All eyes are on all the heavyweights of cricket as the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final commences at Lord’s from June 11-15. Australia is set to clash with South Africa in what should be a historic and well-contested battle between the two teams. Let us take a quick look at eight vital players, bearing in mind that it can be the one who pushes the needle in this high-stakes encounter.
From Australia
1. Travis Head – The Aggressive Southpaw
- Innings: 34
- Runs: 1177
- Avg: 35.66
- Known for his counter-attacking approach in tough situations.
- Scored a match-defining century in the 2023 WTC Final.
- Key to breaking South Africa’s pace momentum with fearless stroke play.
2. Pat Cummins – The Skipper Spearhead
- Innings: 33
- Wickets: 73
- Avg: 24.54
- Australia’s captain and strike bowler with impeccable line and length.
- Consistently delivers in English conditions.
- His leadership and new-ball spells will set the tone.
3. Mitchell Starc – The Left-Arm Missile
- Innings (bowling): 35
- Wickets: 72
- Avg: 27.27
- Brings sheer pace and deadly swing to the attack.
- Known for game-changing spells in big matches.
- Watch for his reverse swing in the later innings.
4. Steve Smith – The Test Genius
- Innings: 35
- Runs: 1324
- Avg: 41.37
- The most experienced WTC batsman in either squad.
- England is his favorite hunting ground.
- Can hold the innings together while attacking loose deliveries.
Also read: Top 5 Players Who Scored the Most Runs in World Test Championship Finals – Full Stats Inside
From South Africa
1. Temba Bavuma – Captain in Command
- Innings: 11
- Runs: 609
- Avg: 54.37
- Commands respect with calm leadership and stands as South Africa’s leading run-scorer this WTC cycle
- Plays spin and pace with equal comfort.
- Will be crucial in anchoring the middle order.
2. Kagiso Rabada – The Enforcer
- Innings (bowling): 20
- Wickets: 47
- Avg: 19.97.
- South Africa’s pace spearhead.
- Known for aggressive, hostile spells with bounce and pace.
- Needs to fire for SA to dominate Australia’s top order.
3. Ryan Rickelton – The Underdog X-Factor
- Innings: 9
- Runs: 451
- Avg : 56.72
- A reliable run-getter who hasn’t made big headlines yet.
- Solid technique and temperament.
- Could be the breakout performer of the final.
4. Aiden Markram – Stylish Yet Dangerous
- Innings: 18
- Runs: 572
- Avg: 33.64
- Classical batter with a flair for big games.
- Excellent against spin and short-pitched bowling.
- If he gets going, he can shift momentum fast.
Battle of Depth and Nerves
This WTC Final isn’t just about stats it’s about temperament, conditions, and key moments. Each of these eight players brings a unique strength that could swing the match. Whether it’s the fiery pace of Rabada and Cummins, or the calm consistency of Smith and Bavuma, this battle at Lord’s is set to deliver drama, class, and cricketing excellence.
WTC Final 2025
- Date: June 11–15 (Reserve Day: June 16)
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Teams: Australia vs South Africa
Written by RITESH SINGH
