ICC WTC 2025

WTC Final 2025: South Africa vs. Australia at Lord’s - Live Updates, Squads, Stats & How to Boost Your Platform!

Jun. 2, 2025

Introduction: A Historic Battle at Lord’s

The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 is set to captivate cricket fans worldwide from June 11-15, 2025, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, with a reserve day on June 16. South Africa, in their first-ever WTC final, faces defending champions Australia in a clash that promises intense drama. With 1.2 billion Test cricket fans globally, this event is a prime opportunity for fans to dive into the action and for developers to enhance platforms with the Roanuz Cricket API. Here’s everything you need to know about this epic showdown. SOURCE

South Africa’s Road to Lord’s

South Africa secured the top spot in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle with a 69.44% points percentage, earning 100 points from 12 matches (8 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw). Their campaign, detailed below, reflects a blend of resilience and dominance: South Africa played 6 series, totaling 12 Tests:
  • vs. India (Home, Dec 2023-Jan 2024): Drew 1-1 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Centurion): Lost by an innings and 32 runs.
    • 2nd Test (Cape Town): Won by 7 wickets.
    • Losses: 1 (Centurion).
  • vs. New Zealand (Away, Feb 2024): Lost 0-2 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Mount Maunganui): Lost by 281 runs.
    • 2nd Test (Hamilton): Lost by 7 wickets.
    • Losses: 2 (both Tests).
  • vs. West Indies (Away, Aug 2024): Won 1-0 in 2 Tests (1 win, 1 draw).
    • 1st Test (Port of Spain): Drew.
    • 2nd Test (Providence): Won by 40 runs.
    • Losses: 0.
  • vs. Bangladesh (Away, Oct-Nov 2024): Won 2-0 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Dhaka): Won by 7 wickets.
    • 2nd Test (Chattogram): Won by an innings and 273 runs.
    • Losses: 0.
  • vs. Sri Lanka (Home, Nov-Dec 2024): Won 2-0 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Durban): Won by 233 runs.
    • 2nd Test (Port Elizabeth): Won by 109 runs.
    • Losses: 0.
  • vs. Pakistan (Home, Dec 2024-Jan 2025): Won 2-0 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Centurion): Won by 2 wickets.
    • 2nd Test (Cape Town): Won by 169 runs.
    • Losses: 0.

South Africa Squad:

  • Tony de Zorzi
  • Ryan Rickelton
  • Aiden Markram
  • Temba Bavuma (c)
  • David Bedingham
  • Tristan Stubbs
  • Kyle Verreynne
  • Wiaan Mulder
  • Marco Jansen
  • Corbin Bosch
  • Kagiso Rabada
  • Lungi Ngidi
  • Dane Paterson
  • Keshav Maharaj
  • Senuran Muthusamy

South Africa Player Stats (WTC 2023-2025):

  • Top Run Scorers:
    • David Bedingham: 645 runs in 12 Tests, average 33.92
    • Temba Bavuma: 609 runs in 7 Tests
  • Top Wicket Takers:
    • Kagiso Rabada: 47 wickets in 10 Tests
Series Opponent Result Matches Breakdown
Dec 2023-Jan 2024 India 1-1 Draw Lost by inns & 32, Won by 7 wkts
Feb 2024 New Zealand 0-2 Loss Lost by 281 runs, Lost by 7 wkts
Aug 2024 West Indies 1-0 Win Drew, Won by 40 runs
Oct-Nov 2024 Bangladesh 2-0 Win Won by 7 wkts, Won by inns & 273
Nov-Dec 2024 Sri Lanka 2-0 Win Won by 233 runs, Won by 109 runs
Dec 2024-Jan 2025 Pakistan 2-0 Win Won by 2 wkts, Won by 169 runs
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Australia’s Title Defense

Australia clinched second place with a 67.54% points percentage, earning 154 points from 19 matches (13 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws), despite a 10-point deduction for slow over-rates. Their roadmap highlights their consistency: Australia played 5 series listed in the blog, totaling 16 Tests, but their record states 19 matches, suggesting 3 additional Tests. Let’s list the known series and account for losses:
  • vs. England (Away, Ashes, Jun-Jul 2023): Drew 2-2 in 5 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Edgbaston): Won by 2 wickets.
    • 2nd Test (Lord’s): Won by 43 runs.
    • 3rd Test (Headingley): Lost by 3 wickets.
    • 4th Test (Manchester): Drew (rain-affected).
    • 5th Test (The Oval): Lost by 49 runs.
    • Losses: 2 (Headingley, The Oval).
  • vs. Pakistan (Home, Dec 2023-Jan 2024): Won 3-0 in 3 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Perth): Won by 360 runs.
    • 2nd Test (Melbourne): Won by 79 runs.
    • 3rd Test (Sydney): Won by 8 wickets.
    • Losses: 0.
  • vs. New Zealand (Away, Feb-Mar 2024): Won 2-0 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Wellington): Won by 172 runs.
    • 2nd Test (Christchurch): Won by 3 wickets.
    • Losses: 0.
  • vs. Sri Lanka (Away, Jul 2024): Won 2-0 in 2 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Galle): Won by 10 wickets.
    • 2nd Test (Galle): Won by an innings and 39 runs.
    • Losses: 0.
  • vs. India (Home, Nov 2024-Jan 2025): Won 3-1 in 4 Tests.
    • 1st Test (Perth): Won by 295 runs.
    • 2nd Test (Adelaide): Won by 10 wickets.
    • 3rd Test (Brisbane): Lost by 7 wickets.
    • 4th Test (Sydney): Won by 6 wickets.
    • Losses: 1 (Brisbane).

