The grand finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 is on the horizon, with South Africa and Australia set to lock horns for the prestigious Test mace at the hallowed Lord's Cricket Ground in London, starting June 11.
Australia carved a dominant path to the summit clash, stamping their authority with a 3-1 triumph over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They followed that with emphatic home whitewashes against Pakistan and clinical away series wins in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, a string of commanding performances that solidified their place in the final.
Meanwhile, South Africa's road to Lord's was paved with consistency and resilience. The Proteas surged to the top of the WTC table early in the cycle, racking up crucial victories against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A drawn series on home soil against India further underlined their grit, securing them a well-deserved spot in the title decider.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Australia vs. South Africa live stream, TV channel in the UK
Here's how to watch this Test Championship final match in the United Kingdom:
- TV Channel: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports, Channel 5
- Live Stream: NOW TV, Sky Go app
The ICC Test Championship final 2025 will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports, with full coverage on the Sky Sports Cricket channel and Channel 5. Streaming options are available on NOW TV and the Sky Go app.
OFFER: Bet 5p for £30 in free bets when you sign up for a new account with Sky Bet to bet on the WTC Final
What time does Australia vs. South Africa start in the UK?
The World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa will be played at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, England, from Wednesday, June 11, to Saturday, June 15. Play is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. local time (BST) each day.
Australia vs. South Africa predicted XIs, team news
Australia's strength in depth is once again under the spotlight heading into the World Test Championship final, with several key selection calls still up in the air. One of the main talking points is the pace department, where Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland are once again jostling for a single spot.
The batting order is also set for a shake-up, especially with Cameron Green returning to the fold, his inclusion could see Marnus Labuschagne promoted to open the innings for the first time in his Test career, potentially sidelining teenage prodigy Sam Konstas.
Green, however, won't be bowling at Lord’s as he continues to recover from a back injury that kept him out of action last summer. The team is targeting the Ashes for his full return with ball in hand. If doubts linger over Hazlewood's ability to last five days, selectors may turn to Beau Webster as a handy all-round option, offering balance without compromising depth.
Even if Labuschagne is forced into an unfamiliar role at the top, it could be a timely test with his place in the XI potentially on the line ahead of the West Indies tour. Australia's top order remains formidable—Usman Khawaja (1,422), Steve Smith (1,324), and Travis Head (1,177) all ranked among the top ten run-getters during the WTC cycle.
MORE: Full betting preview of WTC Final
Smith found his rhythm again with five tons, while Head, who returns to the middle order after opening in Sri Lanka, proved his big-match credentials with a match-winning 163 in the previous WTC final that helped seal the title against India. Wherever he bats, Head continues to be Australia's man for the moment.
Australia predicted XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
At the top of the order, South Africa will lean on the seasoned duo of Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram to set the tone with the bat. Bavuma, with 3,606 Test runs to his name, brings a wealth of experience, while Markram, who has amassed 2,857 runs in the longest format, offers composure and strokeplay in equal measure.
On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada remains South Africa's most potent weapon, particularly against Australia. The fiery pacer has tormented the Aussies in previous encounters, claiming an impressive 49 wickets in just 10 Tests. He also topped South Africa's wicket-taking charts in 2024, underlining his central role.
Lungi Ngidi brings a blend of experience and consistency, known for his disciplined lines and a solid Test résumé, 55 wickets at an impressive average of 23.14. Dane Paterson, on the other hand, thrives in swing-friendly conditions, using his craft and clever variations to good effect, perfect for English pitches.
Then there's the towering presence of Marco Jansen. At just 25, the lanky left-armer has already broken into the top 10 of the Test bowling rankings. With his steep bounce and lively pace, he's set to pose a serious challenge to Australia's top order.
South Africa predicted XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson.