The ICC Test match is once more on offer, and it is a simple case of a classic clash between two traditional enemies, Australia and South Africa, at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground. It is an appropriate place to make a potentially era-defining event in the history of Test cricket because the venue is loaded with history. Will the defending champions, Australia, a team that is equated with dominance in any format, retain the title? And will the much-tagged underachievers, South Africa, at long last, overcome the decades of heartbreak and win their first World Test Championship?
Underdogs have had their day in a number of sports this year, so 2025 will be the ideal venue to allow South Africa to write their own fairy tale. They have a WTC cycle of nearly perfection, having won four consecutive series, and seven out of their last eight Tests. Their sole hiccup was against New Zealand when they fielded a second-string team, so their main squad, which will play at Lord’s, has the winning attitude that might prove crucial.
Australia, on the other hand, enters the final as the favourites, with Pat Cummins leading the team and Cameron Green returning. Add to that their bowling attack, which is already formidable with Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, and you have another dimension with Green and Beau Webster. It is a full side, full of talent and with good experience and able to take command of any session.
But Temba Bavuma’s side is not worried. South Africa possesses their own pace, firepower, and middle order, which has performed when it was required the most. They would have to be very disciplined and resilient in their approach because Australia would not provide them with too many opportunities.
The first day may be critical. A Test may not be won on the first day, but it can very definitely be lost. The tone will be determined on the first day, and there is much at stake; every ball would matter.
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