It is time for the largest collision in the most sacred form of cricket. From June 11th, the World Championship finals will appear on the sacred lawn of Lord as a duel between the ruling Australia champions and the South African side of hunger for history.
For Australia, serial conquerors of sport, it is about decorating their heritage with another jewel. Under the Pat Cummins command from steel, they try to step further on their march to be etiped among all the giants. They are looking for a victory defining Era.
It is something completely different for the Towards of Bavum and his husband. It is a performance from long shadows and to the sun. It is about getting rid of the coat of the heart break and accepting a dream for 27 years in waiting. It is about whispering to the world and screaming at yourself: this cap still matters. This fight still means everything in the traditional format of the game that fights for a better future.
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Australia will arrive after the dismantling of long -term rivals of India 3-1 in the wild home summer. 19 matches were played. 13 won. No questions!
Happy story for South Africa?
South Africa, Meanwhile They find themselves here for the first time, at the top of the point tableBut under the microscope. “No one got here,” the critics murmured. South Africa, however, did not answer in words. They want to let the gentleman’s score talk.
In the heart of their struggle for recognition stands Bavuma. The first black African led Proteas in tests. He stands on the edge of what none of his nation had done before: lifting the main global cricket trophies. Protea are symbols of the test world that exists in bright lights and three large lights. Bavum and South Africa are looking for one happy chapter in their story, which is full of heart breaks, durability and hope.
“I think it would be strange,” Bavuma said on the eve of the competition when he asked if he visualized in a few days.
“I think I said it is a career, it is the pinnacle of my career. I think it would be nice to be part of this story. I think my story is a lot of moments of resistance, moments of great determination, all the types of things. And I think it would be nice if it was backed up,” he added.
Despite their tradition, South Africa played only 12 tests in this WTC cycle – the smallest of the nine best. While India, Australia and England Walled through a series of five matches and headings, South Africa often follows from the wings.
But consider it: For the first time in nearly three years, the final men’s cricket will not represent India. This is an unknown territory. Another script. New protagonists, new bets and a chance to play beyond the familiar boundaries of power.
Australia starts as popular
Emotions aside, South Africa certainly starts like underdogs. Their platoon is filled with talent, but the batsman lacks experience-especially in large phases. Captain Bavum, who has an average of 60 in this WTC cycle, will have to lead a young group of dough. Like Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder, they showed up promising, but the big question remains: can they add to everyone?
Australia, on the other hand, has a bat unit built on the classroom and a temperament of a big match. Although they have a temporary opening pair, they are strengthened by the return of Cameron Green-Vysoko rated versatile. Steve Smith prosper on great occasions. He loves the Lord. Likewise, Travis Head, Hero Final 2023 WTC.
But it is in the battle of bowling attacks that things look much evenly. Australia has the dreaded trio Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. South Africa, however, are no Pushovers. Their attack led by experienced Kagis Rabada includes Marco Jansen’s skill, Lungi Ngidi aggression, Mulder control and Keshava Maharaje’s rotation – units capable of testing the best Australian.
Team News: WTC Final 2025
Both teams named their XIS on the eve of the finals. The South African choice had no big surprises, while Lungi Ngidi favored Dane Paterson for his experience.
Australia has decided on Marnus Labuschagne, despite its bad form, as an opener next to usman Khawaja. Sam Constas, a young Livewire that impressed India was omitted. Cameron Green returns to BAT on No. 3, while the medium -winging versatile Beau Webster was also included to strengthen bowling options. Australia decided to stick to Josh Hazlewood, despite his recent history of injury and skip the consistent Scott Boland.
Australia plays XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa plays XI: Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Mahaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Pitch and Conditions: Lord’s, London
No party is very familiar with playing in London this time of year. It was a dry beginning of the English summer and the gentleman’s playground also looks dry – something that both teams have recognized.
There will be runs and at the beginning of fast pitching will help. However, the decisive factor could be how much the surface will start to help spinners later in the match. Both sides have a front line and several partial timers that can contribute if necessary.
South Africa is used to using the ball Dukes, but Australia has a skill and depth to speak Red Cherry.
Players who will look
Marnus Labuschagne: Temba Bavum pointed to a temporary opening couple as a potential weakness. Khawaja fought for a form and Labuschagne is in the middle of a slim spots. He only only 29.13 on this cycle and has only fifty of The Champions Trophy has only fifty in four first -class matches. However, he is not a foreign pressure – especially for the Lord.
Steve Smith: Back to No. 4 and one of his favorite reasons will lead the Smith unit with several question marks. Australia will need him to anchor shifts if the highest order fits against a new ball. Smith’s ability to absorb pressure will be essential for setting a large score.
Kagiso Rabada: Captain Bavum confirmed that both Rabada and the team moved from controversy for bans on the drugs of Rychly Bowler. Rabada, who took 13 goals on an average of 19 in Lord’s, will eagerly let the dick ball speak. As far as it goes, it could be a difference.
Temba Bavuma: South Africa will look for its captain for peace and consistency. In a line -up full of young talents, such as Rickelton and Stubbs, the Bavum will have to play an anchoring role, lead its side patience and Pois through the heights and minima finals.
Forecast: WTC finals 2025
South Africa leaves everything on the playground by the Lord in the coming days. But Australia, with their depth, experience and firepower, just looks too strong. They are ready to script another chapter in their heritage as the first team to successfully defend the crown of the World Championship.
Published:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
June 11, 2025
