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South Africa v Australia live: Cricket score and updates from World Test Championship final

Follow all the action as the World Test Championship final begins at Lord’s

James Anderson on why he believes Australia are favourites to win ICC World Test Championship final

Follow live coverage of South Africa v Australia from the ICC World Test Championship final today.

The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021, before Australia assumed the crown in 2023.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said defending the title was high on the priority list, even after all their country’s success in the limited-overs formats. “It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”

South Africa are meanwhile backing fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to bring extra motivation after serving a one-month drugs ban. Rabada tested positive for cocaine in January, which was only revealed in April, and served a one-month ban while competing in the Indian Premier League. “It’s definitely a motivation, It’s been a couple of weeks now that everything has unfolded,” Bavuma said.

Follow all the latest live coverage of today’s match in the live blog below.

South Africa vs Australia

South Africa win by 5 wickets

14 June 2025 12:47

South Africa vs Australia

83.4

Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne. In-swinging full toss, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run.

14 June 2025 12:47

South Africa vs Australia

83.3

Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne. In-swinging full toss, off stump on the front foot working, inside edge to silly mid on for no runs.

14 June 2025 12:46

South Africa vs Australia

83.2

APPEAL! Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne. In-swinging length ball, middle stump moves in front Scoop, Gloved for no runs, fielded by Carey, appeal made for Caught.

14 June 2025 12:45

South Africa vs Australia

83.1

Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne. Back of a length, middle stump on the back foot driving, to cover for no runs, fielded by Labuschagne.

14 June 2025 12:44

South Africa vs Australia

82.6

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne. Length ball, outside off stump moves in front driving, to cover for 1 run, fielded by Labuschagne.

14 June 2025 12:43

South Africa vs Australia

82.5

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Labuschagne.

14 June 2025 12:42

South Africa vs Australia

82.4

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, back to bowler for no runs, mis-fielded by Hazlewood.

14 June 2025 12:41

South Africa vs Australia

82.3

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to mid off for no runs, fielded by Cummins.

14 June 2025 12:40

South Africa vs Australia

82.2

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham. Seaming away length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, thick edge to short third man for 1 run, fielded by Green.

14 June 2025 12:40

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