As the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 approaches, the spotlight is once again on Australia, a team known for rising to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Set to face South Africa in a high-pressure one-off Test starting Wednesday, June 11, Pat Cummins’ men carry the weight of both expectations and experience. With multiple ICC trophies already in their cabinet, this Australian squad knows a thing or two about handling knockout pressure.
Experience-Rich Australia Face Rising South Africa in WTC Final
Australia’s squad boasts some of the most seasoned names in world cricket. Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have all featured prominently in Australia’s victorious campaigns across formats — from two ODI World Cups to a T20 World Cup, and most recently, the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2023.
However, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon has urged caution ahead of the big clash. Speaking to ICC media, Lyon emphasized that past glory doesn’t guarantee future success. “Having the experience of the guys who have won two (50-over) World Cups and T20 World Cups, and obviously the World Test Championship final a couple of years ago — that experience and that pressure in those big games, it’s on our side, isn’t it? But it doesn’t mean anything when you come to the game,” Lyon said.
He acknowledged that South Africa, despite being relatively less experienced in ICC finals, are no pushovers. “They’ve got some world-class batters and unbelievable bowlers. It’s going to be a great challenge — and obviously, it’s a one-off Test match,” he added.
Conditions and Key Players Will Define the Final
One of the major factors heading into the Australia vs South Africa WTC Final will be the playing conditions, particularly the use of the Dukes ball. Unlike the Kookaburra used in Australia, the Dukes ball offers more movement and has historically favored swing and seam bowlers.
“It’s going to be a different challenge with foreign conditions and the Dukes ball,” Lyon noted. “It’s going to be the two best bowling attacks going at each other, which is another exciting thing. So, it’s going to be a good challenge for all batters.”
Lyon also highlighted the threat posed by South Africa’s talented batting unit. “I’ve watched a fair amount of cricket, and even tuned into their game against Zimbabwe. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are class players. I’ve played against David Bedingham in county cricket — he’s a special talent.”
In the end, Lyon believes the WTC Final will come down to execution under pressure. “It’s going to be about who does the basics well and who enjoys those pressure moments.”
As cricket fans gear up for what promises to be an intense battle between two high-quality teams, the ICC World Test Championship Final will be more than just a clash of skills — it will be a test of composure, discipline, and adaptability on the biggest stage in Test cricket.
