Now, world cricket is ready for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, where South Africa will face the defending champions Australia at Lord's in London, starting on Wednesday (June 11). Just before the beginning of the Final, a former World Cup winner predicted the favourites. 

It is the third ICC World Test Championship Final. New Zealand won the first Final, Australia won the second Final, and India were runners-up on both occasions. While Australia are ready to defend the ICC WTC mace, South Africa are dreaming of winning their first ICC title after the ICC KnockOut Trophy 1998.  

See Also: 5 major milestones up for grabs in SA vs AUS WTC 2025 Final

Australia will come prepared: Harbhajan Singh on 2025 ICC WTC Final AUS vs SA

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, the ICC World T20 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 winner, believes that Australia are the little favourites for the Final. 

The former off-spinner said on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network, “Australia will come prepared. They’ve played a lot of cricket in England - Ashes, the last WTC Final - and that experience will count. They understand these conditions better than South Africa. Plus, they’re a champion side. The difference lies in how you handle pressure during big matches, and Aussies are masters at that. That’s why they’ve won more trophies than anyone else."

Australia didn't lose any series in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, while they drew twice and won four others, including drawing the Ashes 2023 in England and winning the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. 

Harbhajan Singh about Australian captain Pat Cummins

Harbhajan also praised the Australian captain Pat Cummins and pointed out the reason for being a very special captain for the Baggy Greens. 

Harbhajan added, “Cummins is one of those leaders who brings everyone together. More importantly, he's a proven match-winner with great command in the dressing room. When your team respects and rallies behind you, you win more matches. That’s what makes him a very special captain for Australia."

On the other hand, in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa suffered only one Test series defeat, against the hosts New Zealand, while winning four Test series and drawing the one remaining home Test series against India. Although South Africa finished the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship as the table toppers based on "percentage of points won out of points contested", they didn't play any Test series against two top Test teams, Australia and England, in this cycle.

Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed the playing XI of the men’s national team for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s in London, starting on Wednesday (June 11). 

The defending champions Australia are ready to face the first-time finalists South Africa in the third ICC World Test Championship Final, where the Baggy Greens have the chance to become the first team to win the WTC title more than once, which New Zealand and Australia have won once each. 

WTC Final 2025: South Africa announce their playing 11 ahead of AUS vs SA clash

2025 ICC World Test Championship Final (AUS vs SA): Australia Playing XI

Queensland duo Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia in the 2025 WTC Final. Cameron Green returns to Test cricket after more than a year, as he last played a Test match in March 2024, while Australia were travelling to New Zealand. Another all-rounder Beau Webster is also in the playing XI. 

Steve Smith and Travis Head are the other key batters for Australia, along with the wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. 

Aussie captain Pat Cummins is set to lead the fast bowling line-up along with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, while Nathan Lyon will take the spin bowling role.

Another strong Aussie fast bowler Scott Boland has unfortunately missed out on the 2025 WTC Final squad. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis and youngster Sam Konstas have also been left out of the playing XI. 

Australia XI for 2025 ICC WTC Final vs South Africa: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (Captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

🚨 WTC final update - Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia! pic.twitter.com/9DLJoa9GNM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 10, 2025

Australia in 2023-2025 ICC WTC

In the league stage of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa finished on top of the points table with 69.44 PCT, and Australia finished in the second position with 67.54 PCT. During the league stage, Australia didn't lose a series, while drawing the Ashes 2023 in England and winning the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has brought the promo for the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, where the top two table toppers, South Africa and Australia, will face each other from June 11 at Lord's in London.

In the video, Australian and South African players have been captured in the focus-looking ahead of the third ICC World Test Championship Final, while the Championship . It will be the first World Test Championship Final for South Africa, and they are facing the defending champions Australia, who are eyeing their second WTC title. 

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2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: South Africa eyeing their first ICC trophy after more than 26 years

South Africa men's national cricket team has only one ICC trophy, which is the ICC Champions Trophy 1998 title. They are waiting for about 27 years to win another ICC title, while their closest one in this period was the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2025 runners-up. Now, the 2023-2025 ICC World Championship points table leader have the great chance to end their long and frustrating wait for their second ICC trophy. 

