Despite the odds being stacked against his side, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma believes his team has a genuine chance of defeating defending champions Australia to secure their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title. The final is set to begin on 11 June at Lord’s.
With players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in their ranks, Australia boasts a team full of seasoned superstars. In contrast, South Africa have far fewer household names.
“We don’t have the superstars or the wealth of experience that Australia have, but we’ve got a group of guys who are extremely determined to ensure the result goes our way,” Bavuma told ESPNCricinfo. “We’ve got players who fight for each other and who are desperate to step up when it matters most. We know we’re up against a strong, experienced Australian side, but we believe our chances are 50-50.”
Bavuma’s team earned their spot in the final by playing bold, aggressive cricket and winning their last seven Test matches, with consistent contributions across the squad.
Compared to the 2012 Proteas side that lifted the ICC Test Championship mace at Lord’s — a team featuring legends like Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn — Bavuma’s outfit may lack star power, but they have built a team culture that is second to none.
Under Bavuma’s leadership in red-ball cricket, South Africa have an outstanding record — winning eight out of nine Tests with just one draw, giving him a remarkable win percentage of 88.88.
Victory over Australia in the WTC final would certainly see this group of players etch their names alongside some of South African cricket’s greats.
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