🏏 WTC Final Blog – South Africa 🇿🇦 vs Australia 🇦🇺 | 11 June 2025
Toss & First Session
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Toss set for 02:30 PM IST; first ball scheduled at 03:00 PM IST. espncricinfo.com+15m.economictimes.com+15indiatimes.com+15
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Alet for swing-friendly conditions; expect seamers to dream early in Lord’s famous Dukes ball conditions.
🔥 Playing X‑Is Confirmed
Australia XI includes:
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne (promoted to opener), Cameron Green at No. 3, plus the core attack of star quicks Starc, Hazlewood & Lyon. theguardian.com+13news.com.au+13theguardian.com+13
South Africa XI reveals a balanced side featuring pace trio Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, spinner Keshav Maharaj, and captain Temba Bavuma leading.
📌 Key Storylines to Watch
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South Africa targeting fresh Aussie top‑order
Temba Bavuma believes Australia’s new opening combo—Labuschagne with Khawaja—is vulnerable, especially in English swing. espncricinfo.com+15news.com.au+15indiatimes.com+15 -
Labuschagne’s big opportunity
With pressurised new opening role, Labuschagne must deliver—especially against Rabada & Co in early overs. the-independent.com+13abc.net.au+13en.wikipedia.org+13 -
Rabada’s redemption arc
Returning from a cocaine ban in January, the world’s No. 2 Test bowler brings renewed focus and hunger. en.wikipedia.org+2reuters.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2 -
Transformative Proteas mindset
Bavuma credits the 2022–23 series defeat to Australia as a catalyst for the renewed South African side’s mindset and performance rise. en.wikipedia.org+15theguardian.com+15news.com.au+15
💰 Stakes & Format Notes
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Australia seeks to become the first side to retain the WTC mace; South Africa aims to capture their maiden ICC Test title. espncricinfo.com+4talksport.com+4sports.ndtv.com+4
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Prize pool: USD 3.6 million for winners, USD 2.16 million for runners-up. timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indiatimes.com+2
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If the Test is drawn or washed out (rain expected, especially on day two), the mace will be shared, with June 16 as a reserve day. sports.ndtv.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1
🌦️ Weather Watch
Rain expected during the second day; a reserve sixth day is built in to ensure a result if weather intervenes.
📺 How to Watch in India
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TV: Star Sports
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Streaming: JioTV / JioHotstar apps
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Toss time: 02:30 PM IST
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First ball: 03:00 PM IST indianexpress.com+2m.economictimes.com+2indiatimes.com+2indianexpress.com
🎯 What to Expect on Day 1
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Early swing bowling assault from South Africa (Rabada, Jansen, Ngidi)
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Australia’s new opening pair under pressure; Labuschagne must find form
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Critical sessions: first hour at 3–4 PM IST when Dukes ball is lethal
📅 Blog Flow for pkbook99.com
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Pre‑Toss: feature expectations on Aussie top‑order plus rain outlook
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Post‑Toss: full XI update, toss result, initial pitch reactions
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Live Updates: session-by-session bullet points, wicket key moments, partnerships
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Expert Analysis: bowlers’ performances, batting breakthroughs, turning points
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End of Day Wrap: score summary, Player of the Day, forecast/red flags for Day 2
