"Why cannot it be March?"- When Rohit Sharma questioned the reasoning behind the WTC final scheduling

Australia and South Africa will square off in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's on Wednesday, June 11. This will be the third consecutive final played in England and also the third summit clash that will be played in the month of June.

In 2023, former India captain Rohit Sharma had questioned the rationale behind the final being played in June and asked why England got to host the final every time.

"Why after the IPL final? Why cannot it be March? June is not the only month we should play the final. It can be played any time of the year and anywhere in the world, not just in England, it can be played anywhere in the world," Sharma had said after India lost to Australia by 209 runs in the 2023 WTC final (via ESPN Cricinfo).

The 38-year-old had also said that he was in favour of the WTC final being a three-match series. However, he admitted that finding a window to hold three matches to decide the winner would be tricky.

"A three-match series would be nice but it's about finding that window, where it can fit in. An event like this you work hard for two years and then you only have one shot at it. It's not really - you cannot get into that momentum that you need in Test cricket. Test cricket is all about finding that rhythm, finding that momentum as well. I think yeah, if in the next cycle if it is possible, three-match series would be ideal," he said.

Australia aim to win second consecutive WTC final; South Africa look to end 27-year wait for a major title

Australia and South Africa will square off in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's, starting on June 11. This will be the second consecutive time that the Pat Cummins-led side will compete in the summit clash to win the ICC mace.

For South Africa, it will present another opportunity to break the global title drought. The Proteas last won a major global title when they lifted the inaugural Champions Trophy in Bangladesh in 1998.