After another two-year cycle, the cricketing world holds its breath as two giants of Test cricket clash at the iconic Lord’s in pursuit of the World Test Championship (WTC) crown.
Australia will aim to become the first team to win the WTC twice, while South Africa are determined to break their 27-year drought for an ICC trophy.
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South Africa vs Australia: Preview
This will mark the first-ever World Test Championship final to be held at Lord’s, the revered Home of Cricket. However, it won’t be the first time Australia and South Africa have faced each other in a Test at this iconic venue. Back in 1912, the two sides clashed in the fifth match of a historic Triangular Tournament, featuring the only three Test-playing nations at the time. The competition, running from late May to late August, ultimately saw England emerge victorious.
Though the Triangular Tournament turned out to be a failed experiment, it served as an early precursor to what we now know as the World Test Championship. For the record, Australia defeated South Africa by 10 wickets at Lord’s in that encounter 113 years ago. Fast forward to today, Australia arrive at this final as defending champions and heavy favourites—an assessment even acknowledged by former South African greats who have embraced their underdog tag.
But this match carries immense significance for South Africa. They’re battling not just their opponents, but also their own history—their only ICC trophy remains the ICC KnockOut triumph in 1998. They’re also challenging public perception, having faced criticism for supposedly benefitting from a favourable path to the final, despite winning seven of their last eight Tests after a sluggish start to the campaign. And above all, they’re facing a familiar adversary. Over the past three decades, clashes between South Africa and Australia have produced some of the most intense and gripping encounters in Test cricket.
Their most recent encounter in 2022-23, however, was arguably the most one-sided contest between the two sides in the last 30 years. And although Kagiso Rabada and others have hinted that this clash could get fiery, the Australian side arriving at Lord’s on Wednesday is far from the combative stereotype of old.
While South Africa carry the burden of history and the significance this final holds for the future of their Test cricket, Australia have adopted a contrasting mindset. In the past, Australian squads might have marked the occasion with trips to historic battlefields like Gallipoli or the Somme to draw inspiration from their Anzac heritage. But that era is firmly behind them. Much like their preparation ahead of the 2023 WTC final, this Australian team opted for five days of golf in northern Scotland instead of a warm-up match—embracing a calm, tailored build-up over traditional intensity.
Most of Australia’s squad have been on this stage before. They know the pressures of big finals and how to manage the occasion, with the core group aiming for a remarkable fourth world title across three formats in just four years. They possess one of the finest bowling attacks in the history of the game and have the luxury of calling upon Steven Smith—one of the greatest batters of all time—who has rediscovered his best form in 2024. Add to that the explosive Travis Head, riding the momentum of consecutive match-winning centuries in his last two major finals.
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon make up the first four-man bowling unit in Test history where each has taken over 250 wickets. However, Kagiso Rabada stands out with 327 wickets, boasting a superior average and strike rate compared to all four combined.
However, despite their pedigree, Australia still had some selection dilemmas to resolve. Cameron Green’s return brings both relief and uncertainty—while fit to bat and in excellent touch, he remains unavailable to bowl, and hasn’t featured in Australia’s last seven Tests. He’s been slotted in at No. 3 for just the second time in his first-class career, marking his return to Test cricket after 15 months. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne takes on the unfamiliar role of opening the innings for the first time in Tests, leaving Usman Khawaja with his fifth different opening partner in just nine matches.
South Africa, by contrast, named a batting lineup that largely followed expectations. Yet for Australia’s formidable attack, most of the Proteas’ top order will present something of an unknown quantity. Only Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have previously faced Australia in Test cricket, although the likes of Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton are no strangers to their bowlers, thanks to extensive IPL battles. Stubbs, notably, also shares dressing room familiarity with Mitchell Starc, adding an intriguing subplot to the contest.
At Lord’s, Australia have contested 40 Tests, recording 18 wins, seven losses, and 15 draws. South Africa have played 18 matches there, winning six, losing eight, and drawing four.
South Africa vs Australia: Recent Form
South Africa: WWWWW (last five Tests, most recent first)
Australia: WWWWD
South Africa vs Australia: Head-to-Head
Australia and South Africa have faced each other in three neutral Test matches, all of which took place in 1912. Australia claimed victory in two of those encounters, held at Manchester and Lord’s, while the third Test at Nottingham ended in a draw.
- Total Matches: 101
- Wins by Australia: 54
- Wins by South Africa: 26
- Draws: 21
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: October 11–14, 1902
- Most Recent Fixture: January 4–8, 2023
South Africa vs Australia: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The English summer had been unusually dry until the past week. Both Australia and South Africa have limited experience of playing at Lord’s this early in June, adding an element of uncertainty around the conditions.
With the dry spring, the pitch is expected to be on the drier side, potentially bringing spinners into greater play. The weather forecast is generally positive, with warm temperatures expected, though there is a possibility of a few thunderstorms during the match.
South Africa vs Australia: Team News and Confirmed XI
South Africa – Team News
South Africa has kept the same top six lineup that played against Pakistan in January for the match at Lord’s, with Wiaan Mulder continuing to bat at No. 3. However, Tony de Zorzi has been left out of the squad.
The team also seems reluctant to field an all-pace bowling attack against Australia. Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi has been selected ahead of Dane Paterson.
South Africa – Confirmed XI
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickleton
- Wiaan Mulder
- Temba Bavuma (capt)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Australia – Team News
In a surprising move, Australia will experiment with a new batting order for the final, with Marnus Labuschagne set to open and Cameron Green taking the No. 3 spot. Since Green won’t be available to bowl, Beau Webster has been included to offer additional seam options if needed.
Josh Hazlewood returns to the XI in place of Scott Boland as the third specialist seamer, despite having broken down with injury in his last two Test appearances—both of which left Australia relying on just three frontline bowlers.
Australia – Confirmed XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (capt)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
South Africa vs Australia: Prediction
Given Australia’s experience on the big stage, their formidable pace quartet, and a proven match-winner like Steven Smith in form, they enter the WTC final as clear favourites. The core of their squad has already tasted success in global finals, and their relaxed yet confident preparation reflects that pedigree.
South Africa, on the other hand, come in as underdogs, battling both history and perception. While they’ve shown grit with a strong finish to the WTC cycle, their relatively untested batting lineup and Australia’s overall balance make it a tough challenge. Unless South Africa’s bowlers, especially Rabada, deliver something extraordinary, Australia are well-placed to clinch their second consecutive WTC title.
When and Where To Watch the WTC Final LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The WTC Final between South Africa and Australia is set to begin at 3 PM IST on Wednesday, June 11, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, England. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar.
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FAQs
When and where is the World Test Championship (WTC) final being played?
The WTC final is being held at Lord’s, London, marking the first time the iconic venue is hosting this prestigious match on June 11 to June 15 from 3 pm (IST) onwards.
Who are the favourites to win the WTC final?
Australia enter the final as favourites, given their experienced squad, world-class bowling attack, and recent success in ICC tournaments.
How has South Africa performed in ICC tournaments before this final?
South Africa has a history of near-misses in ICC events, with their only major ICC title being the ICC KnockOut in 1998.
What’s unique about Australia’s team combination for this final?
Australia will field a new-look batting order, with Marnus Labuschagne opening for the first time in Tests and Cameron Green batting at No. 3 despite not featuring in their last seven Tests.
What are the expected pitch and weather conditions for the match?
The pitch at Lord’s is expected to be on the drier side due to a dry spring, potentially favouring spinners. The weather forecast is mostly good, with warm conditions expected, though there is a chance of thunderstorms.
