Australia's Steve Smith is bracing himself for a stern examination against South Africa's formidable pace attack in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's, commencing on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Smith, a veteran of many battles and a linchpin of the Australian batting lineup, acknowledges the Proteas' bowling prowess, particularly highlighting the threat posed by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

Speaking at Lord's on Monday, Smith stated, "South Africa have a particularly good bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada, his record speaks for itself. Marco Jansen -- they are a good side, they are here for a reason." Rabada, 30, brings a wealth of experience with 327 wickets at an average of 22, while the 25-year-old Jansen has quickly established himself, claiming 73 wickets in just 17 matches at an average of 21.76. Smith's words reflect a deep respect for the South African bowling contingent and a clear understanding that Australia, despite being the defending champions and favorites, cannot afford to be complacent.

Smith's own record at Lord's is impressive, with 525 runs in five matches, including two centuries, at an average of 58.33. He spoke about the unique challenges of batting at the ground, noting, "It takes a bit of time getting used to the slope, one end thinking you are falling over, the other you feel a bit tall. It's a nice wicket to bat on but can change with the overheads, the ball swinging around, can get a bit tricky." Adapting to the conditions and playing what's in front of you is crucial.

Adding another dimension to the contest, Smith anticipates spin playing a significant role as the match progresses. He observed the dry conditions leading up to the game, suggesting that Australia's off-break bowler Nathan Lyon could become a key factor. "I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on," Smith noted. "We've only been here a week, but I think it's been pretty dry start to the season over here. There hasn't been too much rain, which is rare for England. It does look like quite a dry surface and I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on."

In preparation for the WTC final, Smith took a break from cricket following Australia's exit from the Champions Trophy. He spent time in New York, even putting away his bat for a while. This unusual step for the diligent Smith seems to have paid dividends. "My first hit felt strangely good," he said. "Usually it goes: good, awful, then I find rhythm. But both sessions were really solid. Everything just clicked into place." He also focused on his fitness, working with a personal trainer to improve his strength and mobility. "I feel as strong as I've been since maybe 2014," Smith revealed. "My hips are in great shape, I'm getting lower – that'll help in the slips too. It's probably the best I've felt physically in years."

Australia won the previous WTC final against India in 2023 and are aiming to defend their title. South Africa, on the other hand, are making their first-ever appearance in the WTC final. The match is scheduled to be played from June 11 to 15, with a reserve day on June 16 to account for potential weather disruptions. While Smith acknowledged suggestions about extending the WTC final to a three-match series, he conceded the current schedule is already "pretty jam-packed." He also mentioned that the relationship between the Australian and South African teams is now "pretty relaxed," a far cry from the tensions of the 2018 ball-tampering incident in Cape Town.

With both teams at full strength, the stage is set for a captivating WTC final at Lord's. The battle between Australia's batting might and South Africa's pace battery promises to be a thrilling contest.