South Africa Aims for Historic ICC World Test Championship Title Against Australia

South Africa's Quest for Glory at Lord's

London [UK], June 8: Following a series of disappointing exits in ICC tournaments, South Africa is determined to secure their first major world title in cricket as they prepare to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's starting June 11.

Despite a rocky beginning to this WTC cycle, where they lost three out of their first four Tests, South Africa rebounded impressively, finishing at the top of the standings with eight victories. In May, they announced a formidable 15-player squad ready to challenge Australia in this crucial match.

With a pace attack featuring Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Marco Jansen, and Temba Bavuma leading a lineup that includes Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and David Bedingham, the Proteas are set to make Australia work hard for every wicket and run in their pursuit of victory.

Here’s a look at South Africa’s journey to the 'Ultimate Test', covering six bilateral series:

-vs India [1-1, Home]

South Africa kicked off their WTC campaign with a two-match home series against India in December 2023. They showcased their strength with a convincing innings victory in the first Test at Centurion, where Dean Elgar scored a remarkable 185. Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger each took seven wickets, with Rabada achieving a five-wicket haul in the first innings. India managed 245 runs in their first innings, but Elgar's performance propelled South Africa to 408. In response, India struggled, with Virat Kohli's 76 being the only notable resistance as they were bowled out for 131. Elgar earned the 'Player of the Match' award.

However, India bounced back in the second Test at Cape Town, winning by seven wickets as South Africa faced batting collapses. Mohammed Siraj's six-wicket haul restricted South Africa to just 55 runs in the first innings. Markram's century in the second innings was not enough to prevent India from leveling the series.

-vs New Zealand [0-2, Away]

In February 2024, South Africa traveled to New Zealand with a revamped squad under Neil Brand. Unfortunately, they lost both Tests, with New Zealand claiming their first Test series victory against South Africa. The first Test saw South Africa unable to chase down 529 runs, despite Bedingham's resilient 87. The second Test was more competitive, highlighted by Dane Piedt's eight wickets, but New Zealand successfully chased down 267 runs.

-vs West Indies [1-0, Away]

Returning to the squad were Bavuma and several seasoned players for a two-match series in the West Indies in August 2024. The first Test ended in a draw, but South Africa regained form in the second Test, winning by 40 runs. Keshav Maharaj's four-wicket hauls and Wiaan Mulder's all-round performance earned them accolades.

-vs Bangladesh [2-0, Away]

Markram captained the team in Bangladesh, leading them to a comfortable victory in the first Test, thanks to Kyle Verrynne's century and Rabada's six wickets. The second Test was even more dominant, with South Africa winning by an innings and 273 runs, marking their first series win in the subcontinent in a decade.

-vs Sri Lanka [2-0, Home]

In November 2024, South Africa faced Sri Lanka at home, starting with a 233-run victory in Durban. Marco Jansen's outstanding bowling performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award. The second Test also saw South Africa triumph, with Dane Paterson's impressive bowling sealing the win.

-vs Pakistan [2-0, Home]

In December 2024, South Africa's final series of the WTC cycle against Pakistan saw them secure a narrow victory in the first Test. The Boxing Day Test concluded with a dominant 10-wicket win, ensuring South Africa's qualification for the WTC Final.

As they head to Lord's, David Bedingham stands out as the top scorer for South Africa in the WTC 2023/25 cycle, amassing 645 runs. Rabada leads the wicket-takers with 47 wickets in 10 Tests.

South Africa Squad for WTC Final: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.