Cricket fans around the world have turned their attention to Lord’s, the hallowed home of cricket, as Australia and South Africa lock horns in the final of the World Test Championship 2025. With the coveted ICC Test mace up for grabs, Day 1 has already delivered a high-intensity contest — a blend of steely patience and early drama that defines top-tier Test cricket.
Cagey Start from the Defending Champions
Australia, defending their WTC crown, made a tentative start to their innings after being put in to bat. The opening overs were a tense affair, with South Africa’s pace attack bowling with tight discipline. Three consecutive maiden overs set the tone — a chess match of patience between bat and ball.
The pressure eventually told, as Kagiso Rabada — South Africa’s premier fast bowler — broke through with the early wicket of Usman Khawaja. The Aussie opener endured a 20-ball duck, a rare failure for the usually reliable left-hander. Rabada’s precision and persistence paid off, giving South Africa the early momentum they were seeking.
South Africa’s Relentless Rise
The Proteas have carried with them the form of champions in waiting. Under the calm leadership of Temba Bavuma, they have enjoyed a stellar WTC campaign, winning four series and seven of their last eight Tests. Importantly, this core group has developed a habit of winning, a trait that often sets great teams apart from good ones.
Even their sole series defeat in this WTC cycle — against New Zealand — came under special circumstances, as they had sent a second-string squad. Their full-strength side, which is now on show at Lord’s, has looked hungry, focused, and determined to end South Africa’s long-standing trophy drought in global tournaments.
Team Combinations: No Surprises, Only Quality
Both teams have announced their playing XIs, and there are no major shocks. For Australia, the return of Cameron Green adds depth to both batting and bowling. His presence, alongside the lethal trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, means the Aussies have an enviable attack. With Beau Webster also in the mix, Australia looks stacked with pace options — a true embarrassment of riches.
South Africa too boasts an exciting mix. Their lineup — featuring names like Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, and the versatile Marco Jansen — is well-balanced. The dual spin pace option of Maharaj and Ngidi alongside Rabada and Jansen gives them the depth needed to tackle any surface, even one as nuanced as Lord’s.
A Battle Beyond Skills — It’s About Legacy
This final isn't just about form or talent; it's about legacy. Australia, the seasoned powerhouse, is seeking to further cement its dominance in the Test arena. The Pat Cummins-led side has shown its class over the last two years, rarely putting a foot wrong. Their ability to grind out wins under pressure has been unmatched.
But South Africa, the eternal underachievers on the world stage, have a different sort of motivation. They are playing for history. For decades, they’ve come close but faltered in big tournaments. This WTC Final offers them a shot at redemption — a chance to bury the ghosts of the past and finally lift a major ICC title.
Lord’s: The Grand Stage for Test Cricket
If there’s ever a venue befitting such a showdown, it’s Lord’s. With its historic stands, lush green outfield, and the famous slope, it has seen countless iconic cricketing moments. Now, it plays host to perhaps the most important Test of the WTC cycle.
The conditions are classic English — overcast skies, a bit of movement early on, and a pitch that promises rewards for both disciplined bowlers and stroke-making batters. It’s a proper Test wicket, and the opening exchanges suggest that every run will have to be earned.
What Lies Ahead
While Day 1 might not offer definitive answers, it can heavily influence the outcome. As the old saying goes: a Test match can’t be won on the first day, but it can certainly be lost. With Khawaja already back in the pavilion for a duck, Australia have had a shaky start. But they have the depth and experience to recover. For South Africa, the key will be to keep the pressure up, continue attacking, and not let the Aussies settle.
As play continues, expect more gripping moments. A battle of attrition, strategy, and raw skill is underway at Lord’s — the outcome could define careers and change narratives. Will Australia continue its reign at the top, or will South Africa script a fairy-tale end to a campaign that has already exceeded expectations?
One thing is certain: cricket fans are in for a treat. This is Test cricket in its purest form — high stakes, historic setting, and two evenly matched giants going toe-to-toe.