Even South Africa greats pick Australia as the winners of WTC final 2025 at Lord's; is Temba Bavuma listening?

By Admin

11 Jun, 2025

It’s Australia vs. South Africa. Lord’s. The World Test Championship Final 2025. The ultimate Test showdown is set and the cricketing world is buzzing.

Six of the top legends from both Australian and South African cricket have weighed in, and their prediction is nearly unanimous: Australia are the overwhelming favourites to lift the ICC Test mace once again.

The stage is set

Two deserving teams. One iconic venue. Australia, the defending champions, are stepping into their second consecutive WTC final. South Africa, under the calm and confident leadership of Temba Bavuma, are making their maiden appearance. One side carries the weight of championship legacy; the other, a hunger for redemption.

But when it comes to ICC tournaments, history tells a tough tale for South Africa. From the heartbreak of the 1999 World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston to the crushing defeat in the 2023 ODI semi-final in India, Australia have consistently had the upper hand over the Proteas in knockout stages. That doesn’t mean South Africa are out of it but they’ll need more than heart to topple this mighty Australian unit.

What the legends are saying

When legends speak, the world listens and this time, even former South African stars are siding with Australia.

• Michael Clarke, former Aussie skipper, on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast:
  "Australia are and should be the favourites. Their bowling attack is phenomenal, and they bring a lot of experience to the table."
  
  

• Mark Boucher, former SA keeper, on ESPNcricinfo:
  "Australia are the favourites. But we’ll have to come from behind."
  
  

• Aaron Finch, ex-Australia captain, agreed:
  "Particularly on neutral territory, Australia are still the favourites."
  
  

• Shaun Pollock, former SA captain, cautiously optimistic on SKY Sports:
  "We’re in the final, and we kind of have a chance. But I won't say we’re favourites."
  
  

• Brad Haddin, former Aussie keeper on LiSTNR Sport Podcast:
  "Hazlewood and Cummins will be hard work. Australia win this one."
  
  

• Allan Donald, South African pace legend, on OFM.co.za:
  "Let’s not beat around the bush. Australia are definitely favourites. But South Africa have shown resilience time and again."
  
  

That’s 6-0 in Australia’s favour when it comes to expert predictions. Even the Protea greats acknowledge the steep mountain their side must climb.

Bavuma’s men – fearless and hungry

While the expert verdict may be one-sided, South Africa have quietly built an incredible run in Test cricket. They’re on a seven-match unbeaten streak, and skipper Temba Bavuma is in career-best form. Under his captaincy, the Proteas haven’t lost a single Test match.

They’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. And if cricket has taught us anything, it’s this: never underestimate a team with its back against the wall.