ICC Confirms World Test Championship 2025 Finalists
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the two finalists for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–2025 cycle. After nearly two years of gripping five-day contests across the globe, India and Australia have secured their places in the final, which will take place in June 2025 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
This announcement comes after a competitive WTC cycle featuring unpredictable upsets, outstanding individual brilliance, and strategic battles across different conditions. The final promises to be a high-stakes rematch between two modern giants of Test cricket, following their clash in the 2023 WTC Final at The Oval, where Australia emerged victorious.
The Road to the Final
India’s Journey
India’s qualification campaign for the 2023–2025 WTC cycle has been one of resilience and strategic dominance. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the guidance of Rahul Dravid, the Indian team balanced experience with youthful energy.
Key series victories included:
- A home win against England (3-1) in early 2024, where spin played a decisive role.
- A crucial away series draw in South Africa, showcasing India’s growing adaptability in foreign conditions.
- Dominating performances against Bangladesh and West Indies solidified their standing.
India’s batting revolved around consistent performers like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, while their bowling unit — led by Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj — remained lethal throughout the cycle.
Their ability to consistently pick 20 wickets in Tests and post or chase challenging totals was the cornerstone of their campaign.
Australia’s Campaign
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, maintained their formidable presence in the longest format. Their home dominance continued as they outplayed Pakistan and the West Indies with commanding performances.
One of their biggest achievements was a 2-1 series victory in New Zealand in early 2025, which played a pivotal role in sealing their final berth. Consistent displays in the Ashes 2023–24 (which ended in a 2-2 draw) also helped keep them near the top of the WTC points table.
Batting maestro Steve Smith, opener Usman Khawaja, and all-rounder Cameron Green made significant contributions. The pace trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc combined with Nathan Lyon’s off-spin gave them a well-rounded attack across conditions.
Final at Lord’s: A Battle Reignited
The WTC Final 2025, scheduled for June 10–14, returns to Lord’s — the iconic “Home of Cricket.” This decision has excited purists and players alike. The pitch at Lord’s is known to offer assistance to seamers early on, which could make for a fascinating contest between two elite pace attacks.
This final also carries a narrative edge. In the 2023 WTC Final, Australia defeated India by 209 runs at The Oval. India will now look to settle the score and claim their first WTC title after losing both the 2021 and 2023 finals.
Players to Watch
India:
- Shubman Gill: India’s most promising young batter, expected to anchor the innings.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His ability to reverse swing the ball in English conditions could prove decisive.
- Ravindra Jadeja: A proven all-rounder whose contributions with bat and ball will be vital.
Australia:
- Steve Smith: His track record in English conditions is unmatched.
- Pat Cummins: With both the captaincy and pace spearheading role, his influence will be immense.
- Alex Carey: Reliable behind the stumps and handy with the bat.
What’s at Stake
The WTC final is more than just a title. It’s a symbolic battle for Test supremacy in an age of shorter formats. Both India and Australia are among the few nations actively investing in keeping Test cricket alive and relevant. This match represents the culmination of that effort and philosophy.
Victory for India would mark a historic moment — a chance to shed the runner-up tag and establish themselves as champions across all formats. For Australia, a win would underline their sustained dominance and add another feather to their already illustrious cap.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown begins to June 2025, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a grand spectacle. Two powerhouse teams, a historic venue, and the ultimate prize in Test cricket — the stage is set for a riveting encounter. The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 is not just another game; it’s the pinnacle of the purest form of cricket.
Stay tuned as cricket’s ultimate rivalry reignites under the cloudy skies of Lord’s.