2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: Australia are ready to defend

Meanwhile, Australia won the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship Mace after beating India in the Final. It was their first ICC WTC trophy, as they became the first team to win all four ICC trophies. 

Before Australia, New Zealand became the first team to win the ICC WTC title after winning the inaugural ICC WTC Final (2019-2021 edition) by beating India. 

Two teams. One dream 👑

South Africa and Australia are ready to carve their names in Lord’s history 🤩#Cricket #CricketReels #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/FgeID10JXv

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

During the league stage of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa earned 100 points after 12 Tests (PCT 69.44%) with eight wins, one draw, and three losses, and the second-placed Australia secured 154 points after 19 Tests (PCT 67.54%) with 13 wins, two draws, and four losses. 

The 30-year-old Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj completed his 100 Test wickets after picking up his only wicket in the fourth innings of the Sydney Test. 

On the third day of the Sydney Test, India set a fourth innings target of 162 runs for the hosts Australia. Although Prasidh Krishna picked up the first three wickets when the hosts were 58 runs, Australia comfortably finished the game with six wickets in hand.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja played a crucial role in guiding Australia to the comfortable chase of 162 runs to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Khawaja as the left-handed batter was caught behind for 41 off 45 balls. It was the only wicket for Siraj in the innings, which helped him to complete his 100 Test wickets in 36 matches. 

GAME ON! 🔥#MohammedSiraj picks up a timely wicket of #UsmanKhawaja against the run of play! 💪#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 3 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/Y0HloMzgeH

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025

Siraj became the 10th Indian pacer and 24th Indian bowler to pick up 100 Test wickets. While he has played all his Test matches under the ICC World Test Championship, the right-arm fast bowler became the second Indian pacer and fourth Indian bowler to record 100 wickets in the tournament history. 

See Also: Virat Kohli Reminds Everyone of the Sandpaper Gate Incident at the Sydney Test

Indian bowlers with 100 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj ended the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with 20 wickets in 10 innings with an average of 31.15 and a strike rate of 47.1. 

Most wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

It was the first time when Siraj picked up 20 wickets in a Test series. 

Mohammed Siraj’s best bowling performances in a Test series

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian cricket team's pivotal seamer, is widely considered the world's greatest all-format fast bowler. Across circumstances, spells, and oppositions, Bumrah has produced several match-winning stints, and his consistency has been remarkable.

Bumrah has found the most delight in away matches, and his record in SENA is remarkable, indicating that he possesses an exceptional cricketing talent. Currently, he holds the first spot on the ICC Test Bowlers' Ranking with a colossal 907 rating, making him the India bowler with the highest ICC rating points.

With his recent test wickets count touching an enormous 200, here we look at the top three bowling figures amongst many by Jasprit Bumrah in the red-ball format. 

In the realms of cricket, the test format has always been the one that has a chance to see the real fanatics of the game. The red-ball format does test the spectators' patience to an extent, but even with a single delivery or batting stroke, it has an enormous potential to turn the game's tables.

With the forthcoming third edition of the World Test Championship coming next year, this year's test matches have been about scalping the final two spots for the coveted ICC title. That said, here's a rewind of the best red-ball campaigners in the form of Cricket Winner Test Team of the Year 2024.

In a thrilling Test match at Centurion, South Africa defeated Pakistan by two wickets, chasing a modest target of 148 runs. The game was intense, with Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas delivering a stellar performance, taking six wickets to keep South Africa under constant pressure. Despite losing wickets at crucial moments, South Africa’s lower order, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, displayed nerves of steel to guide the team to victory.

