In the middle of Australia’s winter and amidst the footy frenzy of AFL and NRL, the national cricket team is gearing up for a rare cold-season Test match the World Test Championship final. Traditionally, Australian Test cricket belongs to the summer, but this year, the timing is an anomaly that places the game front and centre, even as the rest of the sporting landscape focuses on different codes.
Unlike the previous WTC final, which preceded an Ashes series and felt like an elaborate curtain-raiser, this edition stands alone. England may be the host, but their team isn’t involved it’s Australia against South Africa, fighting for the title in a single-match shootout. Though the format still raises eyebrows for its one-and-done nature, each staging of the final strengthens its legitimacy in the cricketing calendar.
Despite the timing, there’s no lack of enthusiasm. Media interest is high, tickets are sold out, and with strong expatriate communities in London, the stands will be well populated by vocal fans. The atmosphere promises to be passionate but perhaps more balanced than the partisan chaos witnessed during the 2023 Ashes.
On the field, both teams bring firepower. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada showed brutal pace in a recent warm-up, and with Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, they form a formidable attack. However, Australia counters with a complete bowling unit: Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon. While Scott Boland’s remarkable rise earned attention, selectors have leaned toward Hazlewood’s proven record.
Batting reshuffles have also settled. Marnus Labuschagne moves up to open, allowing Cameron Green, fresh from a prolific county stint, to bat at three. Green’s injury means he won’t bowl, so Beau Webster holds his place at six. Josh Inglis, despite an impressive Test debut, misses out.
While the WTC final’s timing may jar with traditional rhythms, it hasn’t dampened its impact. The format’s quirks remain, but its meaning grows with each contest. This week, cricket gets its moment the jumpers are on, the caps are fitted, and attention shifts from footy fields to the lush Lord’s outfield.
