ICC announces match officials for World Test Championship final 2025

The ICC Elite Panel for the forthcoming World Test Championship Final 2025 has been unveiled. The epic final will be played between Australia and South Africa at the Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11.

The match will feature Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth as the on-field umpires. The TV umpire would be Richard Illingworth of England, with India's Nitin Menon as the fourth umpire. Former Indian seamer Javagal Srinath will handle the match referee responsibilities of the high-octane clash.

Jay Shah, the chairman of the ICC, while making the announcement, said, "We are pleased to announce an experienced team of match officials for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, marking the culmination of a highly competitive two-year cycle of Test matches played around the world. We strive to select the most qualified and deserving officials for all matches, and we are confident they will perform admirably. On behalf of the ICC, I wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this assignment."

Journey of Australia and South Africa to WTC Final 2025

The Australian cricket team will be heading to the WTC final as the defending champions. Australia previously defeated India in the WTC 2023 final at Lord's. Post that, Australia played a total of six series during the WTC 2023-25 cycle, three at home and three away. The team won four test series, while the other two were drawn. Australia's consistency helped them to reach yet another final of the World Test Championship. Pat Cummins and his team would like to continue with their splendid form and win back-to-back titles.

On the other hand, South Africa would be playing its first WTC final. It would be a great opportunity for the Proteas to overcome the ICC trophy drought. During the 2023-25 WTC cycle, South Africa played a total of six test series and won four out of it. The team would be led by Temba Bavuma against Australia in the finals