With the highly anticipated WTC Final 2025 drawing near, there is an important detail that has sparked controversy among cricket enthusiasts regarding the ball. Though South Africa and Australia commonly employ the Kookaburra ball in global games, the ICC officially announced that the Dukes ball will be utilized when the two teams face each other at Lord’s.
Why Dukes is used in England
The logic is simple: Duke’s balls are conventionally employed in England. With a more defined seam and a defined finish, the Dukes are famous for producing more movement off the pitch as well as more swing in flight ingredients that might quite conclusively impact the outcome of the match.
Ashwell Prince: “Same for Both Teams” in WTC Final 2025
Regardless of the shift in playing conditions, South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince is not concerned. “It will be the same for both sides, so it won’t be a specific advantage,” Prince said. “They’ve got some aggressive bowlers who will be able to execute their skill with the Dukes, and so do we.
The final includes half of the world’s top 10 Test bowlers, such as Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. Both teams have world-class bowling attacks, so the Duke’s ball is a pivotal element in what will be a high-class encounter.
The WTC Points System Debate: Is a Final Fair?
Interestingly, South Africa’s journey to the WTC Final has not been without controversy. Despite playing only 12 Tests in the 2023–25 cycle, compared to England’s 22, Australia’s 19, and India’s 19, South Africa finished first on percentage of points.
Opponents complain that this is not an equitable system, but Ashwell Prince does not agree: “I think a final is probably the best way to do it, because unfortunately, every team doesn’t get to play against all the other opposition an equal number of times.” Things are as they are: some boards chose not to play series against South Africa, and the Proteas can’t be held responsible for that.
Warm-Up Game vs Zimbabwe: Promising Start Despite Rain
In preparation for the WTC Final 2025, South Africa is currently engaged in a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel. Although rain postponed the start on Tuesday, Wednesday’s play saw 79 overs bowled, with South Africa declaring at 313/2. Zimbabwe reached 48/1 at the end of play.
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Stand-out performances were:
Ryan Rickelton – 62 (11 fours)
Temba Bavuma – 58 (strike rate of 68.24)
Tristan Stubbs – 58 (86 dot balls out of 120)
Interestingly, Wiaan Mulder also batted at No. 3—a possible tactical adjustment before the WTC Final. Prince remained close-mouthed: “The best way to prepare is to keep all possibilities open. We don’t know what the surface will look like at Lord’s.”
Rabada and Ngidi Fire Warnings With the Dukes
In their 11 overs, South Africa’s bowlers demonstrated why they are regarded as the best. Kagiso Rabada produced a vicious rising ball that hit Ben Curran on the hand, leaving him to retire hurt and have X-rays. Lungi Ngidi then picked up where he had left off by shattering Nick Welch’s bat, an indication of how deadly the Proteas’ attack is with the Dukes ball.
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With 83% rain predicted for Thursday, Zimbabwe’s batters may be hoping for a reprieve.
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