Defending champions Australia will take on South Africa in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) at Lord’s, starting Wednesday, 11 June.
Here are the top three battles to watch out for:
Steve Smith vs Kagiso Rabada
Smith is one of Australia’s modern-day greats, averaging a staggering 56.74 in Test cricket, with over 10,000 runs in 116 matches, including 36 centuries. Rabada, South Africa’s best bowler of the current team, has claimed 327 wickets in 70 Tests. In head-to-head encounters, Smith has faced 262 deliveries from Rabada, scoring 128 runs while being dismissed four times. This duel will be crucial for both sides.
Aiden Markram vs Pat Cummins
Markram is a key batter for South Africa, averaging 35.71 with 2,857 runs from 45 matches, including seven centuries. Cummins, Australia’s captain and pace spearhead, is just six wickets away from reaching 300 in Tests, having played 67 matches so far. In previous meetings, Cummins has bowled 123 balls to Markram, conceding 90 runs and dismissing him four times. This will be a key battle in the contest.
Temba Bavuma vs Mitchell Starc
South African skipper Temba Bavuma will carry the responsibility of leading his side to their maiden WTC title. He has scored 3,606 runs in 63 Tests at an average of 37.95, including four hundreds. Starc, known for his wicket-taking prowess, has picked up 382 wickets in 96 Tests. Bavuma has faced 158 deliveries from the left-arm quick, scoring 89 runs while being dismissed twice. This contest could prove decisive in shaping the match.
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