The grand finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 has begun at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, featuring a high-voltage clash between South Africa and Australia. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision shaped by overcast conditions and the well-known early-day swing assistance at Lord’s. While it’s a bold move in a high-stakes final, history suggests teams bowling first here can gain a significant early advantage—if they use the new ball well.
The conditions on Day 1 were slightly cloudy, with a gentle breeze keeping the bowlers interested. Rain isn’t expected to play spoilsport, and the surface at Lord’s looks hard and evenly rolled. The pitch is expected to behave consistently across the five days, but the opening sessions will likely favor the pacers. With slope playing a key role at Lord’s, bowlers who know how to exploit lateral movement will be critical to their side’s success. Batting will become easier as the match progresses, especially on Days 2 and 3.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australia National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The two teams have come in with full-strength squads. South Africa have opted for a balanced playing XI with five frontline bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and spinner Keshav Maharaj. Australia, on the other hand, have gone with experience and stability. Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Travis Head will lead the charge with the bat, while Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will spearhead the pace attack.
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, this Test is full of potential. Steve Smith is a top captaincy pick thanks to his superb form and impressive Lord’s record. Marco Jansen, with his all-round capabilities, could fetch crucial points in both innings. Pat Cummins, as both a captain and strike bowler, is another essential pick. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey is a smart budget choice, especially if he contributes behind the stumps and with the bat.
On the South African side, Aiden Markram and David Bedingham offer solid top-order stability, while Lungi Ngidi could be an X-factor with the new ball. Australia’s Cameron Green, returning from injury, is a wildcard selection who might surprise with both bat and ball. With the slope and swing at Lord’s, bowlers will likely dominate early sessions, so picking more seamers than spinners for your Dream11 lineup would be a smart call.
As the match unfolds, South Africa will look to take early wickets and put pressure on Australia’s middle order. Meanwhile, the Aussies will aim to build a solid total in the first innings, keeping in mind how crucial the first-innings lead has been in recent WTC finals. The atmosphere at Lord’s is electric, and the match promises a fierce battle between two strong sides aiming to be crowned the World Test Champions 2025.
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
