As the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final approaches at Lord’s from June 11–15, both South Africa and Australia have released their playing XIs a day before the summit contest. The finals at cricket’s “Home of Cricket” not only bring in front previous grandeur against the budding aspirations, but also revive a century-old rivalry first played here in 1912.
Australia Banks Experience and Form
Defending titleholders Australia, under Pat Cummins, have selected a strong, well-balanced lineup with experienced veterans and form men. Usman Khawaja will open with Marnus Labuschagne, who has been elevated to ensure solidity early on. Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Cameron Green come in the middle order, while Beau Webster has been given a surprise opportunity at No. 6. Alex Carey will be responsible for wicketkeeping.
The bowling lineup includes the tested pace bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon being the only frontline spinner. Australia’s XI confirmed: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Proteas Field a Well-Rounded Lineup
Temba Bavuma’s South Africa have followed a combination of youth and experience. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton will share the opening responsibilities, with Wiaan Mulder back at No. 3. The captain will stabilize the middle order with him, along with youngsters Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham. Kyle Verreynne will wear the gloves, providing solidity in the lower-middle order.
Their pace-led bowling attack comprises Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and the consistently reliable Kagiso Rabada, while Keshav Maharaj is at the helm of spin. South Africa’s official XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Build-Up Tension and Historical Context for WTC 2025 Final
Australia eyes consecutive WTC titles their 2023 win at The Oval serving as confident precedent. For South Africa, this marks a debut in the event’s final, and a chance to end a 27 year wait for an ICC trophy since 1998.
The game revives a vintage Lord’s feud that began in 1912, when Australia dominated the Triangular Tournament. This year’s encounter not only determines a champion but may redefine the future of red ball cricket especially for the Proteas, in the hopes that this victory will ignite a generation.
With lineups decided, strategic bravado now awaits. Cummins’ battle-hardened crew is ready, as Bavuma’s green-froged tourists arrive determined to shatter history. The setting awaits a high-stakes confrontation under Lord’s lights cricket’s ultimate proving ground for resolve and glory.
