New Delhi: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 getting wrapped, the cricket fanatics in India are now eagerly awaiting the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final between Australia and South Africa, which is scheduled to start from June 11 at the iconic Lord’s in London. Both teams have reached England with players joining in from different parts of the world, completing different assignments like league cricket.
Some national regulars like batter Steven Smith didn’t take part in any of the leagues around the globe, staying back at home, preparing for the all-important Test match which will decide the new champion of the WTC, for the cycle 2023-25. Australia are the defending champions and will take the field in the WTC final for the second consecutive time, having last beaten India in 2023.
Smith, a crucial part of the Aussie batting line-up and top-order, recently shared his excitement over the upcoming five-day affair against the Proteas. In a video posted by the ICC on Instagram, Smith talked about the WTC 2025 final during one of his batting sessions.
“Excited to be back here in the UK for another Test championship final. It’s great to be here. I love playing cricket in England. A little bit fresh today. A little bit of wind around, but nice to start off our preparations, get a bit of rhythm, hit quite a few balls, and you know, looking forward to Lord’s. Got some really fond memories here, personally as well. So looking forward to getting started,” Smith said in the video.
“South Africa are a good side, so it should be a belter of a game and hopefully we can add another Test Championship final under our belt,” he added.
The Ultimate Test draws closer 🏟️
One week until the #WTC25 Final 🗓️
Ultimate guide 📲 https://t.co/SSsSiOKUj2 pic.twitter.com/DoLHAxXya0
— ICC (@ICC) June 4, 2025
Cummins on Smith’s batting position
Australia skipper Pat Cummins recently opened up on Smith’s batting position in the WTC final against South Africa. He confirmed that the batting maestro would continue coming to bat at his original no. 4 position. Smith has been coming two down for Australia for quite some time now and has even excelled in the role of an opener.
The cornerstone of Australia’s batting order in a familiar spot.
More ahead of the #WTC25 Final 👉 https://t.co/8LzxMCgShK pic.twitter.com/KOdrqpowt4
— ICC (@ICC) June 5, 2025
It would be exciting to see how Australia will fare in their WTC title defence, while for South Africa, it would be a battle for a maiden WTC triumph.
South Africa squad for WTC final:
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.
Australia squad for WTC final:
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
Preparations are in full swing for both Australia and South Africa as they battle it out in the ultimate Test – the WTC 2025 final scheduled at Lord’s from June 11. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
