London: Australia will look to retain their World Test Championship (WTC) crown when they face South Africa in a much-anticipated final at Lord’s, starting Wednesday.
Both sides are returning to the red-ball format after months dominated by white-ball cricket, and preparations have been far from ideal.
Australia last played a Test in February, sealing their spot in the final with a win over Sri Lanka in Galle. South Africa booked their maiden WTC final appearance after a home victory over Pakistan in January, capping a run of seven straight Test wins.
However, critics, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, have questioned the quality of South Africa’s campaign, citing their absence of fixtures against top-tier sides like Australia and England.
Despite the criticism, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad called the match “the biggest thing in this team’s existence,” underlining its significance for a side eager to prove their red-ball credentials.
Australia are all set to defend their prestigious World Test Championship title against first-time finalists South Africa at Lord’s 👊🤩#WTC25 #WTCFinal
Details for the blockbuster contest ➡ https://t.co/Vkw8u3mpa6 pic.twitter.com/L0BMYWSxNZ
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2025
Australia, meanwhile, are fine-tuning their squad during practice sessions in Beckenham. A key selection decision looms between Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood to join captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon in the bowling attack.
All-rounder Cameron Green is expected to return at No. 3, pushing Marnus Labuschagne to open alongside Usman Khawaja, with Steve Smith set to bat at No. 4.
South Africa’s build-up was hampered by a rain-affected warm-up against Zimbabwe, but the Proteas will lean heavily on a strong pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, returning from a one-month suspension.
Australia triumphed in the previous WTC final against India in 2023. With contrasting journeys and much at stake, this final at Lord’s promises a riveting contest between a defending champion and a determined challenger aiming to silence its critics.
