South Africa Aims to Overcome 'Chokers' Tag Against Australia in WTC Final
A Crucial Opportunity for South Africa
After an impressive two-year journey leading to the World Test Championship final, South Africa has a golden chance to shed its 'chokers' label. However, this requires breaching the formidable fortress of Australia in ICC tournaments.
Australia stands out as the only team to have clinched all four ICC trophies: the ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, and the WTC. Defeating them in global finals is notoriously challenging, as they have reached the final 13 times, winning 10 of those encounters.
South Africa's Historical Struggles
Known for faltering in crucial matches, South Africa has only one ICC tournament victory to its name, which came in 1998 when they won the Champions Trophy. The current squad boasts a blend of seasoned and young players, eager to erase the memories of past failures in this neutral venue match.
Team Dynamics and Preparations
In the 2023-25 WTC cycle, South Africa utilized a record 30 players, most of whom have proven effective in scoring runs or taking wickets at critical moments. With seven consecutive Test victories, they secured their spot in the WTC final last December.
Australia's Lineup Challenges
For Australia, a significant challenge lies in selecting a partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. The team retains 10 players from the last WTC final against India, excluding David Warner. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who missed that match due to injury, is set to replace Scott Boland after a strong IPL performance, where he took 22 wickets in 12 matches.
Key Player Decisions
The decision on who will replace Warner remains undecided. Youngster Sam Constas made a strong impression against India, but Travis Head, who filled the role during the Sri Lanka series in February, is expected to return to that position. Concerns linger over Marnus Labuschagne's form, although all-rounder Cameron Green has made a remarkable comeback, scoring three centuries in county cricket after surgery.
Australia's Bowling Strength
Australia's bowling lineup is rich in experience, featuring four of the top ten wicket-takers in the nation's history: Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins, and Hazlewood. Steve Smith, now 36, has not played competitive cricket since March, a situation shared by Constas, Khawaja, Lyon, Boland, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Nevertheless, Smith has scored four centuries in his last five Tests and surpassed the 10,000-run mark, nearly matching the total runs of the entire South African team.
Facing Kagiso Rabada
The biggest challenge for Australia will be dealing with Kagiso Rabada, who has dismissed Khawaja five times in ten Tests. Rabada has 327 Test wickets and will likely receive support from Marco Jansen, who has taken 29 wickets in six matches during the WTC cycle. The pace attack will also include Lungi Ngidi and Dane Paterson, both of whom have recently played in the IPL and county cricket, respectively.
Opening Partnerships and Team Records
Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are set to open the innings for South Africa, with captain Temba Bavuma batting at number four. David Bedingham, the top run-scorer for the team in the current WTC cycle, has shown he has recovered from a finger fracture sustained in April during a practice match against Zimbabwe. Both teams have impressive records at Lord's, with South Africa losing only one of seven matches, while Australia has not lost at this venue in the last decade.