Australia or SA? WTC Final Winner Prediction Inside
The World Test Championship 2025 final is nearly upon us and cricket fans all around the globe are ready for a blockbuster showdown between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s. The match will run from June 11-15 and will showcase high-stakes red-ball cricket at one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world.
While Australia will be looking to retain the title they won in 2023, South Africa will be making their first-ever appearance in a WTC Final. For the Proteas, this match is about more than just a match, they are looking to end their long-standing ICC trophy drought.
Let’s explore the head-to-head record, confirmed playing XIs, match predictions, betting odds, and pitch conditions to see which team has the advantage in this blockbuster test match.
South Africa vs Australia: Head-to-Head in Tests
Australia vs South Africa is one of the oldest rivalries in Test cricket. Since their first match in 1902, they’ve played 102 Tests:
Matches Played | Australia Won | South Africa Won | Draws |
102 | 55 | 28 | 19 |
Though Australia has a stronger record, South Africa has shown that they can rise to the occasion—particularly in overseas conditions.
Confirmed Playing XIs
Confirmed XI for Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Confirmed XI for South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi..
On paper, Australia seems to have the advantageous position with a more experienced team and being fresh from winning the WTC Final. That said, South Africa is riding a wave of momentum having not lost a Test in seven matches and they have intent.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Australia
- Strengths:
- Experience in finals and high-pressure matches
- Depth in both pace and spin attack
- Strong top-order batting
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable middle-order collapse
- Over-dependence on senior players
South Africa
- Strengths:
- Powerful pace trio: Rabada, Ngidi, and Jansen
- Emerging batting talents like Stubbs and Rickelton
- Momentum from an unbeaten Test run
- Weaknesses:
- Inexperience in ICC finals
- Slightly unsettled middle order
Pitch & Conditions at Lord’s
Lord’s Cricket Ground, with a reputation for providing balanced conditions. Here’s an idea of how the pitch may behave:
- Day 1-2: Bounce and seam for fast bowlers
- Day 3: The best day to bat, the pitch tends to flatten out a bit
- Day 4-5: Some reverse swing, occasionally going to spin as the pitch deteriorates
The weather in London in mid-June, is unpredictable at the best of times. With a few rain interruptions, this may contribute to the slowing down of momentum.
Toss and Strategy
The toss is as important as it poses the teams’ choice as to who bats first, or if any team would prefer batting first, putting a total on the board and trying to put pressure on the opposition scoreboard. Historically, the teams who participate in Test matches at Lord’s tend to have greater overall success when batting first.
Key Players to Watch
Australia:
- Steve Smith: A proven performer in England; crucial to Australia’s middle order.
- Pat Cummins: Captain and strike bowler; leads from the front.
- Usman Khawaja: His ability to weather the new ball will be vital.
- Nathan Lyon: Spin could be key in the fourth innings.
South Africa:
- Kagiso Rabada: Lethal with both old and new ball.
- Temba Bavuma: Inspirational captain and stabilizer in the middle order.
- Marco Jansen: All-rounder who can shift momentum with both bat and ball.
- Aiden Markram: Quick scoring opener who can set the tone.
Betting Odds
According to current betting trends, Australia are favourites to win:
Team | Odds |
Australia | 1.33 |
South Africa | 3.25 |
Despite these odds, South Africa’s unbeaten streak and rising stars make them strong contenders.
Expert Predictions & Match Outlook
Cricket analysts are split in their predictions:
- Australia’s Winning Chance: 55%
- South Africa’s Winning Chance: 45%
Key variables include:
- Early movement with the new ball
- Middle-order performance
- Bowling partnerships and reverse swing
Why This Final Matters
The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 is not just a Test, it is a momentous occasion to stake a claim to legacy. For Australia, it will be an opportunity to win back-to-back titles, while for South Africa it will be a chance to show they have the potential to raise the trophy by breaking barriers and setting history by winning their first ICC title for over 20 years.
This Test match will also be important in the evolution of Test cricket. It shows that the longest format of the game is still significant and it matters all over the world and it is respected.
Final Verdict
Heading to the WTC Final 2025, Australia might be considered somewhat ahead, but this is cricket—anything can happen. South Africa has the hunger, the pace and the team cohesion to cause an upset. It’s set up to be a tactical battle with plenty of plot twists, fightbacks and iconic moments.
Whether you’re on team Aussie or team Protea, one thing’s for sure, you won’t regret watching the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s, it will be a spectacle for the ages.
For WTC live coverage, in-depth match analysis and post-game analysis, keep your eyes peeled!
