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After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched history, claiming their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) win on Tuesday, June 3, the action now shifts towards the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, which is scheduled to be played from June 11 to 15 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. However, this will be the first time that these two cricketing nations will lock horns in the WTC final, Australia will be entering as the defending champions.
It is to be noted that Australia will be making their second straight appearance in the WTC Final and will be hoping to defend the title. In 2023, the Pat Cummins-led side beat India by massive 209-run to become the first team to win all ICC titles. However, Temba Bavuma’s Protea cannot be written off as they finished at the top of the points table with 100 points and a percentage of 69.44.
South Africa can upset Australia: AB de Villiers ahead of WTC 2025 Final
With the summit clash just a few days away, former Protea captain and batting great, AB de Villiers backed his national side to register an upset and beat the Aussies to lift their maiden Test mace. “This is a massive moment for South African cricket—a final at Lord's. The entire nation will be behind our team, and hopefully, we can cross the line,” AB de Villiers told Star Sports.
“I'm excited for the challenge. It's a well-balanced side, and I'm quietly confident we can upset Australia. I say 'upset' because they're clearly the favourites for this ICC World Test Championship Final,” he added. However, the Protea international also hailed Australia as “a very experienced, well-oiled machine of a team.”
“Australia are a very experienced, well-oiled machine of a team. It won't be easy for South Africa. But I'm quietly confident because we're going there with many in-form players and big-hearted guys who have something to prove on this stage,” he further added.
SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Squads
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett
