RCB finally ended their IPL drought after 18 years. Now South Africa are chasing that glory moment of their own.
After both the women’s and men’s teams fell short in T20 World Cup Finals, the Proteas have one more chance to life an ICC trophy. But they’ll have to go through Australia.
For the neutral fan, it doesn’t get much better than this. South Africa vs Australia at Lord’s. Two teams raised on pace and bounce, now tested under England’s gloomy skies and swinging ball.
What more could you want from a World Test Championship final?
The Stakes
South Africa
For South Africa, this is more than just a final. It’s the weight of decades.
Just as the the wounds of 1999 began to fade, fresh ones arrived in 2015 and then 2024, with both women’s and men’s team falling at the brink of glory.
And yet, here they are again. Will 21st time be the charm?
Also Read: 20 South Africa World Cup Chokes and Heartbreaks: The Complete List (Men’s & Women’s Combined)
“This isn’t just a match. It’s 40 years of South African pain bottled into five days at Lord’s.”
Australia
For Australia, this is familiar territory. Another final, another title in sight. But there are some interesting underwritings for Australia as well.
This could be the last time we see the quartet of Smith, Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Lyon take the field together in a major series or at least in a final.
Australia arrive with tons of experience: 772 Test caps across the squad, including 136 from Nathan Lyon alone. South Africa, on the other hand, only have 367 Test caps.
A team that knows how to win finals against one trying to believe that they can.
Also Read: Complete List of Australia’s ICC Trophies—Under-19, World Cups, Gold Medals, Men, Women, T20I, ODI, WTC!
Watch Out For
Labuschagne Under the Microscope
Not long ago, Marnus Labuschagne was averaging over 60 in Tests and was hailed as Steve Smith’s natural successor. Since 2023, that number has plunged to 31.54 with only 1 century. His recent first-class form is no better — scores of 23, 0 & 61, 0 & 4, and 23, the last two coming with Glamorgan in County.
Marnus returns to the country that brought him to limelight against the place of his birth. Can he rediscover his edge when it matters the most?
Never Doubt Steve Smith in England
You simply cannot bet against Steve Smith here. Smith thrives in England: 2,255 runs at 55.00, including 8 centuries. His numbers against South Africa are more modest compared to his otherwise Bradman-esque standards (44.94 average with 2 tons).
Fun Fact: In England, Steve Smith has scored almost three times as many runs as the entire South African team combined.
| Steve Smith in England | South Africa’s Batters in England | |
| Tests/Innings | 22/42 | 28/51 |
| Runs | 2252 | 771 |
| Average | 55.00 | 16.76 |
| 100s/50s | 8/9 | 0/2 |
Marco Jansen vs Cameron Green: The All-Round Battle
Jansen and Green represent different brands of modern-day Test all-rounders. Both have the height, Jansen brings more swing and lower order fight, while Green is a solid batter that bowls when he is required.
Extremely valuable to their sides, if either Jansen or Green get going, they can turn the match.
Rabada vs Head: Tempo vs Temperament
Travis Head can win a session on his own, but Rabada is known to strike frequently.
He takes wickets every 39.4 balls and has an average of 22.4. Already a South African great with 327 wickets, he will want to go the next level and win them the title. And don’t forget, he has a point to prove after his recent suspension.
And then there is Aiden Markram. He might just light up the final with a few of those beautiful cover drives even if his stay is brief.
Expected XIs
South Africa Expected XI
- David Bedingham/Tony de Zorzi, 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Ryan Rickleton, 4. Temba Bavuma (C), 5. Tristan Stubbs, 6. Wiaan Mulder, 7. Kyle Verreynne (WK), 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Corbin Bosch/ Lungi Ngidi
Squad: Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthuswamy, Dane Peterson
Australia Expected XI
- Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne/Sam Konstas, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Cameron Green, 5. Travis Head, 6. Alex Carey (WK), 7. Josh Inglis. 8. Pat Cummins (C), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Nathan Lyon
Squad: Scott Boland, Matthew Kuhneman, Beau Webster
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Social media’s buzzing over Josh Hazlewood’s insane record in finals — 9 out of 9 wins. Can he make it a perfect 10?
This may be South Africa’s best shot at a global title. But under cloudy skies, on a Lord’s pitch that offers something every session, it’s hard to look beyond the Australians — especially that bowling unit.
Broken Dream?
Final Test for Nathan Lyon? His rival, R Ashwin retired a few months ago. This is a season of Test retirements, will this by Lyon’s final hurrah?
Prediction
Heart says South Africa, mind says Australia. But I’m going with my gut: South Africa will win a close match.
- Rabada knocks over Khawaja early
- Cameos from keepers Carey & Verreyne
- Gritty knocks in the second innings by Bavuma & Khawaja
- Jansen and Hazlewood use the swing, Jansen dazzles with all-round show
- Steve Smith left stranded as the lone warrior
Australia have the experience, but you cannot count South Africa out. Test matches are won in moments, and the Proteas have waited a lifetime to create theirs.
That’s it from me. What are your predictions? Comment below or share on social media!
© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 06/24/2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).
