As anticipation builds for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, South African pace spearhead Marco Jansen has shared his thoughts on facing the formidable Australian side at Lord’s. Scheduled to begin on June 11, the grand finale between Australia and South Africa is expected to be a fiery clash, with both teams in top form. Jansen, known for his tall frame and sharp bounce, openly acknowledged the defending champions’ quality and expressed deep respect for their all-round strength.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes match, Jansen praised Australia’s balanced lineup and Test pedigree. “They have very good bowlers and a strong batting order. We know it’s going to be a tough game,” Jansen remarked. His comments reflect both the competitiveness of the fixture and the regard the Proteas hold for the Australian team, who lifted the WTC trophy in 2023 and are aiming for back-to-back titles.
South Africa’s path to the WTC Final has been marked by consistency and discipline, with Jansen playing a pivotal role. Led by captain Temba Bavuma and backed by a potent pace attack, the Proteas have quietly built a reputation for being one of the most resilient Test sides in recent years. Jansen has provided crucial breakthroughs with the ball and contributed valuable runs down the order. His versatility adds depth to the South African lineup, making Jansen one of the critical players to watch in the final.
The Proteas’ bowling unit, which includes Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortje alongside Jansen, has been lethal in varied conditions. Their ability to dismantle top-order batters with sustained pressure has been central to South Africa’s WTC campaign. At Lord’s, where conditions often favour swing and seam movement, Jansen’s height and natural bounce will be crucial in exploiting any unevenness in the pitch.
However, Jansen’s acknowledgment of Australia’s strengths is not a sign of intimidation but rather a display of sportsmanship and strategic awareness. The Proteas are approaching the final with clarity, knowing they must bring their absolute best to unseat the reigning champions. Jansen recognizes that the Australian team, with the likes of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon, bring vast experience and firepower, making them a formidable opponent on any surface.
Jansen emphasized the need for South Africa to focus on their strengths and execute their game plan with discipline. “It’s about doing the basics right and sticking to our plans. Finals are about handling pressure, and we’re ready for the challenge,” Jansen added. This mindset has been a hallmark of the Proteas’ recent resurgence in Test cricket, where they’ve shown mental resilience and tactical maturity.
As the WTC25 Final draws near, the excitement among fans is palpable. South Africa’s first appearance in the final stage of the Test championship presents a historic opportunity. With Marco Jansen leading the charge, the Proteas are aiming not just to compete—but to conquer. Jansen’s respect toward Australia only sharpens his hunger to prove himself on the biggest stage in Test cricket. The battle at Lord’s is set to be nothing short of epic.