ICC WTC Final 2025: Australia vs South Africa – Statistical preview, form guide & who holds the edge?
Defending champions Australia will face South Africa in the 2023–2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s, starting June 11. This will be Australia’s second WTC final appearance, while South Africa are set to play in their maiden WTC final. Australia had defeated India in the previous WTC final. In this cycle, South Africa topped the table, with Australia finishing second.
So, who will win the 2023–25 WTC title? First, let’s take a look at the journey of both teams to the final.
Australia: 4 wins & 2 draws
Australia had a strong WTC cycle, winning four and drawing two Test series. They secured two away series victories — against New Zealand (2-0) and Sri Lanka (2-0) — and won two home series, defeating Pakistan 3-0 and India 3-1. They drew their home series against the West Indies (1-1) and the away Ashes series in England (2-2).
Overall, Australia played 19 Tests in this cycle, winning 13, losing four, and drawing two. Their four losses came in two away Tests against England and one each at home against the West Indies and India.
South Africa: 4 wins, 1 draw & 1 loss
South Africa played 12 Tests in the WTC cycle, winning 8, losing 3, and drawing 1. They won home series against Sri Lanka (2-0) and Pakistan (2-0), and recorded away series wins — 2-0 in Bangladesh and 1-0 in the West Indies. They drew a home series against India (1-1) and lost an away series in New Zealand (2-0).
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Top performers from both sides
Top Australia batters in the 2023-25 WTC cycle:
In the important series against India at home, Aussie batters rose to the occasion after losing the first Test at Perth. And it was Travis Head who was once again India’s nemesis. He struck two tons in that series as Australia secured a series win against India at home, after losing two straight series to the Men in Blue Down Under. Once again, Head — who has a knack for raising his game in knockout matches — will be crucial to Australia’s chances in the 2023-25 WTC final.
Top Australia bowlers in the 2023-25 WTC cycle:
Pat Cummins has led from the front in this WTC cycle. After the Perth loss against India, he was the wrecker-in-chief, emerging as the highest wicket-taker for Australia in that series with 25 wickets. Having already led Australia to both the WTC title and the ODI World Cup title, Cummins holds the key once again as Australia look to successfully defend their WTC crown against South Africa on June 11.
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Top South Africa batters in the 2023-25 WTC cycle:
David Bedingham made his Test debut in this WTC cycle and emerged as South Africa’s highest run-scorer during this period. He holds the key to South Africa’s middle order, and a lot rests on him to anchor the batting line-up against the mighty Aussie bowlers.
Top South Africa bowlers in the 2023-25 WTC cycle:
Kagiso Rabada is the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in this cycle. He holds the key for South Africa in the final. He will be a tough nut to crack for the Aussies as he can exploit the English conditions and make the ball talk. Marco Jansen too will be a difficult customer to get away with as he can generate steep bounce in favourable English conditions due to his height. It will be easily a clash of Aussie batters vs South African bowlers in the WTC final.
Which team holds the edge?
Australia’s record in finals
Australia raise their game in knockouts, especially in finals. They are the current holders of both the WTC and the 50-over World Cup titles—each won under Cummins. Australia, therefore, understand the pressure that comes with playing in finals and are better prepared to handle it, unlike South Africa, who will be playing their first WTC final.
Read More: WTC 2023-25: SA gain pole position as battle for place in final reaches crescendo
Experience of English conditions
As the final will be played at Lord’s, Australia appear better prepared than South Africa to handle English conditions and emerge victorious. Under Cummins, Australia drew the last Ashes series in England during the current WTC cycle and retained the urn. They tend to adapt better to English conditions than even the hosts, giving them an edge. Hence, when Australia face South Africa, it will be advantageous for Cummins and his men. In comparison, South Africa haven’t played a single Test in England in this WTC cycle, making them slightly less experienced in combating English conditions in recent times.
Experienced Australia vs youthful South Africa
Australia have retained the core of the team that won the last WTC final against India. The likes of Head, Smith, Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood bring a wealth of Test experience to rely on when the final comes calling. In comparison, South Africa—who haven’t played a single Test in England in the past two years—boast a young side that lacks experience in English conditions. In a high-stakes match like the WTC final, experience can prove crucial in seizing key moments and emerging victorious.
Final verdict
Considering Australia’s track record in ICC finals, their rich Test experience and familiarity with English conditions make them the frontrunners to lift a second consecutive WTC title. South Africa not only have to contend with tough English conditions and experienced opponents, but also shake off the ‘chokers’ tag to upset Australia in the 2023–25 WTC final.
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