The stage is set at Lord’s for the 2025 World Test Championship final as reigning champions Australia lock horns with South Africa in what promises to be a gripping encounter.
Australia’s lineup, revealed by captain Pat Cummins, matches exactly what Australian legend Ricky Ponting predicted last month on The ICC Review. Meanwhile, South Africa enters its maiden WTC final with a balanced squad led by Temba Bavuma, showcasing a blend of youth and experience.
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Both teams have carefully picked their XIs, aiming to leverage their strengths on one of cricket’s most iconic grounds. The battle at Lord’s is more than just a final, it’s a test of depth, strategy, and nerves for two of the world’s best Test sides.
Australia and South Africa announce playing XI for WTC Final at Lord’s
Australia’s decision to promote former No.1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne to open alongside Usman Khawaja adds a fresh dynamic to the top order. Josh Hazlewood edges out Scott Boland to join Cummins and Mitchell Starc in a fearsome pace attack.
All-rounder Cameron Green returns for his first Test since back surgery, while Beau Webster remains in the XI, offering versatility with his medium pace and spin.
Australian XI reads: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa counters with Temba Bavuma leading a well-rounded side that boasts top run-scorer Ryan Rickelton in the WTC cycle.
Bavuma has backed young all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to thrive under pressure, saying: “Mulder is quite young in that position. But I think having played with Mulder, having seen him and the way he has grown in the last two years within the red-ball format. It’s about giving him a lot more confidence, keep backing him and just allowing him to do what he does best. He has an opportunity in a pressure situation, but I think he can take comfort from the fact that the guys are backing him. We just want him to play his game.”
South Africa’s spin department relies on Keshav Maharaj, supported by a pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi.
South Africa XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.