WTC Final 2025: Is this the greatest Australian cricket team?

Veteran Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon believes that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC Final 2025) is a crucial milestone in Australia’s journey toward establishing themselves as one of the greatest Test sides in cricket history. As the team prepares to face South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11, Lyon emphasised the importance of this match in the larger context of their red-ball legacy. Now 37, Lyon remains a key figure in the Australian Test setup under head coach Andrew McDonald. With over 500 Test wickets to his name, Lyon’s experience will be vital as Australia looks to defend their WTC crown and cap off a dominant cycle that included major wins, notably in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

Nathan Lyon is very hopeful that Australia is winning the WTC Final 2025

Lyon stressed that winning back-to-back WTC finals would cement this team’s legacy, adding that such achievements require consistent excellence across multiple years and conditions. He highlighted the blend of youth and experience in the squad and credited the team’s focus on discipline and preparation. Facing a rejuvenated South African side at a venue steeped in history only adds to the significance. For Lyon and his teammates, this match isn't just a final—it's a defining chapter in their pursuit of Test greatness.

Australia will enter the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 with the clear goal of defending the title they secured in 2023. Two years ago, they produced a dominant performance against India at The Oval, clinching the championship with a commanding 209-run victory. It was veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon who sealed the win by dismissing Mohammed Siraj, claiming the final wicket of the match and etching his name into the tournament’s history.

Now, Lyon and the Australian team are determined to build on that triumph and further cement their legacy in the red-ball format. The seasoned campaigner has emphasized that the win in 2023 was just the beginning of what this group could achieve. Since that victory, Australia has continued to perform consistently, with a strong Test unit that combines experience and youth under the leadership of coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins.

Lyon believes that retaining the WTC title would be a monumental statement, showcasing Australia's ability to dominate world cricket across multiple cycles. The team has focused on evolving, improving their depth, and staying prepared for all conditions. As they prepare to take on South Africa at Lord’s, Australia knows the opportunity to make history is within reach once again.

“It is important that we look at this week as a celebration piece. We’ve done incredibly well over the last couple of years, at home and away, and that is something that as a team, we should be really proud of. In my eyes, we’re on a journey to becoming a great Australian team. We’re not there yet, I’m well aware of that, but that’s our goal too. This game is another step up that ladder," stated Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. 

Australia secured second place in the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle, earning 67.54% of the points available to them. Remarkably, they were the only team to go unbeaten in all their series, winning four out of six. Their consistency was only surpassed by South Africa, who topped the table with 69.44%. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, hailing from New South Wales, has enjoyed notable success against South Africa, claiming 56 wickets in 18 matches. Looking ahead, Lyon anticipates a highly competitive clash with the Proteas, who are led by captain Temba Bavuma. Given both teams' strong performances throughout the WTC cycle, the upcoming encounters are expected to be fiercely contested and crucial in the race for the championship final.

Australia head into the match boasting a formidable bowling attack, with five of their bowlers ranked among the top 14 in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling rankings. Nathan Lyon holds the fifth spot, while captain Pat Cummins is ranked third, followed closely by Josh Hazlewood in fourth. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland round out the group at 11th and 14th, respectively, highlighting the depth and quality in Australia's pace and spin departments.

In terms of performance during the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Cummins, Starc, and Lyon have been standout contributors. Cummins has taken 73 wickets, Starc 72, and Lyon 66, placing them second, third, and fourth on the WTC’s leading wicket-takers list. The only bowler ahead of them is India’s Jasprit Bumrah, with 77 wickets. This wealth of experience and consistent wicket-taking ability makes Australia's bowling unit one of the most dangerous in the championship.