The grand finale of the third ICC World Test Championship cycle is upon us. On Wednesday, 11 June 2025, Australia and South Africa will battle it at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London for the Test crown. Australia enters as the defending champions, having won the 2021 to 2023 cycle after New Zealand took the first title in 2019 to 2021. India played in both finals and fell short on each occasion. This time, the focus shifts to two red-hot sides. Australia welcome back Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood from injury, but face a tricky selection call in both the bowling and middle order departments with the availability of Webster and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. On the other hand, South Africa have won seven Tests in a row and looks sharp, with Kagiso Rabada cleared after suspension, and key players Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham fit in again. If the match ends in a draw tie or gets washed out both teams will be crowned joint champions. Here are six players who could shape the outcome of this high-stakes Test.
Steve Smith
One of modern cricket’s greatest red ball batters, Steve Smith, is a player made for the big stage. While his numbers in this WTC cycle might appear moderate by his lofty standards, Smith has still managed 1324 runs in 19 Tests. It is a testament to how high the bar is set for him. Over his entire Test career, Smith has played 116 matches, scoring 10271 runs with 36 hundreds and 41 fifties. These are legendary numbers that place him alongside the all-time greats. With his unorthodox technique, elite hand-eye coordination, and ability to bat for long hours, Smith remains the backbone of the Australian middle order. Having recently retired from One Day Internationals after leading a second-string side to the Champions Trophy semifinals, Smith will be laser-focused on one more Test masterpiece. Lord’s has been a happy hunting ground for him, and he will be key to countering South Africa’s pace.
Kagiso Rabada
South Africa’s spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been lethal throughout this WTC cycle. With 47 wickets in just 10 matches, Rabada has struck every 36 balls on average, which shows why he is considered among the best in the world. He missed the New Zealand series due to suspension but has now been cleared and is expected to lead the bowling attack again. His overall Test record is equally elite, with 327 wickets in 70 matches and 16 five-wicket hauls. Rabada thrives in conditions that offer pace and bounce, and Lord’s, with its grassy pitches and slope, is tailor-made for his style. His ability to strike early and break partnerships makes him a game-changer. Rabada also brings passion, aggression, and leadership to the field. If South Africa are to win their first WTC title, Rabada’s spells with the new ball and in the second innings will be central to their success.
Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins has grown from a young prodigy into one of modern cricket’s most successful Test captains. As a bowler, he leads by example with 73 wickets in 17 matches during this WTC cycle, the most for Australia. His Test career overall has been sensational with 294 wickets in 64 matches. His control, relentless accuracy, and ability to extract bounce make him a constant threat even on flat wickets. Cummins already has one WTC title and a World Cup as a captain. Returning from a substandard IPL season, he now aims to win back-to-back WTC titles, which would cement his legacy. Cummins’ calm, composed, and strategic leadership often brings out the best in his team. The fact that he can bat a bit down the order is a bonus. His battle against South Africa’s top order, particularly under cloudy English skies, could be decisive in shaping the final.
David Bedingham
South Africa have quietly built a strong middle order, and David Bedingham has been a huge part of that transformation. Bedingham has been their top run scorer in this WTC cycle with 645 runs in 12 matches. That tally includes a century and three fifties, all of which came under challenging conditions. Bedingham is known for his solid technique and temperament, which make him an ideal fit for the middle order role. His ability to play spin and pace with equal assurance adds flexibility to the South African batting unit. Returning from injury ahead of the final, Bedingham’s return adds depth and form to their lineup. If South Africa are to post big totals at Lord’s, Bedingham will need to absorb pressure and play the long innings that define Test match success. With Rabada firing and Bavuma back in charge, Bedingham’s consistency could quietly steal the headlines.
Usman Khawaja
In what could be his final year in international cricket, Usman Khawaja continues to play the role of senior statesman in the Australian team. The elegant left-hander has been Australia’s top scorer in this WTC cycle with 1422 runs in 19 matches. He has consistently provided solid starts and shown immense grit and class. Over his Test career, Khawaja has played 80 games, scoring 5930 runs with 16 centuries and 27 fifties. His ability to blunt the new ball and build partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith has been crucial to Australia’s success. At Lord’s, Khawaja’s calmness and ability to leave well outside off stump will be vital against a fiery South African attack. The final could be his last big Test with retirement likely on the horizon. If he gets set, Khawaja has the patience and range of strokes to anchor Australia to a match-winning total.
Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma may not have the big numbers, but his value to the South African team goes far beyond stats. In this WTC cycle he has scored 609 runs in just 7 matches at an average close to 44 a significant jump from his career average of 37. Over 63 Tests, Bavuma has 3606 runs with 4 hundreds and 24 fifties. As captain, he brings poise, resilience, and calmness. After missing recent matches due to injury, his return will boost the morale and stability of the South African batting. Bavuma is often the glue in the middle order, holding things together when wickets fall. His ability to rotate strike and grind long innings makes him crucial in English, where survival is half the battle. With Bedingham for company, Bavuma will look to lead from the front as a batter and captain as South Africa eye their first Test championship.
With the Lord’s pitch expected to be a balanced surface offering something for everyone, this WTC final is shaping up to be a classic. Both teams boast world-class talent and match winners. These six players will not only be in the spotlight but also hold the key to their team’s fortunes in what promises to be a thrilling finale.