Rabada 🔥🔥
South Africa i🇿🇦 in #wtcfinal #WTC2025 #Rabada#SAvPak pic.twitter.com/p94bLJGL5c

— Manish Singh (@Singhmanish_19) December 29, 2024

Securing a Spot in the WTC 25 Final

This victory has more significance than just a series lead—it guarantees South Africa a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, set to be held at Lord’s in June 2025. Before this series, the Proteas knew that winning one of the two Tests against Pakistan would seal their qualification. With this result, no other team can now overtake them in the WTC points table.

WTC 2025 Points Table after South Africa winning 1st test against Pakistan.#WTC2025 pic.twitter.com/b4esnMRKqJ

— 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 (@meri_mrziii) December 29, 2024

South Africa’s qualification reflects their consistent performances throughout this WTC cycle. Under the steady leadership of Temba Bavuma, the team has faced numerous challenges but emerged stronger each time. Their ability to perform in crucial matches, both at home and abroad, has played a pivotal role in their success. This win also highlights the depth of their squad, with players stepping up when needed the most.

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Pakistan’s Fight to the Finish

Although Pakistan came up short, their bowlers, especially Mohammad Abbas, deserve applause for putting up a spirited fight. Abbas exploited the conditions brilliantly, almost turning the game in Pakistan’s favor. The team will look to learn from this experience and make a strong comeback in the second Test, starting on January 3 in Cape Town.

Focus Shifts to Lord’s

For South Africa, this win is about more than just qualifying—it’s a statement of their resurgence in Test cricket. After navigating through highs and lows in recent years, securing a place in the WTC final boosts their confidence and reaffirms their status among the world’s elite Test teams.

As they prepare for the ultimate battle at Lord’s, South Africa will aim to refine their strategies and maintain their winning momentum. Meanwhile, the second Test offers a chance to test their bench strength and end the series on a high note.

For now, South Africa can revel in this hard-fought and historic victory, knowing they’ve achieved one of their primary goals this season. The journey to the WTC final is complete, and the team is ready to take on the world’s best at the Home of Cricket.

Bangladesh are gearing up to host South Africa for a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship. Scheduled to take place in Dhaka and Chattogram, the series is expected to proceed despite concerns over political instability in the country. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains optimistic about the matches commencing on time, with no security threats currently affecting the tour.

South Africa’s tour likely to proceed as planned

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed on September 13 that the Test series against South Africa is on track to be held in October. The matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka and the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. While there were concerns over the political situation, no travel advisory has been issued against visiting Bangladesh, and South African authorities, including the South African Cricketers Association (SACA), are expected to finalize their decision soon.

According to a draft itinerary prepared by BCB, the South African team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on October 16. The first Test will be held in Dhaka from October 21, followed by the second Test in Chattogram from October 29. The South African contingent will depart on November 3.

Political situation raises doubts, but series expected to go on

Although recent political turmoil in Bangladesh caused disruptions, such as the ICC Women's T20 World Cup being moved to the UAE and the rescheduling of New Zealand A's tour, the BCB is hopeful this series will proceed without any significant changes. BCB officials emphasized that no security concerns have been raised, and preparations for the series are in full swing. The board is expected to make an official announcement soon regarding the finalized schedule.

See Also: Noida rain forces AFG vs NZ 1st Test abandoned in 26 years

With both Bangladesh and South Africa eager to compete in the ICC World Test Championship, this series will be a key event for both sides as they look to gain crucial points on the global stage.

The ‘Fabulous 4’ or the ‘Fab 4’ term started from the fantabulous performances coming from the willows of Virat Kohli (India), Steve Smith (Australia), Kane Williamson (New Zealand) and Joe Root (England) when they donned their white uniforms. Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe coined this terminology and used the nickname ‘Fab 4’. Crowe predicted in one of his August 2014 columns for ESPNcricinfo that all four members of the ‘Fab 4’ comprising the above mentioned four, who would become future cricketing leaders of their respective nations.

