🏟️ Lord’s: The Home of Cricket Hosts Its First WTC Final First WTC Final at Lord’s: A fitting stage for Test cricket’s grandest occasion. Australia vs South Africa at Lord’s – 113 Years Later: Last meeting at the venue: June 1912, part of the only Triangular Test Tournament involving England, Australia, and South Africa. Result: Australia won by 10 wickets. That tournament is now seen as a precursor to today’s WTC — an early attempt at a global Test contest. 🇦🇺 Australia: The Champions Return Defending WTC champions, having beaten India at The Oval in 2023. Come in as heavy favourites, boasting: A stable core of experienced players (Smith, Labuschagne, Khawaja, Cummins, Lyon). A potent attack capable of exploiting any conditions. Psychological edge: South Africa haven’t beaten Australia in a Test series since 2016. 🇿🇦 South Africa: Underdogs with a Point to Prove First major ICC final since 1998, when they won the ICC Knockout (now Champions Trophy). Narratives they're challenging: “Soft route” to the final – despite seven wins in their last eight Tests. Chokers tag in ICC knockouts – a stigma dating back to the ‘90s. Historical baggage – South Africa’s rich Test history has often been undermined by near-misses at global tournaments. What’s different this time: A no-nonsense pace battery (Rabada, Jansen, Nortje). A team that’s quietly built momentum and thrives in the role of outsiders. A new generation aiming to write a different chapter. 🔥 Rivalry Factor: Australia vs South Africa One of the most intense modern Test rivalries, especially since the early 2000s. Memorable series: 2008–09: SA's breakthrough win in Australia. 2018: The infamous Sandpapergate series. This final marks a fresh battlefield — neutral territory, and a title on the line. 🏆 What a Win Would Mean For Australia: A second consecutive WTC title would cement their status as the premier Test team of the decade. For South Africa: A maiden WTC crown would break a long ICC drought and rewrite a history of near-misses in global events.