'They are the favourites to win...': England great drops massive prediction for WTC final between Australia and South Africa

The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) will feature Australia taking on South Africa from June 11. The penultimate Test match of the ICC tournament will be played at Lord's in London. The two sides made it to this stage after finishing in top two on the WTC standings for the 2023-25 cycle.

While Australia are chasing their second-consecutive WTC title, South Africa are looking to finally end their 27-year wait for a major international trophy by winning the upcoming clash. The last time the Proteas registered a major title triumph was back in 1998 when they won the inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy.

Panesar predicted Australia to win the WTC final

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar gave his prediction for the much-awaited clash and backed Australia to emerge victorious. If the Baggy Greens do end up winning, they will be become the first team to win the WTC title twice.

"Well, I think Australia have an advantage with Josh Hazlewood, who has never lost a final. It is that experience. Australia look very strong in the seam department and batting as well. Australia look favourites to win this," Panesar said as quoted by ANI.

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Panesar further stated that he wants South Africa to pose a challenge for the Aussies and prove that they can go toe-to-toe with the best team in the world as well.

"I want South Africa to come out and challenge. They have often talked about how South Africa got into the final; they have had an easy ride. This is a great opportunity for South Africa to showcase that they can take on the best in the world," Panesar added.

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Australia had previously crushed India's hopes of making it to their third-consecutive WTC final by defeating them 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series 2024/25. On the other hand, South Africa had qualified for their first-ever WTC final following their 2-0 series victory over Pakistan.

Australia's playing XI for WTC final: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa's playing XI for WTC final: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi