As the grand finale of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 unfolds at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11–15, the excitement is as thick as the London fog. Australia and South Africa—two sides with a fierce, storied rivalry—are set to clash for the title that now defines the pinnacle of modern-day Test cricket. Amid the buzz, Australian legend Ellyse Perry has weighed in with her predictions, and she’s backing the Australians to reign supreme once again.
The multi-format superstar Ellyse Perry believes Australia will come out on top in the WTC Final 2025. For her, the match-winner will be none other than Alex Carey. She expects Steve Smith to lead the run charts, while Mitchell Starc will prove deadly with the ball and take the most wickets.
Ellyse Perry’s World Test Championship Final predictions:
Winner – Australia
Highest Run Scorer – Steve Smith
Most Wickets – Mitchell Starc
Player of the Match – Alex Carey
Ellyse Perry knows about the longest format. Since making her Test debut in February 2008 against England, she has featured in 14 Tests—11 of them against the Ashes rivals, 2 against India, and 1 against South Africa. With 930 runs to her name, including a sublime unbeaten 213, and 39 wickets with a best of 6 for 32, her Test resume speaks volumes about her understanding of the format and the big occasions.
The stage couldn’t be grander: this is the first WTC final to be played at Lord’s, the hallowed home of cricket. But the venue isn’t new territory for these two sides. Way back in 1912, Australia and South Africa locked horns here during the fifth match of a triangular Test tournament that also featured England. In that historic encounter, Australia won by 10 wickets—113 years later, they will look to repeat history on the same turf.
South Africa come into this final with plenty to prove and a heavy burden to bear. Despite a stellar finish to their campaign—winning seven of their last eight Tests—the route to the final has drawn criticism from some corners, questioning the strength of their opposition. Their only major ICC title remains the 1998 KnockOut, and many see this as their biggest opportunity in over two decades.
South Africa walk into Lord’s under the weight of history and perception. The players, along with former legends, are aware of the stakes. This final isn’t just about silverware—it could well define the trajectory of South African Test cricket moving forward.
Australia, on the other hand, are embracing a more relaxed and focused approach. Just like in the 2023 WTC final, where they thumped India, the team opted out of warm-up games, choosing instead to unwind with five days of golf in northern Scotland. This core group has tasted success across formats and is now chasing a fourth world title in four years, carrying the confidence and swagger of serial winners.
Australia boasts a fearsome four-pronged attack—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon—all of whom have crossed the 250-wicket milestone. This makes them the first bowling quartet in Test history to reach that feat together. Yet, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada brings a compelling counterpoint, having claimed 327 wickets at a superior average and strike rate compared to any of the Aussie quicks.
Historically, Australia have played 40 Tests at Lord’s, winning 18, losing seven, and drawing 15. South Africa’s 18 Tests at the venue have produced six wins, eight losses, and four draws. But records, as they say, are meant to be broken.
This final brings some intriguing selection decisions. Australia’s Cameron Green is set to bat at No. 3 for just the second time in his first-class career. He hasn’t played a Test in 15 months and won’t bowl in this match. In a surprise move, Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting—his first time doing so in Test cricket. This also marks Usman Khawaja’s fifth opening partner in the last nine Tests.
South Africa, meanwhile, have gone with a more settled batting line-up. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma are the only ones with prior Test experience against Australia, but many of their players—like Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton—have been in the thick of T20 action, including IPL stints against or alongside Aussie bowlers.
Form-wise, it’s hard to split them. South Africa come in on a five-match winning streak, while Australia are unbeaten in their last five, with four wins and a draw. But momentum isn’t everything—experience, composure, and adaptability will decide the champion.
Australia and South Africa have produced some of the most iconic Test matches in the last three decades. From thrilling finishes to bruising battles, theirs is a rivalry built on grit and high-stakes drama. But the 2022–23 series between them was uncharacteristically one-sided, with Australia dominating. Will this final restore the intensity, or will it reinforce the existing narrative?
Ellyse Perry’s vote of confidence in Australia isn’t just patriotism—it’s backed by pedigree, data, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. With Steve Smith hungry for runs, Mitchell Starc breathing fire with the ball, and Alex Carey poised for a standout performance, the defending champions are ready for another shot at Test supremacy.
But cricket, especially at Lord’s, has a way of rewriting scripts. South Africa’s hunger, Australia’s calm, and the enormity of the moment all combine to make this World Test Championship final unmissable.
