The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 ended with the WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s, starting June 11. Defending world Test champions Australia failed to retain their title, losing to South Africa in the final by 5 wickets. This was South Africa’s first ICC title in 27 years.
Latest News on WTC Final
Match Details
- Date: June 11-15, 2025
- Reserve Day: June 16
- Time: 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST)
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Team Overviews and Squads
Australia: The Defending Champions
Led by Pat Cummins, Australia enter the WTC Final 2025 as defending champions, having clinched the title in 2023 against India. With a WTC points percentage (PCT) of 67.54, the Aussies qualified after beating India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their batting lineup boasts stalwarts like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, while the return of all-rounder Cameron Green from injury strengthens their balance. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, is a formidable unit.
Australia squad for WTC Final 2025
Batters
Wicketkeepers
All-rounders
Bowlers
South Africa: The Challengers
Temba Bavuma leads South Africa into their maiden WTC Final, a historic milestone for the Proteas. With a PCT of 69.44, they topped the WTC standings through consistent performances. Their squad combines seasoned players like Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada (cleared after a suspension) with young stars like Tristan Stubbs and Kwena Maphaka. The pace trio of Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will challenge Australia’s batsmen, while Bavuma’s leadership and Markram’s form at the top will be crucial.
South Africa squad for WTC Final 2025
Batters
Wicketkeepers
All-rounders
Bowlers
Players to watch out for
The WTC Final 2025 will hinge on standout performances from both sides. Here are the players likely to shape the Australia vs South Africa final:
- Steve Smith (Australia): Known for his clutch performances, Smith’s ability to anchor innings will be vital.
- Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): His consistency and technique make him a cornerstone of Australia’s batting.
- Pat Cummins (Australia): As captain and lead bowler, Cummins’ all-round impact could tilt the AUS vs SA contest.
- Aiden Markram (South Africa): The opener’s aggressive starts set the tone for South Africa’s batting.
- Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): His fiery pace and wicket-taking ability will test Australia’s top order.
- Tristan Stubbs (South Africa): The young batter’s fearless approach could be a game-changer.
How to Watch and Ticket Information
Can’t make it to Lord’s? Here’s how to catch the AUS vs SA WTC Final live:
- India: Watch on Star Sports Network or stream on JioHotstar.
- Australia: Available on Amazon Prime.
- South Africa: Tune into SuperSport for live coverage.
For those eyeing the live experience, tickets for the WTC Final 2025 went on general sale on January 31, 2025, via worldtestchampionship.com. Prices start at £45 for adults and £15 for Under-16s, with premium packages at £349 + VAT. Note that tickets for Days 1–4 are sold out, so act fast for Day 5 or the reserve day. Hospitality packages are also available for a premium experience at Lord’s.
WTC Final Winners
Below is a table listing the winners and runners-up of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Finals from 2019 to 2025, based on available information:
| Cycle | Winner | Runner-Up | Venue | Player of the Match | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | New Zealand | India | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | Kyle Jamieson | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 2021–2023 | Australia | India | The Oval, London | Travis Head | Australia won by 209 runs |
| 2023–2025 | TBD | TBD | Lord’s, London | TBD | TBD (Australia vs South Africa) |
- The inaugural WTC Final (2019–2021) saw New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, defeat India by 8 wickets, with Kyle Jamieson earning Player of the Match for his crucial wickets.
- In 2023, Australia, under Pat Cummins, won their first WTC title, beating India by 209 runs at The Oval, with Travis Head’s century earning him Player of the Match.
- The 2023–2025 WTC Final, scheduled for June 11–15, 2025, at Lord’s, will feature Australia vs South Africa. The winner is yet to be determined as the match has not occurred.
- If the 2025 final ends in a draw, tie, or abandonment, Australia and South Africa will be declared joint winners, with a reserve day on June 16 to minimise this possibility.
