WTC Final 2025 | Steve Smith vs Kagiso Rabada: The marquee Lord's battle

On the surface, the WTC final isn't your quintessential tournament final. Unlike the white-ball tournaments, this is a two-year cycle where the Test teams must undergo multiple challenges to reach the summit clash. Regardless of whether the system is fair or not, Australia and South Africa have put in the hard work to have a shot at glory.

With just a day to go before the marquee clash, there is one big-ticket battle that could significantly impact the game's outcome - Steve Smith vs Kagiso Rabada. Test cricket's most prolific batter will gear up to face one of the most lethal pacers of this generation in the seam-friendly climes of Lord's. If this were a Test series, both legends would get their turns to make a statement, but in a solo winner-takes-it-all clash, there is no margin for error. What is in favour of the duo is their remarkable records in England and at Lord's.

Head-to-Head

Of all the batters to go past 10,000 Test runs, Smith's average of 56.74 is the best in the list. Meanwhile, Rabada's strike-rate of 39.44 is the best for any bowler with at least 300 Test wickets to their name. In fact, among bowlers who have featured in at least 19 Tests, Rabada's numbers rank at the top.

For all of Smith's batting greatness, against South Africa, his batting average comes down to 44 from 12 matches – still a moderate stat, but surely a few notches below his standards. Rabada has featured in nine of those games and has dismissed Smith four times, the joint-most among South African bowlers, alongside Keshav Maharaj. Three of those Rabada scalps were nicks through to the keeper - Smith's recent kryptonite against fast bowling.

While his immense mental strength and solid gameplay balances out the exaggerated shuffle movements, Smith has had issues with deliveries seaming away from a fourth stump channel. At Lord's, recent history suggests that teams bowling first have endured a significantly greater degree of success. If Australia are put into bat, Smith will once again have the responsibility of leading the reigning champions' batting department. For South Africa, it will be about how early they can get Smith to the crease, so that they can probe the veteran against the new ball.

While Rabada has dismissed Smith on four occasions across nine games, the latter has also scored two centuries and four fifties against the Proteas. However, the latter hasn't been able to replicate his usual stellar consistency against South Africa, be it home or away. On the other hand, Rabada has relished facing the Aussies, picking up 49 scalps from 10 games, including three five-wicket hauls.

The England romance

The one thing both Smith and Rabada have in common is their peak performances in English conditions.

Before the 2015 Ashes, there were doubts about Smith's ability to succeed in conditions that aid seam and swing, given his unorthodox technique. The Australian put all that to rest by piling on the runs over and over again. From 22 matches and 42 innings, Smith has tallied 2,255 runs in England, including nine centuries and eight fifties. The batting average of 55 is almost on par with his career average of 56.74. At Lord's, that goes up a notch, as Smith averages 58.33 at the iconic venue with two tons and two fifties from nine innings. Among the visiting batters, only Sir Don Bradman has produced more runs and centuries in England.

Rabada's history on English pitches also paints a similar picture, albeit not as prolific. It is also worth noting that South Africa has only played six games in the country, which is a relatively small sample size. The pace spearhead has picked up 30 wickets at a reasonable average of 26, but that strike-rate of 41 is mighty impressive. At Lord's, Rabada has 13 wickets from two games, with the strike-rate getting better at 34.6 and the average looking at peak levels (19.38).

Controversies' favourite children?

Apart from their enviable skill sets, Smith and Rabada have also been part of infamous incidents. The Australian was captain of the Test side when the ball-tampering saga occurred in South Africa against the Proteas. It might be seven years now, and a lot of that weight is off his shoulders, but mind games would certainly be around when he comes to the crease. As for Rabada, he has often had verbal spats against the Australians in the past, but his recent drug offence would be one that could trigger some sledges from the Aussies. Expect a lot of heat when either of the two is in the middle, and if they come face-to-face, there could be a few potentially theatrical moments in store.

Irrespective of whichever side comes out on top and which player wins this battle, one thing is for sure - the quality of cricket is expected to be at its highest. Silverware in cricket's oldest format is up for grabs with the two best sides vying for it. This is the perfect stage for the superstars to add another chapter to their legacy.

Who will leave Lord's with the smile of victory - Smith or Rabada?