The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 is completely ready between Australia and South Africa. The competition will be held in Lord's, London, from 14-18 June, with a reserve day on June 19. What makes the latter even more historical is that India has not qualified for the WTC final for the first time.
The Australian captain Pat Cummins spoke about India who was not in the final. While he spoke with The Guardian, he said about the Archaartsen of Australia.
“In some respects you expect India to be nearby. England has been pretty strong at home and new Zeeland always seems to reach the final,” he said.
“But the same case can be made for South Africa in ICC events. We just don't see much in test cricket, but it is beautiful and different from a final of Australia-India,” Cummins added.
India played in both earlier WTC final, against New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023. But India missed scary this time. The consistent red ball performance of South Africa under heavy overseas conditions earned them a well-deserved place.
Australia, the defensive champions, will now want to keep the WTC trophy. In the meantime, South Africa is looking in the view of their first major ICC trophy in years.
South Africa in WTC 2025 Final
Michael Vaughan previously criticized South Africa. The former captain of England said that the Proteas had reached the final of the world test championship without beating strong teams. He felt that they didn't deserve their place.
England still has to reach a WTC final. This year they are number 5 in the rankings behind India and Nieuw -Zeeland respectively.
As he responded to Vaughan's comments, Cummins defended the boys of Temba Bavuma.
According to Cummins, teams can only beat everyone who they are playing and that South Africa had a different path to the final. When asked about their chances at Lord's, Cummins admitted that it is difficult to predict.
“We didn't play them much, but you really have to be in balance to make the final. Their bowling has always been noticed, and it's no different now. Maharaj is really a solid spinner, and they always have many fast bowlers who are a challenge,” Cummins said.
