The stage is set for a riveting showdown as defending champions Australia lock horns with South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, scheduled from June 11 to 15 at Lord’s, England. Both teams have displayed exemplary form over the 2023–25 cycle, and now the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground will witness the culmination of two years of high-quality Test cricket. Here are five pivotal players who could shape the outcome of this marquee contest:
Updated On: 2025-06-06 10:37 PM IST
Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar
Pat Cummins – Australia
Australia’s pace spearhead and captain, Pat Cummins, will play a dual role of immense responsibility. With 73 wickets in 33 innings at a stellar average of 24.54, he stands as the second-highest wicket-taker in this cycle. Cummins thrives in English conditions, having scalped 51 Test wickets in England, including 10 wickets in two Tests at Lord’s, averaging 21.10 at the venue. His familiarity with the Dukes ball and tactical nous makes him a formidable threat.
Temba Bavuma – South Africa
South African skipper Temba Bavuma brings both leadership and technical solidity. He has registered 609 runs in 11 innings, averaging a remarkable 60.90, with two centuries and four fifties. Among batters with over 300 runs in this period, his average is the second-best. With South Africa lacking experience in the batting ranks, Bavuma’s composure and consistency will be vital
Travis Head – Australia
An embodiment of counterattacking cricket, Travis Head has emerged as a vital cog in Australia’s middle order. Across the current WTC cycle, Head has amassed 1,177 runs from 34 innings, averaging 35.66, with three centuries and five half-centuries. Notably, his strike rate of 81.06 is the third-highest among batters with over 1,000 runs, underlining his intent-driven approach.
Steve Smith – Australia
Veteran batter Steve Smith remains a cornerstone of Australia’s batting unit. He has compiled 1,324 runs in 35 innings during this cycle, averaging 41.37, with five centuries. His record at Lord’s is nothing short of exceptional, having accumulated 525 runs in five Tests at an average of 58.33, including two fifties and two hundreds, most notably, a monumental 215 in 2015. Smith’s ability to bat long and anchor innings will be crucial.
Kagiso Rabada – South Africa
Express pacer Kagiso Rabada is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the current cycle with 47 wickets in 20 innings, averaging 19.97, including three five-wicket hauls. His prior experience in England, 30 wickets at 26.06, positions him as a major threat to Australia’s top order.
