Road To The WTC Final 2025: South Africa And Australia

 

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's will pit Australia against South Africa following two years of intense Test cricket contests. During the June 11–15, 2025, championship game, both teams had taken somewhat distinct routes to reach the final.

Australia is the defending champion of the WTC 2021-23 cycle by beat India. The other side of South Africa reached the WTC final first time. 

World Test Championship 2025 Final winners get USD “3.6 Millions” Prize Money with the trophy. 

WTC 2023-25 Series Result

Australia:

Points Table:  

With a percentage points (PCT) of 68.5%, Australia led the WTC table and only lost three Test matches during the cycle.

Aganist	Home/Away	Series Result
England	Away	W-2, L-2, D-1
Pakistan	Home	W-3, L-0, D-0
West Indies	Home	W-1, L-1, D-0
New Zealand	Away	W-2, L-0, D-0
India	Home	W-3, L-1, D-1
Sri Lanka	Away	W-2, L-0, D-0

Key Players:

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon dominated with the ball, while Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne spearheaded the batting.

Steve Smith's 2023 century at The Oval marked a sea change in their cycle and strengthened his reputation for big matches.

Strength:

• A flexible bowling attack for any situation

• seasoned core with a track record of winning matches

• Under the direction of Pat Cummins, strategic understanding

South Africa:

Points Table:  

With a PCT of 61.1%, South Africa advanced to the second round, defeating India on the road in Sri Lanka.

Aganist	Home/Away	Series Result
India	Home	W-1, L-1, D-0
New Zealand	Away	W-0, L-2, D-0
West Indies	Away	W-1, L-0, D-1
Bangladesh	Away	W-2, L-0, D-0
Sri Lanka	Home	W-2, L-0, D-0
Pakistan	Home	W-2, L-0, D-0

Key Players:

With Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi at his sides, Kagiso Rabada took the lead. While Temba Bavuma provided leadership calm, Aiden Markram and Kyle Verreynne brought unity at the bat.

Strength:

• furious pace attack when the swing is in motion

• Recent performance and desire to remove the label of "chokers"

• Less pressure and an advantage