South Africa is set to compete against Australia in the WTC final next week. ©AFP
When South Africa’s men’s team last visited Lord’s with the ambition of claiming the Test mace, cricket was a different landscape. The World Test Championship (WTC) did not exist, nor was there a final to aspire to.
Ashwell Prince, South Africa’s batting coach, remarked, “Under Graeme’s leadership, there were significant Tests before we secured the mace at Lord’s. Back then, finals weren’t a part of the equation, so this feels different as it is a final.”
According to Prince, this final is the most crucial Test among the 472 matches South Africa has played. Many would agree that Graeme Smith’s team winning the mace with a five-wicket triumph over England at Lord’s in August 2012 held more significance than this year’s final.
It seems unfair that the team leading the standings after a grueling two-year league must win a knockout match to claim the title, and if that match ends in a draw, the trophy will be shared with the second-place team.
Additionally, Ben Curran’s recent injury—sustained from a Kagiso Rabada delivery—may keep him out of Zimbabwe’s upcoming Tests against South Africa, raising questions about the impact of this final on other players.
As South Africa prepares for the final, Prince emphasized the importance of maintaining their established process rather than overhauling strategies. With a young squad eager for success, they aim to capitalize on their earlier achievements which have positioned them well.
© Cricbuzz
