South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first against Australia in the crucial World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 final being held at the iconic Lord's on June 11.
What did the captains say after the toss?
After winning the toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said:
"Will have a bowl first looking at the overhead conditions. Too late to change the team, we have selected the best combination. All 15 of us are confident. It is a massive final, it should be a spectacle out here."
Meanwhile, Australia skipper Pat Cummins, after losing the toss, said:
"Happy to bat first. Looks like a good wicket with a few clouds, but that's always the case in England. Prep wise it has been unreal, 15 guys working very hard for that title. (On the hectic schedule) You get used to it the more you are playing, we have had about 10 days prep and we are ready. Doesn't feel like any extra pressure. We've been here before and we've won it. This week is all about enjoying the moment."
South Africa playing XI:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia playing XI:
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
The recent 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle saw South Africa lead the standings based on their points percentage, with Australia securing the second spot. Prior to the final standings, these two leading teams engaged in a two-Test series. The contest was closely fought, resulting in a balanced 1-1 draw.
Head-to-Head
Talking about their overall head-to-head record in Tests, South Africa have won 24 matches, while Australia have clinched 54 wins in a total of 101 matches played between the two teams. Notably, 21 matches were ended in a draw.
Pitch Report
"The clouds are intriguing me. I think the pitch looks nice, particularly on day two when the sun comes out. Captains have leant towards bowling here but the results have leant towards teams batting first. If you bowl first, the new ball bowlers need to be on the money. You need to get used to the slope early on and settle. When you are bowling at the Pavillion end, bowling to the right-hander, you try to move it towards the stumps for bowled and lbw and from the Nursery end, you try to move it away to get the edges," Stuart Broad analysed the pitch.