Australia Squad:

  • Usman Khawaja
  • Sam Konstas
  • Marnus Labuschagne
  • Steve Smith
  • Travis Head
  • Alex Carey
  • Josh Inglis
  • Cameron Green
  • Beau Webster
  • Pat Cummins (c)
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Josh Hazlewood
  • Scott Boland
  • Nathan Lyon
  • Matt Kuhnemann
  • Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett

Australia Player Stats (WTC 2023-2025):

  • Top Run Scorers:
    • Usman Khawaja: 1127 runs in 34 innings, highest score 141
    • Travis Head: 1079 runs in 31 innings, highest score 152
    • Steven Smith: 1052 runs in 33 innings, highest score 140
    • Marnus Labuschagne: 885 runs
    • Mitchell Marsh: 823 runs
  • Top Wicket Takers:
    • Pat Cummins: 73 wickets in 33 innings, average 24.54
    • Mitchell Starc: 72 wickets in 35 innings, average 27.27
Series Opponent Result Matches Breakdown
Jun-Jul 2023 England 2-2 Draw Won by 2 wkts, Won by 43 runs, Lost by 3 wkts, Drew
Dec 2023-Jan 2024 Pakistan 3-0 Win Won by 360 runs, Won by 79 runs, Won by 8 wkts
Feb-Mar 2024 New Zealand 2-0 Win Won by 172 runs, Won by 3 wkts
Jul 2024 Sri Lanka 2-0 Win Won by 10 wkts, Won by inns & 39
Nov 2024-Jan 2025 India 3-1 Win Won by 295 runs, Won by 10 wkts, Lost by 7 wkts, Won by 6 wkts
SOURCE

The Rivalry: South Africa vs. Australia

The South Africa-Australia Test rivalry is fiercely competitive, with recent matches showcasing both teams’ strengths. In their last five Tests:
  • Jan 2023, Sydney: Match drawn.
  • Dec 2022, Melbourne: Australia won by an innings and 182 runs.
  • Dec 2022, Brisbane: Australia won by 6 wickets.
  • Mar 2018, Johannesburg: South Africa won by 492 runs.
  • Mar 2018, Cape Town: South Africa won by 322 runs.
Australia’s 2-0 series win in 2022-2023 gives them a psychological edge, but South Africa’s 2018 dominance shows their potential. This history sets up a thrilling final.
Date Result Venue
Jan 2023 Draw Sydney
Dec 2022 Australia won by innings and 182 runs Melbourne
Dec 2022 Australia won by 6 wickets Brisbane
Mar 2018 South Africa won by 492 runs Johannesburg
Mar 2018 South Africa won by 322 runs Cape Town

Lord’s: The Iconic Venue

Lord’s, known as the “Home of Cricket,” hosts its first WTC final. The pitch typically assists seamers early, favoring bowlers like Rabada and Cummins, but flattens out for batsmen like Smith and Markram. June weather in London may bring rain, potentially affecting strategies. Historically, Lord’s has seen high-scoring draws and low-scoring thrillers, adding unpredictability.

Predictions: Who Will Win?

Analysts predict a close contest. South Africa’s seven consecutive Test wins give them momentum, with Rabada’s pace a key weapon. Australia’s experience, with Cummins’ leadership and Starc’s 72 wickets, makes them formidable. The match may hinge on adapting to Lord’s conditions. A poll on X showed 52% of fans favoring Australia, but South Africa’s form is gaining traction.

How to Follow the Action

Catch the WTC Final live on:
  • Australia: Prime Video.
  • Global: Check local listings (e.g., Sky Sports in the UK, Disney HotStar in India).
  • Apps: Use Roanuz-powered apps for live scores and commentary.
Tickets for Lord’s went on sale January 31, 2025, with high demand reported.

Why Roanuz Cricket API Is Essential for WTC Coverage

The WTC Final offers a prime opportunity for platforms to engage fans. The Roanuz Cricket API delivers:
  • Live Scores: Ball-by-ball updates with 300ms latency.
  • Player Stats: Detailed data (e.g., Cummins’ 73 wickets, Rickelton’s double-century).
  • Fantasy Tools: Real-time points for WTC gamification, like predictor games or fantasy leagues.
  • Coverage: Comprehensive WTC Final data, trusted by 1,500+ teams like AmericanDream 11.
Use Cases:
  • Websites: Boost traffic with live score widgets.
  • Apps: Increase session times with stats and fantasy features.
  • Media: Enhance coverage with player comparisons (e.g., Rabada vs. Starc).
Get Started:

Social Media Buzz

The WTC Final is trending on X, with posts like:
  • @ICC: “The Ultimate Test is upon us 🗓️” (May 21, 2025).
  • @ProteasMenCSA: Celebrating South Africa’s qualification.
  • Fans sharing excitement for Lord’s showdown.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the WTC Final

The June 11-15, 2025, WTC Final is a historic clash between South Africa’s hunger and Australia’s legacy. Stay engaged with live updates and elevate your platform with the Roanuz Cricket API. Visit cricketapi.com to power your WTC coverage and captivate fans.