The much-anticipated Australia vs South Africa clash is unfolding right now in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss on June 11, 2025, and chose to bowl, handing Australia an unexpected early challenge. Within the first hour, Kagiso Rabada made waves by claiming two quick wickets—Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green—pushing Australia into early turmoil at 12/2. Marco Jansen soon followed up, removing Marnus Labuschagne for 17, leaving the Aussies wobbling at 46/3. The opening session has shifted firmly into South Africa’s favour.
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First Session Drama: Australia vs South Africa Sparks Early
The first session of this Australia vs South Africa battle has been riveting. Under overcast skies, the Proteas’ pace battery peered to exploit the swing-friendly Dukes ball. Rabada’s fiery spell rattled the top order, and Jansen’s accuracy cemented South Africa’s dominant grip. Veteran Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are now attempting to rebuild, with Smith’s first boundary offering a glimmer of steadiness.
Key highlights from the opening session:
- Rabada strikes twice in an over to reduce Australia to 12/2.
- Jansen dismisses Labuschagne—among first new-ball takers of the day.
- Australia remain testing conditions, but the pressure is mounting.
Australia looks to recover, but South Africa’s early control in this Australia vs South Africa clash has energized the final.
Tactical Moves and Strategic Insights
In selecting to bowl first, Bavuma capitalised on the overcast, swinging conditions—a signature move in the Australia vs South Africa rivalry. South Africa’s seam unit—Rabada, Jansen, Ngidi, Maharaj—intends to dominate early, while Australia banks on its batting firepower later. Notably, Cameron Green returned at No. 3, and Josh Hazlewood rejoined the attack, replacing Scott Boland. Australia’s hope rests on veterans like Smith and Cummins to steady proceedings after this rocky start.
Line-Ups Revealed: Who’s in the Battle?
Australia XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne (opener, though usually number 3)
- Cameron Green
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
South Africa XI
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Wiaan Mulder
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
This epic Australia vs South Africa final features both teams fielding full-strength squads, with Australia reinforced by Green’s return and South Africa banking on consistent top form throughout the tournament.
Why This Australia vs South Africa Final Matters
This is the first-ever WTC final hosted at Lord’s, running from June 11 to 15, 2025. Australia aims for back-to-back titles after defeating India in 2023; South Africa seeks their maiden WTC crown to break a near three-decade ICC trophy drought. Stakes are monumental: winners take home the iconic mace and a prize purse of USD 3.6 million, while the runners-up walk away with USD 2.16 million.
Beyond cash and silverware, this continental clash continues a rich rivalry. Australia historically held the upper hand in Tests, but recent cycles have showcased South Africa’s rise, setting the stage for a fierce battle of wills under the historic lights of Lord’s.
Mid-Match Momentum: What’s at Play Next?
Australia finds itself on the back foot early, and Smith, along with Labuschagne, must anchor the innings. Their partnership could stabilize the position and prep for later partnerships with Travis Head and Green. Australia’s bounce-back depends on minimizing further collapses and building a competitive total.
On the flip side, South Africa must push for more breakthroughs to maintain the pressure, aiming for dismissals that fuel their pace-led game plan. Rabada has already delivered brilliance; Jansen and Ngidi must sustain tight lines and lengths. Maharaj’s spin could become pivotal as the day unfolds.
Player Watch: Stars of the Australia vs South Africa Setup
- Kagiso Rabada: a relentless force with his new-ball burst, two scalps in quick succession show he’s dialled in.
- Marco Jansen: calm and clinical, removing Labuschagne under pressure.
- Steve Smith: always a linchpin, his steady approach could prove pivotal in steering Australia through early vulnerability.
- Temba Bavuma: his toss-winning decision reflects tactical acumen and bold gambits in these conditions.
Breaking Down the Stakes and Scenarios
| Scenario | Impact |
|---|---|
| Early wickets for SA | Australia faces uphill task to post a competitive first innings. |
| Smith–Labuschagne partnership builds | Can shift momentum back to Australia mid-day. |
| Rain delays or reserve day needed | Could favour either side depending on current state. |
| Key wickets fallen late in day one | Place pressure on the following innings for the chasing side. |
What Lies Ahead in This Australia vs South Africa War?
As day one progresses, the contest hinges on partnerships and day-one damage control. Australia must stabilize after early setbacks, laying platform for middle-order to flourish. South Africa aims to pile on pressure and extend their dominance at the crease. Swing conditions may evolve; watch how spin plays later when Nathan Lyon and Keshav Maharaj take centre stage.
For fans, this is a captivating Australia vs South Africa face-off: a battle of pace vs resilience, strategy vs grit, and history vs hunger.
Your Match-by-Match Guide
Want to stay updated with every session of this Australia vs South Africa epic? Here’s how you can keep up:
- Stream live via Amazon Prime (Australia) or Willow (North America)
- Catch session highlights through ICC coverage
- Monitor live stats and expert commentary across sports networks worldwide
This Australia vs South Africa final at Lord’s is already promising drama. With early wickets in hand, South Africa controls the narrative—but Australia’s resilience could turn tides. Across the days ahead, the battle for the Test mace promises enthralling cricket, and you won’t want to miss a ball.
Ready to follow this epic showdown? Join the conversation—share your session predictions, favourite players, or what moment will define this match.