And to no one’s surprise, his predictions did come true, and all four players have displayed their top-class calibre, not just with the bat but also with the captaincy hat. The former Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson, is stepping down from the New Zealand central contract after a disastrous stint in the recent 2024 T20 World Cup. This news marks the end of the Fab-4 or an era of pure cricketing display with the bat and captaincy. Though all the players still have some game within them, some aspects like the test captaincy would be dearly missed by the fanatics. Here’s a simple and noteworthy summation of the ‘Fab-4’, making it an ode to providing some memorable cricketing displays.

Virat Kohli

Though Martin Crowe predicted the staggering growth of Fab-4 in mid-2014, the unboxing happened lately in the 2015-16 period. Virat Kohli has been one of the batting legends in the red-ball format, who helped the Indian cricket team to be fearless and resilient in the toughest away conditions. His sheer calibre, aggression and intent have helped the team set high benchmarks in test cricket.

To briefly update his red ball stats, he has captained over 68 matches by winning over a phenomenal 40 games, losing 17 matches and just one match being a draw. With his MRF willow, Kohli has scored 8848 runs in 191 innings, at a commendable ongoing average of 49.16. And a majority of the runs have come from the tough and challenging away matches, symbolising his gameplay. He has 30 fifties, 29 centuries and seven massive double-century innings in his red-ball stint. And with big upcoming matches, there is no stoppage for one of the best Indian test captains.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith’s cricketing journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. He began as a leg-break bowler, a role he performed with skill, but fate had other plans for the Aussie player. Known for his unique stance, Smith has been the reliable backbone of the Australian Cricket team. His calm and intelligent demeanour on-field and unique playing style have been his unique selling point. His tenure as a red-ball captain was commendable, with 21 wins, 10 losses, and seven draws out of 38 matches.

During his peak in the 2015-17 period, he was known for having the best and most consistent batting average, which almost reached 70. However, the unfortunate 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which led to his suspension from international cricket, has hindered his captaincy stint. He is now focused on contributing with the bat to the fullest. His ongoing test stint has seen him amass 9685 runs in 195 innings, averaging 56.97. He has 41 half-centuries, 32 centuries, and four double-centuries.

Also Read: Player Analysis: The Enduring Legacy of James Anderson’s 21-Year Test Career

Kane Williamson

Though the Fab-4’s inception came from the batting performance point of view, the captaincy aspect acted as the cherry on top. One man who symbolised the enigma of being cool, calm and composed is the Kiwi batter, Kane Williamson. The former New Zealand skipper has been a part of many final stages of the ICC tournaments, with the 2019 CWC final and the 2021 T20 WC final, naming a few. But, the memorable moment of his illustrious and ongoing cricketing journey would be the big triumph against India in the first-ever World Test Championship title match, held in 2021. His 44 test match captaincy stint garnered him 22 wins, 10 losses and 12 draw results.

Williamson is one of the players from the Fab-4 list who has successfully maintained consistency across all the formats. But, with his recent disastrous performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has stepped down from the New Zealand Cricket Central Contract, almost ending his illustrious captaincy stint. In terms of numbers in the test format, Williamson has played the lowest number of matches out of the rest, where in just 176 innings, Williamson made a colossal 8743 runs, with an average of 54.99. In addition, the former Blackcaps’ skipper has 34 half-centuries, 32 centuries and six double-centuries.

Joe Root

Joe Root has been a batter touted as having the potential to overtake the test records of the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. His classy stance and shot selection have been the pivotal aspects of his batting for the English side. Root has been a go-to man across the ODI & Test Formats. His decent attacking yet impactful batting has been the prime context to check out amongst the cricket fanatics. Having a kickstart to his peak from 2014, Root has been at its best in maintaining the same consistency.

Though the new BazBall format in England’s side only synchronises a little with Joe Root’s approach, he has unleashed his attacking side in crucial times and harnessed victories for the team. Coming to the stat numbers in the red-ball game, he has made a colossal 11940 runs in 260 innings, with an average of 49.96. By playing the most matches in this list, he has also made 62 half-centuries, 32 centuries and five double-centuries. Also, his decent test-match captaincy stint of 64 matches got him 27 wins, 26 losses and 11 draw results.