Australia vs South Africa WTC Final: Tom Moody Backs Aussies to Triumph with ‘Ingrained Winning Mentality’
In a highly anticipated clash for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) mace, Australia and South Africa are set to lock horns at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 11, 2025. As the cricketing world braces for this monumental final, former Australian cricketer and renowned coach Tom Moody has weighed in with his prediction, tipping the Australians as slight favorites due to their unmatched pedigree in high-stakes encounters.
Moody, speaking on Star Sports, highlighted Australia’s historical dominance in ICC events, a trait he believes is deeply embedded in the team’s DNA. ‘The Australians have built a reputation through consistent success in major tournaments. When it comes to ICC events, they somehow elevate their game to another level as a unit. They embrace the challenges of tournament cricket and thrive under the pressure of these high-stakes matches,’ he remarked.
He further elaborated on the cultural aspect of this success, noting that many Australian players have grown up idolizing generations of champions who have clinched multiple ICC titles. ‘Historically, their players have won numerous ICC tournaments, and they’ve witnessed past generations achieve the same. That winning mentality is ingrained in them,’ Moody added, emphasizing the psychological edge Australia holds under the captaincy of Pat Cummins. Cummins, who led Australia to victory in the last WTC Final against India at The Oval in June 2023, will be eager to retain the coveted mace.
On the other side, South Africa, fondly known as the Proteas, are in pursuit of their first ICC silverware in over two decades. Their journey to the WTC Final has been nothing short of remarkable, with impressive performances in recent ICC tournaments, including semi-final appearances in the ICC Men’s World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy, and a runner-up finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, Moody believes that despite their form, South Africa might find themselves at a slight disadvantage due to less exposure to big-match scenarios compared to their opponents.
‘You need to trust your instincts and cut out the negativity, whether it’s about not playing Test cricket for months or adapting to completely different conditions in England. That’s the nature and beauty of Test cricket—being able to evolve on the move and respond when needed. Both teams are aware of this, but I think Australia has a marginal edge purely because they’ve played more big matches in recent years,’ Moody concluded.
As the battle for Test cricket supremacy looms, Australia will rely on their seasoned campaigners and depth, with players like Steve Smith, David Warner, and Mitchell Starc likely to play pivotal roles. South Africa, led by the dynamic Temba Bavuma, will bank on their pace attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, and the resilience of their batting lineup to finally break their ICC trophy drought. With Lord’s—often called the Home of Cricket—as the backdrop, this WTC Final promises to be a captivating contest between two cricketing giants.
Who will emerge as the champion of the longest format? Will Australia continue their dominance, or will South Africa script history? The cricketing world waits with bated breath for June 11, 2025, when the first ball is bowled at Lord’s. Stay tuned for updates, insights, and live coverage of this epic showdown!