WTC 2025 Final: Australia and South Africa Announce Playing XIs Ahead of Showdown at Lord’s
Australia and South Africa have officially named their playing XIs for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at Lord’s. With speculation around team selections now settled, both sides are fully geared up for what is set to be one of the most significant Test matches of their careers.
High Stakes as WTC 2025 Final Draws Global Attention
The two cricketing giants will battle for the coveted WTC mace following an intense championship cycle. South Africa stormed into the final with an impressive run of seven consecutive Test victories, while Australia is aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back WTC titles since the tournament’s inception in 2019.
South Africa XI for WTC 2025 Final
South Africa Playing XI:
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- Wiaan Mulder
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Ryan Rickelton, in fine form, headlines the Proteas’ top order alongside Aiden Markram. Wiaan Mulder will take the crucial No. 3 spot, while skipper Temba Bavuma leads a balanced side.
In the bowling department, South Africa has gone with experience, choosing Lungi Ngidi to partner Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and spinner Keshav Maharaj. Ngidi’s selection edges out Dane Paterson, despite the latter’s involvement earlier in the WTC cycle.
Australia XI for WTC 2025 Final
Australia Playing XI:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
Defending champions Australia have named a strong and familiar lineup. Josh Hazlewood returns to the bowling attack after recovering from injury, replacing Scott Boland despite Boland’s Player of the Match performance in the fifth Test against India.
Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon in a potent bowling unit. Beau Webster retains his place as an all-rounder after standout performances against India and Sri Lanka.
Marnus Labuschagne has been promoted to open alongside Usman Khawaja, with Cameron Green batting at No. 3 after recovering from a serious back injury. The West Australian is expected to play a key role as a specialist batter.
How to Watch the WTC 2025 Final – Global Broadcast Details
Cricket fans around the world can catch all the action live or via highlights through official ICC broadcast partners:
- India: Star Sports, Jiostar
- Australia: Amazon Prime Video
- South Africa: SuperSport TV
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket
- USA & Canada: Willow TV, Willow TV app
- Caribbean & South America: ESPN Caribbean, ESPN Play Caribbean
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- Pakistan: PTV, Ten Sports
- Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV
- Afghanistan: Ariana Television
- Singapore: StarHub
- Malaysia: Astro
- Hong Kong: PCCW
- Middle East & North Africa: TSM via Nagorik TV, e&
- Pacific Islands: PNG Digicel
- Rest of the World: ICC.tv
Stay tuned as Australia and South Africa lock horns in what promises to be a historic WTC 2025 Final at the Home of Cricket – Lord’s.
