WTC Final: Harbhajan Singh Backs Australia to Outshine South Africa at Lord’s
In a thrilling build-up to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has thrown his weight behind Australia, predicting they will retain their title against a determined South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. With the Aussies aiming for a historic second WTC crown under the dynamic leadership of Pat Cummins, Harbhajan believes their deep-rooted familiarity with English conditions could be the game-changer.
Australia, who clinched the WTC mace in 2023 by defeating India at The Oval, are no strangers to high-stakes encounters in England. Their frequent battles in the Ashes and acclimatization to the swinging Dukes ball give them a distinct advantage over the Proteas, according to Harbhajan. Speaking on JioHotstar and Star Sports, he emphasized, “Australia will come prepared. They’ve played a lot of cricket in England—think Ashes, the last WTC Final—and that experience will count. They understand these conditions better than South Africa. Plus, they’re a champion side. Handling pressure in big matches is where they excel, and that’s why they’ve lifted more trophies than anyone else.”
South Africa, led by the resilient Temba Bavuma, have stormed into their maiden WTC Final with an impressive record, winning seven of their last eight Test matches to top the standings. While their red-ball consistency has been remarkable, this will be their first ICC final in the longest format—a daunting task against a battle-hardened Australian outfit. However, the Proteas have shown grit in recent ICC knockout events across formats, and their pace-heavy attack, featuring the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, could pose a serious threat on a lively Lord’s track.
Harbhajan also showered praise on Pat Cummins, hailing him as a “very special captain” who unites the team with his match-winning prowess and commanding presence. “Cummins brings everyone together. He’s a proven match-winner with great command in the dressing room. When your team respects and rallies behind you, you win more matches. That’s what makes him exceptional for Australia,” Harbhajan added. Cummins, with a Test bowling average of 22.54 and a knack for decisive contributions with the bat lower down the order, has been a cornerstone of Australia’s recent dominance.
Echoing Harbhajan’s views, former India batter and commentator Aakash Chopra pinpointed Cummins as South Africa’s “biggest threat.” “His leadership, his bowling when there’s a partnership to break, his batting contributions—he impacts every department. He leads from the front and keeps the opposition under constant pressure,” Chopra noted. With Australia boasting a formidable batting lineup including Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and the explosive Travis Head, the Proteas will need to bring their A-game to counter this multi-dimensional unit.
As the cricket world gears up for this blockbuster clash at the ‘Home of Cricket’, scheduled for June 2025, all eyes will be on whether South Africa can defy the odds and etch their name in Test history or if Australia will cement their legacy as the undisputed kings of red-ball cricket. One thing is certain—this WTC Final promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Let the debates begin!