🏏Cricket World Test Championship Final Preview: Best Bets and Expected Team Lineups🏆
World Test Championship Final 2025 - All You Need to Know
What is it?
The ICC World Test Championship is an ongoing international cricket tournament of Test Cricket which is the third edition of the ICC World Test Championship. The tournament consists of 69 matches played between nine teams across 27 series in the league stage. The top two teams in the points table at the end of the league stage will compete at the final at Lord's, London. Each team plays six series, three at home and three away, with each series containing two to five Test matches.
The points system remains unchanged from the previous edition. A team that falls behind the required over rate at the end of a match would have one point deducted for each over it is behind. As in the previous edition, the teams are ranked in the league table based on a percentage of total points won out of contested points.
The 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship started in June 2023 with the Ashes, which was contested between England and Australia, and is scheduled to finish in June 2025 with the final match to be played between South Africa (who finished first) and Australia (who finished second) at Lord's, England.
Tale of the Tape
South Africa and Australia have had contrasting journeys to the WTC Final. While the Proteas have been the table-toppers with 8 wins and 3 losses, the Aussies have finished second with 13 wins and 4 losses. The battle between the world's best bowler (Rabada) and the world's best batter (Smith) promises to be a tantalizing subplot.
Match Details:
- Teams: South Africa vs Australia
- Dates: June 11-15, 2025 (Reserve Day: June 16)
- Venue: Lord's, London
- Start Time: 10:00am (Local Time)
Australia's Expected Lineup:
- Openers: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas (or Marnus Labuschagne)
- No. 3: Cameron Green
- No. 4: Steve Smith
- No. 5: Travis Head
- No. 6: Beau Webster
- Wicketkeeper (7): Alex Carey
- Bowlers (8-11): Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa's Expected Lineup:
- Openers: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton
- No. 3: Tony de Zorzi
- No. 4: Temba Bavuma (c)
- No. 5: Tristan Stubbs
- No. 6: David Bedingham
- Wicketkeeper (7): Kyle Verreynne
- Bowlers (8-11): Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
*Numbers indicate position in batting order
Superstar players to watch!
Travis Head, Aus
Travis Head has been the backbone of Australia's batting lineup in the current WTC cycle. The left-handed batter has amassed 1,177 runs in 19 matches, including three centuries. His experience of playing in English conditions, where he has scored 734 runs in 10 Tests, makes him a key player for the Aussies. Head was also the star of the 2023 WTC Final, scoring a match-winning 163 that helped Australia clinch the title.
Steve Smith, AUS
Veteran Steve Smith continues to be a thorn in the opposition's side. The former Australian captain has scored 1,032 runs in the current WTC cycle, further cementing his reputation as one of the best Test batters of his generation. Smith's ability to adapt to different conditions and his hunger for big scores make him a prized wicket for the South Africans.
Pat Cummins, AUS
Australian skipper Pat Cummins has led his team with distinction, both with the ball and in the field. The world's top-ranked Test bowler has been a consistent performer, picking up 47 wickets at an average of 22.44. Cummins' ability to extract bounce and movement, coupled with his tactical acumen, will be crucial in the battle against the resilient South African batting lineup.
Kagiso Rabada, RSA
South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been the driving force behind their journey to the WTC Final. The 28-year-old has taken 47 wickets at an impressive average of 19.97, including three five-wicket hauls. Rabada's ability to extract pace and bounce, coupled with his skill in moving the ball both ways, makes him a formidable proposition for the Australian batters.
Temba Bavuma, RSA
Temba Bavuma has been the heart and soul of the South African team. The diminutive captain has led from the front, scoring 711 runs in the current WTC cycle. Bavuma's calm demeanor and ability to weather tough spells have been crucial in the Proteas' success. His leadership and inspirational performances will be vital as South Africa aim to end their long wait for an ICC trophy.
Aiden Markram, RSA
Aiden Markram has emerged as one of the most promising talents in world cricket. The top-order batter has scored 859 runs in the WTC cycle, including three centuries. Markram's ability to provide solid starts and his growing maturity will be crucial in the high-stakes final against Australia.
Best Bets
- Australia to win @ $1.35
- Cameron Green to be the Top Match Batsman @ $7.50
👉 Got your picks ready? Sign up and lock in your WTC bets here!
Odds are accurate as of 1am UTC, 6th June 2025
Our Prediction
Australia, the defending champions, are the slight favorites to retain the mace. Their well-rounded squad, led by the inspirational Pat Cummins, should have the edge over the determined South African unit. We predict a hard-fought victory for the Aussies, with Cameron Green emerging as the Man of the Match for his all-round impact.