The World Test Championship 2025 final match is electrifying and unfolding between South Africa and Australia. On Wednesday, June 11th, the riveting first day kicks off at the historic ground of Lord's - the heartland of cricket.
South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and confidently put the Australian team to bat first. However, Australia's innings crumbled quickly, folding at a total of 212 runs. Kagiso Rabada was the star, securing 5 wickets, while both Bavuma and Smith compiled half-centuries. When South Africa emerged to bat in their first innings, they too faltered early. The very first over shook them as Markram was dismissed immediately. Mulder and Rickelton now hold the fort, with South Africa standing at 1-1.
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Australia's Troubling Start
In the gripping WTC final, Australia won the toss, opting to bat. The Australian side quickly found themselves in a dire situation. Usman Khawaja, facing 19 deliveries without scoring, was snared by Kagiso Rabada and caught by David Bedingham at slip. Khawaja's exit occurred on the third ball of the seventh over. Then, on the very last ball of the same over, Cameron Green was enticed into a snare, offering a catch to Aiden Markram for just 4 runs in a saga initiated by Rabada's final ball. A promising partnership followed between Labuschagne and Smith, collecting 30 valuable runs. Yet, it was Yanshan who showed Labuschagne the pavilion's door after a 17-run outing, and he notably dismissed Travis Head thereafter. Markram further removed Steve Smith, while Maharaj escorted Alex Carey back. Rabada then sealed Pat Cummins' fate in the next over, wrapping up Australia's innings at a mere 212.
Wicket Progression:
1-12 (Usman Khawaja, 6.3 overs), 2-16 (Cameron Green, 6.6 overs), 46-3 (Labuschagne, 18), 67-4 (Travis Head, 23.2), Steve Smith (42), Alex Carey (51), Pat Cummins (53), Webster (55), Lyon (57), Mitchell Starc (59)
The thrilling WTC final debuts at Lord's, destined until June 15th, and includes a reserve day. Both Australia and South Africa announced their playing elevens by June 10th. In historical context, Australia triumphed over South Africa at Lord's 113 years back, securing a win by ten wickets.
Head-to-Head: South Africa vs Australia
A total of 101 Test matches have been contested between Australia and South Africa. Australia emerged victorious in 54 of these, while South Africa clinched 26 wins. The remaining 21 ended in a draw.
When Australia and South Africa Played Neutral Tests
Australia and South Africa have played three neutral Test matches, all in 1912. Among these, Australia claimed victories in Manchester and at Lord's, with the Nottingham match ending in a draw. Australia's footprint at Lord's, including 40 Tests, encompasses 18 wins, 7 losses, and 15 draws. Meanwhile, South Africa competed in 18 Tests at the venue, celebrating 6 victories, enduring 8 losses, and drawing 4 times.
South Africa's Playing XI for the WTC Final:
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia's Playing XI for the WTC Final:
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
