The teams have been involved in some of the fiercest battles over 30 years, and now clash for the big title at Lord’s

As the World Test Championship (WTC) final gets underway at Lord’s, South Africa faces the dual challenge of historical perceptions and an in-form Australian side that has a track record of performing on the big stage. This clash marks the first WTC final at the “home of cricket,” but it’s not the first time these two nations have met in a Test there; Australia famously defeated South Africa by 10 wickets at Lord’s 113 years ago in a Triangular Test tournament.

Australia enters this final as defending champions and strong favorites, a status even acknowledged by former South African greats. While South Africa carries the weight of history—with their only previous ICC title being the 1998 Knockout Trophy—and perceptions of having an “easy route” to the final (despite winning seven of their last seven Tests after a slow start), Australia’s approach has been notably relaxed. Unlike previous Australian teams that might have sought historical inspiration, this squad, much like their build-up to the WTC 2023 final, prioritized a five-day golf trip in northern Scotland over a practice match, reflecting a confident and bespoke preparation.

Most of Australia’s squad are seasoned veterans, with the core aiming for a fourth world title across three formats in four years. They boast one of the best bowling quartets in history (Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood, all with over 250 Test wickets) and a resurgent Steven Smith, alongside Travis Head, who has delivered consecutive match-winning centuries in his last two global finals.

However, Australia’s XI features some significant changes. Cameron Green returns after 15 months and seven Tests, batting at No. 3 for only the second time in his first-class career, despite being unable to bowl. Marnus Labuschagne will open for the first time in Test cricket, marking Usman Khawaja’s fifth different opening partner in nine Tests. South Africa, however, sees an “opportunity” in this new-look top order, with captain Temba Bavuma believing the swinging conditions at Lord’s will play into their hands.

South Africa’s batting order is largely as expected, but most players will be unfamiliar to Australia’s attack, with only Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma having faced them in Tests before. However, Australian quicks have had exposure to Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton in the IPL, with Stubbs having even played alongside Mitchell Starc.

The spotlight will be on Kagiso Rabada, who has had recent off-field issues but looms as Australia’s biggest threat. His last Test appearance at Lord’s saw him dismantle England, and he has a history of tormenting Australia, especially when the ball swings and seams. A break from the IPL may have revitalized him, and with a new Duke’s ball under potentially damp skies, he could be a match-winner for South Africa.

Conversely, Marnus Labuschagne faces immense pressure. Nearing 31, with over 4000 Test runs, he’s at a critical juncture, fighting for his immediate future while batting out of position for the first time in six years. His recent form for Glamorgan has done little to allay concerns, and while selectors are banking on his experience, this is a pivotal moment for him.

South Africa has retained the same top six that faced Pakistan in January, with Wiaan Mulder continuing at No. 3, while Tony de Zorzi misses out. The team has resisted the temptation for an all-out pace attack, with Lungi Ngidi getting the nod over Dane Paterson.

South Africa XI: 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Ryan Rickleton, 3 Wiaan Mulder, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 David Bedingham, 7 Kyle Verreynne, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi Ngidi.

Australia, despite their confidence, are taking a calculated risk with their batting lineup. Beau Webster will provide extra seam overs given Green’s inability to bowl, and Josh Hazlewood returns as the third quick despite a history of breaking down in recent Tests.

Australia XI: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Marnus Labuschagne, 3 Cameron Green, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood.

Pitch and Conditions: The Lord’s surface is drier than usual due to a dry English spring, potentially favoring spinners. While the forecast is for warm temperatures, there’s a chance of thunderstorms. Neither team has much experience playing at Lord’s in early June, adding an element of unpredictability.

Historically, Australia and South Africa have met three times in neutral Tests, all in 1912, with Australia winning two and one drawn. The Australian quartet of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon is the first four-man attack in Test history to play together with 250 wickets each, though Rabada alone boasts 327 wickets at a better average and strike rate than all four of them combined. Australia has a strong Lord’s record (18 wins, 7 losses in 40 Tests), while South Africa has played 18 Tests there (6 wins, 8 losses).

Cummins expressed his excitement for the final, highlighting the rare opportunity to win such a trophy. Bavuma emphasized the importance of focusing on the game at hand rather than getting “caught up into too much of the story and what could be.”