Squads, Live Streaming, and More: All You Need to Know About World Test Championship Final

Cricket fans across the globe are tuning in as Australia and South Africa prepare to clash in the highly anticipated World Test Championship final. This year’s showdown, set at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 16, offers Australia the historic chance to become the first nation to win the World Test Championship final twice. For South Africa, it’s a shot at their first WTC title—and redemption on one of cricket’s biggest stages.

What time does the World Test Championship final start?

The battle begins on Wednesday, June 11, with the first ball set to be bowled at 7:30pm AEST. Whether you’re a diehard cricket fan or a casual viewer, this is a moment in the Test calendar not to be missed.

How can you watch the final live?

Cricket lovers in Australia can stream the entire match live on Amazon Prime Video, which now holds exclusive ICC broadcasting rights through 2027. Whether you’re at home or on the move, fans have multiple ways to stay plugged into every thrilling moment of the World Test Championship final.

Who made the cut? Full squads for WTC final between Australia vs South Africa

Australia

Led by Pat Cummins, Australia enters with a powerful blend of experience and youth. Their squad includes stars like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc, as well as rising names such as Beau Webster. Australia’s recent form, four straight wins including a clean sweep over Sri Lanka—has boosted their confidence heading into this final.

South Africa

Temba Bavuma captains a Proteas team that surged late in the two-year WTC cycle. Key players like Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Aiden Markram have found form just at the right time. The South African lineup may lack the same high-profile experience as their Australian counterparts, but they bring an unpredictable edge and hunger for their first title.

How Australia and South Africa booked their place at Lord’s?

Australia’s path to the final began with a gritty Ashes series against England in 2023, finishing 2-2. They then dominated, winning 11 out of their next 14 matches, despite minor stumbles against India and the West Indies. Their consistency over time, not just the number of matches played, secured their spot.

In contrast, South Africa’s qualification came with a dramatic resurgence. After a strong win over India to kick off the cycle, they stumbled mid-series. But seven straight wins, including dominant 2-0 sweeps of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, pushed them to the top. Despite playing only 12 Tests to Australia’s 19, South Africa’s higher win percentage gave them the edge.

How the WTC points system works?

Understanding the World Test Championship final setup starts with the points system. Since not every team plays the same number of Tests, the final standings are based on the percentage of points earned. While Australia scored more points overall (154), South Africa’s 100 points came from fewer matches, resulting in a higher percentage (69.44% vs. Australia’s 67.54%).

This system ensures fairness across different schedules and was pivotal in determining the final matchup. India, who featured in the first two finals, narrowly missed out with 50% of their possible points.

Can Australia carve out cricketing history?

This week’s final is more than just a Test match, it’s a shot at immortality. If Pat Cummins and his squad triumph, they will become the first team to lift the WTC trophy twice. The stage is set, the players are ready, and fans worldwide are poised for what could be a defining chapter in Test cricket history.

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