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 v Australia live

• World Test Championship final day one at Lord's
• Australia aiming to defend their crown as South Africa reach first WTC final
• WICKET! Jansen removes Head to leave Australia 67-4 with Proteas on top at lunch on Day 1

South Africa vs Australia

70.3

OUT! Bowled. Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs. Seaming in length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, inside edge.

14 June 2025 11:43

South Africa vs Australia

70.2

APPEAL! Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for no runs, fielded by Carey, appeal made for Caught.

14 June 2025 11:42

South Africa vs Australia

70.1

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram. Length ball, wide outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep backward point for 1 run.

14 June 2025 11:40

South Africa vs Australia

69.6

Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, missed for no runs, fielded by Carey.

14 June 2025 11:39

South Africa vs Australia

69.5

Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Labuschagne.

14 June 2025 11:38

South Africa vs Australia

69.4

Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot reverse sweeping, Gloved to short leg for no runs, fielded by Head.

14 June 2025 11:38

South Africa vs Australia

69.3

Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs. Off break half volley, wide outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to mid off for no runs, fielded by Cummins.

14 June 2025 11:37

South Africa vs Australia

69.2

Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram. Off break length ball, wide outside off stump on the front foot defending, to extra cover for 1 run, fielded by Cummins.

14 June 2025 11:37

South Africa vs Australia

69.1

Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to deep mid wicket for 1 run.

14 June 2025 11:37

South Africa vs Australia

68.6

Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to mid off for 1 run, shy attempt by Cummins, fielded by Carey.

14 June 2025 11:33