LONDON: South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday (today).
It’s worth noting that this marks the maiden appearance for South Africa in a WTC Final, after topping the points table with an impressive 69.44% points percentage, a campaign that saw them win 8 out of 12 Tests.
Meanwhile, Australia are standing on the brink of history, poised to become the first team ever to successfully defend their title in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
They defeated India in a thrilling final during the last WTC cycle at The Oval back in 2023.
Earlier, in a press conference in London, Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Marnus Labuschagne has been promoted to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
Also read: Labuschagne to open with Khawaja as Australia reveal Playing XI for WTC final
Additionally, pacer Josh Hazlewood will join Mitchell Starc and Cummins in the pace attack.
Cameron Green is set to make his red-ball return in the WTC final 2025 after recovering from his back surgery, while all-rounder Beau Webster retained his spot in the side.
Australia XI for WTC final 2025: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
Prior to this, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma announced their Playing XI, featuring three pacers and a specialist spinner.
Read more: South Africa announce Playing XI for WTC final against Australia
Ryan Rickelton, their top-scorer in the WTC 2023/25 cycle, and Aiden Markram will open for the Proteas in the WTC final 2025.
Keshav Maharaj is the sole full-time spinner alongside pacers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi.
South Africa XI for WTC final 2025: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
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