SA vs AUS: Lord's pitch report for the WTC Final 2025

The pitch at Lord’s appears dry ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC Final 2025), and experienced Australian batter Steve Smith believes that spin could play a major role as the match progresses. Having assessed the surface during pre-match preparations, Smith noted that the dryness of the wicket is likely to assist spinners more and more as the game wears on, suggesting that teams will need to factor this into their strategies. The current weather conditions in London have contributed significantly to the nature of the pitch. A prolonged spell of dry weather in recent weeks has left the surface lacking in moisture, which typically brings seam and swing bowlers into the game.

SA vs AUS: What to expect from the Lord's pitch for the WTC Final 2025?

However, under these circumstances, the pitch is more likely to deteriorate and provide turn, especially in the latter stages of the Test. This development could influence team selections, possibly leading to a greater emphasis on spin rather than relying entirely on fast bowlers. Given Australia’s spin options, including veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, they may look to capitalize on the conditions. Meanwhile, teams heavily reliant on pace might need to rethink their bowling combinations. With spin expected to be a key factor, tactical flexibility will be essential throughout the contest.

“I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” Australian batter Steve Smith said in a recent interview. 

The pitch at Lord’s for the upcoming Test carries a noticeable greenish tinge, a sign that early assistance for fast bowlers could be on offer. Combined with the forecasted overcast skies during the first two days, these conditions might tempt the captain winning the toss to opt for bowling first. The cloud cover and the lively surface could help seamers generate movement both through the air and off the pitch, potentially putting early pressure on the batting side. It's the sort of scenario that pacers dream of—new ball, moisture, and helpful overhead conditions.

However, the dynamics are expected to shift as the match progresses. The latter part of the Test is forecast to feature warmer, drier weather, which could gradually flatten the pitch and bring spinners into play. As the surface wears, variable bounce may creep in, and the ball could start gripping more, making strokeplay increasingly difficult. Batting in the fourth innings under such conditions could be challenging, especially if the surface starts to crack or slow down. Therefore, while bowling first may seem advantageous early on, the prospect of chasing in deteriorating conditions later in the game adds a strategic dilemma for both captains when the coin is flipped at the toss.

The pitch at Lord’s, two days out from the WTC final pic.twitter.com/1ShSVzMlSL

— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) June 9, 2025

Nathan Lyon and Keshav Maharaj are two world-class spinners who are more than capable of exploiting any spin-friendly conditions on offer at Lord’s. Both bring vast experience and the ability to adapt to different surfaces, making them key assets in this high-stakes contest. Lyon has been a standout performer in the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle, claiming 66 wickets at an impressive average of 24.00 — the fourth-highest wicket tally in the competition so far. His consistency and ability to strike in crucial phases have made him a constant threat, regardless of conditions. On the other hand, Maharaj has been equally effective, with 40 wickets at a superb average of 20.57. His performances at home have been particularly strong, picking up 14 wickets at 25.6. 

“It is dry, I think. The reports, we only came here a week ago. So, it’s pretty dry to start the season over here. There hasn’t been much rain, which is rare for England, obviously,” Smith added. 

What unfolds during the first two days at Lord’s could heavily influence the final outcome. With both teams boasting formidable pace attacks, early batting success will be crucial in setting the tone for the match. Navigating the new ball under testing conditions could create the platform for a first-innings lead, which might prove decisive given the surface is expected to deteriorate later.

This scenario played out perfectly in the 2023 WTC Final, where Steve Smith and Travis Head combined for a monumental 285-run partnership for the fourth wicket against India. That stand turned the match in Australia’s favour, with Smith scoring a composed 121 in the first innings. As Australia return to Lord’s, Smith will be eyeing a similar impact, especially at a venue where he averages an outstanding 58.33. His experience and past success at this ground could once again be key if the top order is tested early.