Birds vs SA: 5 best key battles to take care of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025

Cricketing world turns around to Lord’s cricket field Australia and South -Africa Prepare -s to answer the ICC (WTC) 2023-25 ​​Final ICC Test Championship From June 11 to 15, 2025. This clash of the summit is more than a battle for the coveted mace, it is a meeting of two proud traditions of Cricket, each with its own convincing narrative. Australia, the champions defending, aims to cease their dominance in the longest format, while South -Africa aims to guide the story when claiming its first important ICC trophy in the test cricket.

Contrastable trips and shared ambition from Australia and South -Africa until the end of the WTC 2025

The Australia Road to the final was marked by coherence and resilience. Under PAT CumminsThey exceeded the WTC standings with a percentage of 67.54%points, prominent by a 3-1 series victory India to recover the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His campaign had strong performances at home and outside, emphasizing the depth and experience of his workforce.

The journey of South -Africa was a story of resurgence. After a shaking start, the proteas, directed by Tumba Bavumacontinued with a remarkable winner of seven tests, giving victorious to the series against Western Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Their late delay saw them ending with a percentage of 69.44% of points, winning their final wTC’s Baga de Llavera and increasing the hopes of a historic triumph in Lord’s.

Also read: Australia or South -Africa? AB of Villiers provides for the winner of the WTC 2025 final

5 best key battles to take care of the World Test Championship 2023-25

1. Kagiso Rabada vs Usman Khawaja

The contest between Kagiso rabada and Usman Khawaja It is an early battle defined. Rabada, the main fast ballist in South -Africa, has been a thorn next to Khawaja, dismissing it five times in its ten previous trial encounters. Khawaja, the main scorer in Australia in this WTC cycle with 1,422 runs, will be eager to overcome its recent struggles against high quality rhythm, after having dropped by Jasprit Bumrah six times during the Indian series. However, the prolific Khawaja Race at 2023 Cashes in EnglandWhere he marked 496 runs, suggests that he is well equipped for English conditions. The ability to hit soon could set the tone for proteas, while Khawaja resistance will be crucial for the highest order in Australia.

2 Marco Jansen vs Steve Smith

Marco JansenThe sewing of the left arm has been central to the rise of South Africa, claiming 29 doctors in six tests in this cycle. Their angle and their rebound have worried their right, which represent more than 73% of their test doctors. Standing is his way Steve SmithThe base of the Battle of Australia and a performer proved in high pressure parties. Smith, who ended with a successful tour of Sri Lanka and a century in the final of the previous WTC, will enjoy the challenge. Its head is limited, but Jansen’s ability to move the ball from Smith’s gang could be fundamental, especially in English conditions where Smith has an average of more than 55 years. This duel avoids the classic confrontation between emerging talent and established greatness.

3. Tuba Bavuma vs Pat Cummins

The return to Bavuma’s form has been essential in the South -Africa campaign, accumulating 609 throws of 11 entries to an average of 60.90 since its comeback. As a captain, Cummins, the Talismanic leader of Australia and the second highest in this WTC cycle, as captain, his composition and technique will be tested by Cummins, the Talismanic leader of Australia and the second highest wick with 73 doctors. Cummins’ ability to extract the rebounds and seam movement makes it a constant threat and its Apumen tactic adds another layer to this battle. Bavuma’s resilience against the relentless accuracy of Cummins could determine the fortune of South -Africa, especially in the crucial middle sessions.

4. Ryan Ricelton vs Mitchell Starc

Ryan RiceltonThe emerging opening of South Africa has quickly settled with 451 runs in six tests, including a better 259 against Pakistan. Confronting -he will be Mitchell StarcThe left rhythm of the left arm of Australia, recognized for its ability to swing the new ball to pace. Ricelton’s attacking instincts will be tested by Starc’s experience and skill, especially in English conditions where the ball can be prodigiously moved. This battle at the top could dictate the impulse, with Ricelleton’s ability to withstand the first Starc outburst, which can lay the foundations for a total south -African.

5. Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham vs Nathan Lyon

The south -Africa’s average order with the aggressive Tristan Stubbs And the coherent David Niedingham (The main scorer of the team in this cycle with 645 runs), faces a severe examination since Nathan Lyon. Lyon, the first protagonist of Australia, was essential in his final victory in 2023 WTC and is still a threat even in the launches in favor of the Marines. Stubbs’ attack capacity and Bedingham’s ability to rotate the strike will be crucial to fight the Guile de Lyon, especially when the ages and conditions of the ball begin to favor the turn. This contest could be decisive in the last stages of each post, with Lyon’s Knack to break collaborations with the ambition of the protein to accelerate.

Also read: WTC 2025 Final: Mark Taylor is treated with opening options in Australia XI against South -Africa