The ultimate test, between South Africa and Australia, is just days away as the two best teams compete for the World Test Championship mace from 11 June. And as ever, SuperSport will bring you all the action live.
The Cummins-led Australian team will be aiming to retain the mace that they won in 2023 after defeating India at The Oval in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final.
On the other side, a determined Proteas aim for their first ICC trophy in over two decades, with Temba Bavuma leading the charge.
SOUTH AFRICA'S ROAD TO THE FINAL
Matches Played: 12
Wins: 8
Losses: 3
Draws: 1
Points: 100
PCT: 69.44 per cent
The Proteas’ WTC journey started with a 1-1 drawn series against India at home, before being handed a 2-0 series defeat by New Zealand.
They then travelled to the West Indies, winning 1-0, before picking up pace with 2-0 wins against both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
This meant that a thrilling two-wicket win against Pakistan at Centurion was enough to help them seal their berth in the final showdown.
They eventually went on to win the series 2-0 against Pakistan, earning their seventh consecutive test win in this cycle, helping the Proteas qualify as the table toppers.
SQUAD
SOUTH AFRICA: 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
> > > Also Read: Muthusamy grabs spot as squad named for WTC final < < <
AUSTRALIA'S ROAD TO THE FINAL
Matches Played: 19
Wins: 13
Losses: 4
Draws: 2
Points: 154
PCT: 67.54 per cent
The ICC No 1 ranked test team started their journey to the WTC Final with two Ashes wins before England’s comeback to draw the series 2-2.
This was followed by a clinical clean sweep at home, winning three tests against Pakistan.
They were not able to finish the home test summer unbeaten, dropping the second test against the West Indies to draw 1-1 thanks to Shamar Joseph’s heroics for the tourists in Brisbane.
A 2-0 sweep away from home against New Zealand followed, before Australia hosted India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
After being handed a huge defeat in the first test, Australia hit back with three wins in the next four tests to help them seal their spot in the Ultimate Test.
The Aussies’ final two tests of the WTC 2023-25 cycle concluded with the visitors defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in the subcontinent and finishing second in the table.
SQUAD
AUSTRALIA: 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
> > > Also Read: Green back in Australia squad for World Test Championship final < < <
MATCH DETAILS
South Africa v Australia
Dates: 11 - 15 June 2025 (Reserve Day: June 16)
Venue: Lord’s, London
Start Time: 11:30 AM (CAT)
HOW TO WATCH
Apart from a dedicated 24-hour channel on Premium (SS Cricket), the test will be broadcast on Grandstand, supplemented by highlight packages for every day (available on Catch Up).
ALL HIGHLIGHTS AFTER THE DAY'S PLAY
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