WTC Final: Bavuma's Proteas chase long-awaited global glory
A win in the World Test Championship final would not just allow South Africa to focus and invest more on red-ball cricket but also encourage the up-and-coming young talents in the country to prioritise the longer format. Former South Africa cricketer and noted coach Eric Simons, who has been on and off coaching the South African team, insists that the Bavuma led-side has nothing to lose and that they will go all out against Australia. "A lot of interest (back home) as you would expect for a team playing in a prestigious event such as the WTC. South Africa is a very passionate sporting nation and a match like this brings many people together, even those that generally do not follow cricket. The interest will no doubt pick up when the match starts and the conversations can have direct context," Simons told The New Indian Express.
"Although the WTC is a relatively new ICC initiative in the context of other ICC events, it has already developed a significant status. CSA made a conscious decision to qualify for the event in spite of it being an uphill battle to reach it based on the position the team was in a few months ago. Selection of the different format squads appeared to show the importance CSA put on qualification as they made sure the best XI was available, New Zealand series being the exception for other reasons," he added.
Although Australia are the defending champs and are coming into the match as favourites, Simons believes that it allows South Africa to come out all guns blazing. The fact that they have brought on Stuart Broad as a mentor to make the most of his experience with the Dukes ball could also come in handy. "Australia are justifiably the favourites but that is not a bad situation for the SA to be in. Backs to the wall and nothing to lose attitude will be a good mindset to have going into the match. It would appear they might have a slight edge, so yes, but there are a few SA players with significant experience and whose play suits the conditions. Also some local players/coaches have been drafted to assist with preparations. Also with the Duke's ball being used, both teams who play 99% of their cricket with Kookaburra will have to adapt," Simons said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
8 minutes ago
- India Today
Marnus Labuschagne makes Kevin Pietersen frustrated: Not there to leave ball all day
Marnus Labuschagne's timid batting during the first innings of the World Test Championship final Day 1 on Wednesday, June 11 left Kevin Pietersen frustrated on commentary. Labuschagne, who was promoted as an opener for the WTC Final, showed a lack of intent during the first session, which was a tricky period for Australia as they lost two wickets quickly. But once Steve Smith came in to bat, he was seen trying to get runs quickly and raced to a score of 17 off just 28 deliveries. For context, it was the same score that Labuschagne was batting on after facing 49 deliveries. He was ultimately dismissed for the same score off 56 deliveries. advertisementDuring that time, Pietersen was on commentary and criticised the Australian opener. The former England skipper said that Marnus has the ability to hit the ball well but his mindset was holding him back. "You see a lot of leaving from Marnus... Steve Smith is not going to let you go, and that's why he is one of the great players," Pietersen said in commentary. "Just on Marnus here, it is actually quite frustrating to watch. He has the ability to hit the ball really well if his body goes towards the ball, if his head goes toward the ball.""I just think it's a mindset. He has the ability, he has the eyes, he has the technique, but I just think he needs to change the way he's thinking at the moment."'Batters are out there to score runs'advertisementPietersen said that batters are out there to score runs and you cannot afford to leave the ball all day. The former England captain feels that such an approach will leave you vulnerable and the bowlers can work you over. "Batters are out there to score runs, you're not out there to leave the ball all day."You can bowl to that. If someone is just looking to leave (the ball) you can work him over. Comparing that to someone like Steve Smith - if you miss your line, miss your length, he smacks you for four."Australia ended up scoring 212 runs in the end.
NDTV
14 minutes ago
- NDTV
"80 Per Cent In Australia's Favour": Matthew Hayden's Big Verdict On WTC Final After Day 1
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden criticised South Africa's "lack of intent" on the opening day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's. Temba Bavuma's side won the toss and opted to bowl first against the reigning champion. The Proteas pacers made the most of the opportunity and exploited the conditions to dismiss Australia for 212 in their first innings. Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada returned with the figures of 5-51 in 15.4 overs while Marco Jansen bagged three scalps to break the back of Australia's batting line-up. However, things were no different for South Africa as Mitchell Starc took two top-order wickets and combined with fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to reduce South Africa to 43 for four at the close, trailing by 169 runs. "I'm not entirely convinced it was Australia's day. South Africa won the first session, and Australia's comeback in the final session - nine wickets in all - was surprising. The conditions were odd: cloudy for half the day and sunny for the other half. Batting should have been easier, but it wasn't. I'd say maybe 80% in Australia's favour, largely because of South Africa's lack of intent. That started with Temba Bavuma," said JioStar expert Hayden. "As a captain, it's not just about bowling changes - it's also about setting the tone with the bat. He showed little vigour, and that's dangerous when facing three world-class fast bowlers in conditions that suit them. They need to come out with more intent on Day 2. Any signs of aggression -even those few boundaries late in the day - will help. But if they don't, Australia will come into Day 2 as firm favourites," he added. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels that Australia is in a strong position after bagging four early wickets before the end of play on Wednesday. 'Clearly, it was Australia's day. They were on the back foot during the first session when South Africa bowled brilliantly—just 66 runs and four wickets in two hours. Then came a fightback through the Smith–Webster partnership. South Africa tried to claw back, but by losing four wickets later, they handed the advantage back to Australia. With the amount of seam movement on this pitch, the scoreboard doesn't reflect a par score. Australia is in a strong position," he said. Bangar emphasised a mindset shift for South Africa on Day 2. 'There's a gap in skill sets, no doubt. Someone like Steve Smith—with over 10,000 Test runs - can switch tactics instantly, adjusting to fields and conditions. That confidence doesn't come overnight. But if South Africa needs to do anything differently, it's this: be more positive. "When your approach is positive, your feet move better, and once your feet are in the right place, you control the ball better - whether scoring or defending. Steve Smith was exceptional - when conditions were tough, he pushed the pressure back on the bowlers. Also, someone like Ngidi had an off day and leaked runs. Australia's bowlers didn't offer any width. If South Africa want to score square, they must first find a way to create that width - and that comes with intent."
News18
17 minutes ago
- News18
SA Vs AUS Live Score, WTC Final Day 2: Australia Look To Wrap Up South African 1st Innings
Australia vs South Africa Live Score, ICC WTC Final 2025: Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the second day of the World Test Championships Final between South Africa and Australia. South Africa finished Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final at the Lord's on 43/4 in reply to Australia's first innings total of 212 runs. SA won the toss and opted to bowl first as Kagiso Rabada's five-fer led the Proteas' charge on the opening day of the summit clash. Marco Jansen picked up three wickets while Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram registered a wicket each, while Beau Webster and Steve Smith top-scored for the Aussies with 72 and 66 runs respectively. The Australians hit back with the ball as Mitchell Starc removed Markram for a duck before dismissing Ryan Rickleton for 16, while Pat Cummins scalped Wiaan Mulder and Josh Hazlewood sent Tristan Stubbs back to the hut. Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham remained unbeaten a 3 and 8 runs respectively at stumps on Day 1. Playing XIs Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
