It’s the final match of the 2023–25 World Test Championship as defending champions Australia take on South Africa in the final.
For the game, here are our preview and prediction.
Pat Cummins–led Australia come into the WTC final as the overwhelming favourites. They are on a four-match winning streak and have a chance to win back-to-back WTC championships, having beaten India in the final of the last cycle two years ago.
Arguably the only uncertainty in the Australian squad is who will open alongside Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne is the likely candidate, with the young Sam Konstas set to be benched. The middle order — featuring Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis — has plenty of experience and runs of late. Australia bat deep, with captain Cummins and Mitchell Starc both handy with the bat.
With the ball, Australia will most likely go with one spinner in Nathan Lyon, with Travis Head being another option for Cummins, who will lead the pace attack alongside Josh Hazlewood, Starc, and Green.
The Proteas, on the other hand, have revealed their playing XI a day before the final. Temba Bavuma & Co are undoubtedly the underdogs, but like the Aussies they’re on a winning streak of their own. The experienced Aiden Markram will be at the top of the order with Ryan Rickelton, who has had a strong Indian Premier League season with the Mumbai Indians. Their middle order is deep as well, featuring Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, and Kyle Verreynne.
South Africa are going into the final with three front-line seamers in Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen, with Keshav Maharaj being the lone spinner.
The iconic Lord’s always has something for the seam bowlers on the opening two days, but also expect plenty of runs on offer. Given the squad experience and form coming into this game, Australia are our favourites to lift the mace — yet again.
Fantasy XI: Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Winners Prediction: Australia
MotoGP has announced a multi-year partnership with ticket and hospitality packages brand, Quint, who will…
The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix have announced a new partnership with footwear brand Skechers, which…
The PGA TOUR has announced a new multi-year partnership with SPF-first skincare brand Supergoop!, who…
The UFC have announced a new long-term partnership agreement with sports betting and gaming brand…
This article contains information about the organisations enjoying branding presence across the assets of Aston…
“You know (Manchester United) you are finishing in the bottom half next year, I promise…