By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas won the toss and chose to bowl first against defending champion Australia at Lord’s in the World Test Championship final on Wednesday.
“I think we have selected the best team for these conditions. Massive [occasion]. You can hear the South African accents as well in the stands. Should be a spectacle,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said.
Australian captain Pat Cummins says his team are ready for the challenge of batting first.
“Preparation has been unreal. All the guys in the team are ready to go. Everyone’s come together and we have had about ten days of preparation,” Cummins said.
Australia and South Africa first crossed swords at Lord’s in 1912. Australia overpowered South Africa and romped to a 10-wicket win. The match was part of a three-match series that included England. That encounter was the 13th between the two sides, and the victory was Australia’s 10th over Australia.
Australia has won 44 more tests against South Africa since then, for a total of 54 wins in 101 matches. South Africa, on the other hand, has won 26 and drawn 21. Australia also has recent history on their side after winning a three-match series 2-0 three years ago. They beat South Africa by six wickets and an innings and 82 runs in December 2022 before the weather helped South Africa secure a draw in the third test.
SOUTH AFRICA: Temba Bavuma (capt), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
AUSTRALIA: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.