average stood at 63.43 and he spent six months as the world's top-ranked Test batter from December 2021. But runs have been harder to come by in recent times and he averages 28.33 in the current WTC cycle, with just one century. He made valuable contributions against India in the Australian summer, however, with scores of 64 in Adelaide and 70 and 72 in Melbourne, and has been acclimatising to British conditions during his latest stint with Glamorgan, which has become something of a second home. 'I love playing with the guys here, they are close friends, and I love the environment at the club,' he said. 'The benefit of having a relationship with the club for six years is that you have the perks of being able to call the director of cricket and say: 'this is what it looks like, is there a chance we can line this up'. 'Without that relationship, there might be some hesitancy, or you might not get someone in for two games. But that's the benefit of the long-term commitment I have shown over the last six years.' Labuschagne is not the only Australian impressing in the County Championship, with fit-again Cameron Green among the runs for Gloucestershire and all-rounder Beau Webster impressing with Warwickshire. 'I spoke to Greeny last week, he's going well,' Labuschagne said. 'I think he's just enjoying being back playing and being able to be on the park after being out for as long as he was. 'I haven't spoken too much to Beau but I'm sure we will reunite in the next week or so, get back on the golf course and have a bit of chat before we get ready for the final. 'It (county cricket) just stands you in good stead as you are out playing games, you are in that competitive mindset, and you get yourself in that headspace again. 'In a one-off game, to pull all that together and get it right in the first innings can feel like a lot to do. I personally prefer it to get a bit of preparation time in before a big game like this.' Green's return to fitness and form has given Australia's selectors a dilemma as to the make-up of their batting order, with speculation Labuschagne may be moved up to open from his usual spot at number three. Teenage opener Sam Konstas, who made a 52-ball half-century on debut against India in December, is also part of the travelling squad and Labuschagne is excited to see how the latest cab off the Australian rank develops. 'He is a very talented player, and we haven't seen the best of him by any stretch of the imagination,' he said. 'He's got time, and he is someone we are investing in. You can't ever predict what the future holds but he is a very good player who will have a very good career.' Australia last faced South Africa in a Test series in 2022-23, with the hosts running out 2-0 winners Down Under. The latest instalment has silverware on the line and Labuschagne is determined to leave London with his hands on it. 'South Africa have been a very good team in this cycle, on paper it's a well-balanced side and they have some really nice players,' he said. 'It will be a good challenge for us, and we are going to have to be on our game. 'Playing at Lord's is always special with the history and what is involved with playing there. It's going to be an awesome week and another great match.' ENDS
