South Africa completed one of the greatest turnarounds in modern test match cricket history, winning the 2025 World Test Championship. Before the tournament’s creation some eight years ago, the Proteas were an afterthought in the longest format of the game. They were languishing way down in the world rankings, but they have since managed to claw their way back into contention.
Their resurrection culminated in this season’s World Test Championship. Victories against New Zealand and Pakistan saw the Proteas secure top spot in the standings and grab a place in the Grand Final. Unfortunately for them, if they wished to become champions, they would have to defeat the reigning champs and the number one-ranked team in the world, Australia.
Online betting sites made the Baggy Greens the favorite for the title, just as they have for this year’s Ashes Series against England. The latest cricket betting odds currently price the Aussies as a -175 favorite for that particular contest, but the tourists will take some hope after seeing South Africa’s recent display at Lord’s.
South Africa’s Stunning Victory
The Proteas were considered lengthy outsiders ahead of the London showdown, and those predictions looked accurate when they were bowled out for a paltry 138 in their first innings. That measly score left them trailing the Baggy Greens by 74, but in the second stanza, South Africa’s main man took center stage.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is arguably the main reason why the South Africans have emerged as a major force once again, and just as his team needed him more than ever before, he produced his very best. The 30-year-old picked up four wickets in Australia’s second innings, dismissing dangermen Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green to give his side a chance. Fellow paceman Lungi Ngidi chipped in with a further three wickets, ensuring that Australia could only manage to build a lead of 281.
Although the score left South Africa with the daunting task of chasing down 282 on a wearing Lord’s pitch, what followed was pure magic. Aiden Markram led the charge with a sublime 136, occupying the crease for over six hours, while captain Temba Bavuma added a critical 66. David Bedingham’s composed 21 not out saw the Proteas home with aplomb, scripting an emphatic five-wicket victory.
For a team that has often been labeled as “chokers” in high-pressure games, this triumph was more than just a result. It was redemption. After years of near misses and heartbreaks, South Africa had conquered the pinnacle of Test cricket. But where does this rank among the greatest comebacks in the sport’s history?
Ben Stokes’ Headingley Miracle
Few innings can rival the sheer drama of Ben Stokes’ masterclass in the third Ashes Test of 2019. After a disastrous score of 67 all out in their first innings, England were in deep trouble. Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne piled on the misery, helping himself to 154 runs across two innings and setting the hosts 359 to win. To make matters even worse, England were already 1-0 down, and defeat would have ensured that the urn remained with Australia, regardless of the results in the fourth and fifth tests.
But with that daunting target hanging over them, England set about the task at hand. Ben Stokes had built up a solid partnership with Yorkshiremen Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, which put victory within reach. However, when the latter of those two was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, the hosts collapsed.
England slipped from 245/5 to 286/9, and defeat suddenly seemed a certainty. However, Stokes was still at the crease, and as such, anything was possible. The New Zealand-born star smashed an unbeaten 135, slapping the most fearsome bowling attack in cricket all over Headingley.
From audacious reverse sweeps to last-ditch improvisation, it was a performance that transcended the game. Jack Leach, England’s No. 11, became the ultimate pantomime partner, holding his nerve for 17 resolute deliveries while contributing just one run. His ability to stick around allowed Stokes to become a national hero, hitting one final boundary through the covers to seal an impossible victory in thrilling fashion.
England Collapse in Adelaide
Australia’s victory in the second Test of the 2006/07 Ashes at Adelaide demonstrated the ruthlessness of their golden era. England had appeared to take the driver’s seat, piling 551-6 declared in the first innings, and victory seemed firmly within their grasp. Had they managed to see the job through, they’d have tied the series up at 1-1, and things would have been all to play for. However, day five at the Adelaide Oval isn’t for the faint of heart.
The Baggy Greens never read scripts handed to them. Ricky Ponting’s men somehow clawed their way back into the contest. On a raucous final day, England started their second innings 73/4. Inexplicably, though, they were bowled out for a measly 129, with Shane Warne ripping his way through the middle order. That set the Aussies 167 to win with barely 30 overs remaining, and it looked as though time wasn’t on their side.
What followed was a run chase executed with machine-like efficiency. A quickfire century partnership from captain Ricky Ponting and Mr. Cricket Michael Hussey ensured that Australia snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. And with momentum on their side, they went on to dominate, winning 5-0 to complete a series whitewash.
