Australia vs South Africa WTC Final 2025: Can Proteas Upset Mighty Aussies? - Best11.in
Twelve of Australia’s 15 players in the squad were part of the team that won the last World Test Championship (WTC). With players like Pat Cummins and Steve Smith preparing for months, South Africa faces a tough challenge. Australia’s win probability is estimated at over 70%, and their team is considered a powerhouse. The WTC final begins on June 11, 2025. Australia has already won one WTC title in 2023, defeating India by 209 runs, while New Zealand won the inaugural WTC in 2021. This is Australia’s second final in three WTC cycles, raising the question: will they create history again, or will South Africa pull off an upset?
Australia’s batting lineup is formidable. Usman Khawaja, a reliable opener, averages over 45 with 16 centuries in 80 innings, making him one of Australia’s best. Travis Head or Marnus Labuschagne could join him. Labuschagne, a pure Test player, averages 46.76 with over 4,300 runs in 102 innings. His patient approach suits Test cricket perfectly. Steve Smith, with an average of 56, is among the world’s elite, having scored over 10,000 runs and 36 centuries. He is focused solely on Test cricket after retiring from T20I and ODI formats, aiming for more centuries in this final. Travis Head, a big-match player, delivered a 163-run knock in the last WTC final and 137 in the ODI World Cup final, proving his clutch ability.
Cameron Green adds explosiveness, with a Test average around 36 and a highest score of 174 not out. He’s a versatile all-rounder capable of game-changing performances. Alex Carey, one of the world’s best wicketkeepers, averages 35 and can finish innings with adaptability. Australia’s batting lineup, unchanged from their last WTC triumph, is arguably the best in Test cricket post the retirements of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Australia’s bowling is equally dominant. Pat Cummins, with 294 wickets in 67 matches at an average of 22, excels as both a bowler and captain. Mitchell Starc, with 382 wickets in 96 matches, is known for lethal yorkers and swing. Josh Hazlewood, with 279 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 24, complements the pace trio. Scott Boland, an underrated bowler with 56 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 17, adds depth. For spin, Nathan Lyon, with over 500 wickets in 136 matches, brings unmatched experience to outfox settled batters.
South Africa will target Australia’s key players like Smith, Head, and Khawaja, but Green and Carey could prove decisive. With a balanced attack of four fast bowlers and Lyon’s spin, Australia is poised to dominate at Lord’s, a venue favoring pace. Can South Africa overcome this formidable side, or will Australia claim another WTC title?
