South Africa's Star Players Gear Up for Historic World Title Clash Against Australia
Aiming for Glory: South Africa's Key Players
As South Africa sets its sights on clinching its inaugural world title in international cricket, the focus of fans and supporters will be on two standout players, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, both of whom have impressive records against Australia.
Australia, on the other hand, is looking to defend the WTC mace, aiming to maintain the dominance of Pat Cummins' team. Meanwhile, South African captain Temba Bavuma hopes to add a golden achievement to his nation's vibrant flag after leading them to a historic world championship in the sport's purest format.
Markram, who is just 143 runs shy of reaching 3,000 Test runs, enters this crucial match with much to prove. Known for his exceptional cover drive and remarkable strokeplay, he has yet to shine in ICC tournament knockout matches, having scored only 68 runs in four games at an average of 22.26, with a top score of 31.
However, his fans can take comfort in his outstanding performance against Australia, where he has amassed 480 runs in four matches and eight innings, averaging 60.60, including two centuries and a half-century, all achieved on home soil.
Rabada boasts a solid record in ICC knockout stages, having taken six wickets in four matches at an average of 26.83, with his best figures being 2/14 and an economy rate of 7.00. The challenge posed by Australia seems to elevate his game, as he has claimed 49 wickets against them in 10 Tests at an average of 23.08, with an impressive economy rate of 3.46 and best bowling figures of 6/54. He has also recorded three five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul against the defending champions.
Rabada is on the verge of enhancing his records in both Test and international cricket, needing just a few more wickets to surpass Proteas legend Allan Donald and become the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, as well as outpacing the legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis to become the fifth-highest international wicket-taker for South Africa.
Currently, Rabada ranks fifth among South African Test wicket-takers with 327 wickets at an average of 22.00, with best figures of 7/112 and 16 five-wicket hauls. Four additional wickets would elevate him above Donald, who has 330 wickets from 72 Tests. The all-time highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests is Dale Steyn, with 439 wickets in 93 Tests at an average of 22.95, including best figures of 7/51 and 26 five-wicket hauls.
In the international arena, Rabada stands sixth in the all-time rankings with 566 wickets across 241 matches in all formats, averaging 24.27, with best figures of 7/112 and 18 five-wicket hauls. Seven more wickets would see him surpass Kallis, who has 572 wickets in 513 matches at an average of 32.16. The highest wicket-taker in international cricket for South Africa is Shaun Pollock, with 823 wickets in 414 matches at an average of 23.63, including best figures of 7/87 and 21 five-wicket hauls.
Will Markram showcase his elegant drives on the path to a potential century at Lord's, and will Rabada add to his impressive tally, or will the Australians find a way to triumph once more?
Squads:
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.