Picture Credit: ICC via Getty Images
Australia and South Africa will battle it out in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s starting on Wednesday.
After two years of hard-fought cricket, both sides are eyeing the prestigious ICC red-ball title.
Defending champions Australia, led by Pat Cummins, have the chance to become the first team to retain the WTC title in its third edition. Australia clinched the last title by defeating India at The Oval in 2023.
South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, enter their first WTC final. They topped the WTC standings after winning seven of their last eight Tests.
Although new to the red-ball final, they have become consistent contenders in ICC knockout events.
South Africa will depend on David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton.
Bedingham scored 645 runs in 12 WTC 2023–25 matches, including a century against New Zealand. He also dominated in English county cricket, with a record-breaking 279 for Durham.
Rickelton hit 259 against Pakistan as a Test opener in early 2025 and won the SA20 with MI Cape Town. His consistency may help solidify his Test place in this WTC final.
Australia’s Travis Head is another key player. He scored 163 in the previous WTC final and 137 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
In the current WTC cycle, he has 1,177 runs in 19 games. Only Khawaja and Smith have scored more for Australia.
Australian skipper Cummins will look to add another ICC trophy. With 294 Test wickets, he is among Australia’s greats. He has the best average in the top 10 after Glenn McGrath.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, ranked second in the world, will lead their attack. With 327 Test wickets, he needs just three more to match Allan Donald. He has already shone at Lord’s, taking 5 for 52 against England in 2022.
The WTC final promises a thrilling contest as both teams chase red-ball glory.
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