The World Test Championship Final 2025 is set for a high-voltage clash between defending champions Australia and first-time finalists South Africa at Lord’s. But the verdict from the cricketing world—even South Africa’s own greats—is heavily skewed in Australia’s favour.
From Michael Clarke to Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher to Allan Donald, the consensus is clear: Australia are the overwhelming favourites. But could this one-sided expectation become the very motivation Temba Bavuma and his red-hot team need?
Legends Weigh In – A Landslide for Australia
Here’s how some of the biggest voices in cricket rated the two sides ahead of the final:
- Michael Clarke: “Australia should be the favourites. Their bowling attack is phenomenal.”
- Mark Boucher: “Australia are the favourites. We’ll have to come from behind.”
- Aaron Finch: “Particularly on neutral territory, Australia has the edge.”
- Shaun Pollock: “Not even going to pretend we’re the favourites.”
- Brad Haddin: “Hazlewood and Cummins will be too hot to handle.”
- Allan Donald: “Australia’s arsenal is unmatched, but SA is resilient.”
Despite South Africa’s 7-match winning streak in Tests and Bavuma’s unbeaten record as captain, there wasn’t a single vote backing them to lift the ICC mace.
Australia Chasing History, SA Fighting for Legacy
Australia are looking to become the first team to defend the WTC title and currently hold both the Test and ODI World Championships. In contrast, South Africa are chasing their first ICC trophy in 26 years.
Yet, this lack of support could spark the perfect underdog response. South Africa thrives on adversity—just ask Ricky Ponting about Johannesburg 2006.
Final at Lord’s: June 11
The historic clash is scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s, the very venue where Australia clinched the title against India in 2023. All eyes will be on Cummins vs Bavuma, and whether David can upset Goliath in the Mecca of Cricket.
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