World Test Championship Final: South Africa wins toss, opts to bowl first against Australia

Match report of Day One as Australia takes on South Africa in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, on June 11 2025

South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first against defending champion Australia at Lord's in the World Test Championship final on Wednesday (June 11, 2025). Cloud cover decided the call.

“Massive (occasion)," South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said. ”You can hear the South African accents as well in the stands. Should be a spectacle."

Unlike South Africa, Australia didn't have a warmup game, but captain Pat Cummins said they were ready.

“Preparation has been unreal. All the guys in the team are ready to go,” Cummins said. “We have had about 10 days of preparation. I don't think there's any extra pressure. We've been here before and won it. So it's just about going out and enjoying it.”

The teams were named on Tuesday.

Australia has gone with a new top order by pushing up Marnus Labuschagne to open in a Test for the first time, and placing Cameron Green at No. 3 for his first test in 15 months. Josh Hazlewood has displaced Scott Boland in the pace attack.

South Africa brought back Lungi Ngidi as the third seamer in the only change to the team from its last test in January in Cape Town, a four-day win over Pakistan.