The much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final between defending champions Australia and first-time finalists South Africa is set to begin on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. A reserve day is scheduled for June 16 if significant playing time is lost due to weather or other interruptions.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Teams:
- Australia: The reigning champions, making their second WTC Final appearance.
- South Africa: Competing in their inaugural WTC Final.
Where to Watch:
- Australia: Exclusive coverage is available on Prime Video (Amazon), free for existing Prime members or via a 30-day free trial.
- India: Fans can catch the action live on the Star Sports Network and stream online through Disney+ Hotstar. Commentary will be offered in English, Hindi, and various regional languages.
Key Storylines:
- Australia: Welcomes back key players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood from injury, but faces selection challenges in their bowling attack and middle order.
- South Africa: Enters the final on a strong run of seven consecutive Test wins, with Kagiso Rabada cleared to play after a suspension and Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham returning from injury. Their squad is strong despite sending a “B-team” to New Zealand earlier in the cycle.
Head-to-Head at Lord’s:
- Australia: Has a strong recent record, remaining unbeaten in their last three Tests at Lord’s since 2015.
- South Africa: Has also enjoyed success at the venue, winning two of their last three Tests there, including a victory in 2022.
Match Outcome Rules:
- If the match ends in a draw, tie, or is abandoned, both Australia and South Africa will be declared joint winners of the WTC Final.
Officials & Ball:
- Umpires: New Zealand’s Chris Gaffaney and England’s Richard Illingworth will officiate their second consecutive WTC Final. Richard Kettleborough will be the TV umpire, and India’s Nitin Menon will serve as the fourth umpire.
- Ball: The Dukes ball will be used, consistent with previous WTC finals held in England.
Squads:
- Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
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