The prize pool for the World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia has been officially announced.
With less than a month remaining until the highly anticipated one-off Test match between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s, the ICC has revealed a substantial prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
The total prize money for the WTC 2023-25 Final amounts to USD $5.76 million, more than double the prize money awarded in the previous two editions.
The victorious team will be awarded USD $3.6 million, a significant increase from the USD $1.6 million prize in both 2021 and 2023, while the runners-up will receive USD $2.16 million, an increase from USD $800,000.
To commemorate the 30-day countdown to the Ultimate Test, the ICC also released a promotional video generating excitement for the clash. The video features South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, Proteas star Aiden Markram, Australia’s key batsman Steve Smith, and the dynamic Travis Head, alongside former cricketing legends Shaun Pollock, Dayle Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri.
South Africa and Australia are set to compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s starting from June 11, 2025.
South Africa finished at the top of the WTC25 standings, becoming the first team to secure their place in the final at Lord’s, thanks to series victories against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with a drawn home series against India.
Australia secured their spot in the final with a 3-1 series victory over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their impressive campaign also included a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan at home and away series wins against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the announcement, ICC Chair Jay Shah stated: “We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were determined only towards the culmination of the competition.
“The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players across different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads – a true celebration of Test cricket.
“I am confident that spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from around the globe, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field in less than a month.
“On behalf of the ICC, I extend my best wishes to the players of both teams as they prepare for this prestigious match.”
Both captains have their sights firmly set on achieving glory at Lord’s. South Africa is aiming to secure an elusive ICC title, while Australia seeks to make history as the tournament’s first two-time champions.
South African captain Temba Bavuma said: “We’re really pleased to have reached the World Test Championship Final, which presents a significant opportunity for us to win an ICC title.
“Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket, and the World Test Championship provides crucial context to this vital format of the game. Lord’s is a fitting venue for this major fixture, and all of us will be giving our utmost against Australia.”
“The anticipation is building with less than one month to go, and I am sure fans worldwide will be keenly following the fortunes of both teams come June 11.”
Australian captain Pat Cummins said: “We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s. It is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved over the past two years in reaching the final, which is a great honor for us all.
“We very much look forward to reuniting in England in just a few weeks and facing the challenge that South Africa will present at the home of cricket.”
