The finalists for the 2025 World Test Championship have been determined with South Africa set to take on Australia at Lord's from June 11. Before the grand final, the war of words began with South Africa's Kagiso Rabada launching a warning to his Australian counterparts.
Kagiso Rabada is confident South Africa will make history at Lord's and is excited to play the big match. While this will be the second successive WTC final for Australia, South Africa will be playing the final for the first time ever.
It represents a big occasion for South African cricket which has seen quite a few ups and downs over the past few years since the retirement of its great players. But it seems that the golden days for South Africa are now back.
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Kagiso Rabada issues a warning to Australia
During a chat on SuperSport, Kagiso Rabada spoke about the prospects of playing in the WTC final against Australia. While the match is expected to be intense, Rabada expressed his confidence in beating Australia.
“It's actually quite a distance, but a big occasion like the World Test Championship final gets you ready for that. The South Africa-Australia game has always been a tough contest, because we play very similar cricket. We're playing hard – and they'll be tough on us,” said Kagiso Rabada. “And we know that.”
The South African fast bowler praised the Test format as the best format for his team. He was also happy with the way Test cricket was promoted in the recent series against Pakistan.
“But we also know how to beat them. One hundred percent, Test cricket is still alive. It is our best format that we are playing now,” Kagiso Rabada said.
“When you look at South African cricket and all our legends, they were all great Test cricketers. The best players in the world are Test cricketers, and this series against Pakistan was a great advertisement for Test cricket, especially in South Africa.” He pointed out.
Shukri Conrad in the World Trade Center final
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Shukri Konrad is hopeful of a test match scheduled in England which could help his team prepare for the WTC final.
“We'll try to do a trial match, maybe in the UK, against Ireland or Afghanistan, whichever is free. And if we don't succeed, obviously we'll go out a couple of days early, make sure we set up a camp there. Well really, maybe in Canterbury,” Conrad said.
Australia have two Tests left to play against Sri Lanka but South Africa are not scheduled to play any Test matches before the WTC final. However, neither team will play any Test in English conditions.
Australia are favorites ahead of the grand final
It is likely to be a tough contest between the top two teams in the World Test Championship tournament. The strength of both teams is their fast bowling and both have excellent fast bowling options in their ranks.
Australia will start as favorites because they are already the defending champions and their overall record in knockout matches. But South Africa will look to make history by winning the ICC title more than two decades later.