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Fiery South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has expressed his excitement about facing Australia in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s in June.
With both teams securing their places in the final, anticipation is building for the main clash. Australia, the defending champions, sealed their place with a 3-1 series win against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while South Africa confirmed their qualification after a dominant 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test .
Rabada’s motivation for the WTC final
Rabada, who has been instrumental in South Africa’s success against Australia in the past, is eager to reignite the rivalry on cricket’s biggest stage.
“Actually, it’s quite far away, but a big occasion like the World Test Championship final lifts you up,” Rabada told SuperSport after claiming a six-wicket haul in the second Test against Pakistan.
Although Australia is the favorite, Rabada remains confident. He believes South Africa’s aggressive approach can unsettle the Australians, just as it did in the previous series.
“South Africa versus Australia has always been an intense rivalry because we play cricket quite similarly. We play hard and they are going to attack us hard, and we know it. But we also know how to beat them,” he added.
Prove Cricket is still alive and thriving
Rabada emphasized the enduring relevance of Test cricket, particularly for South African players.
“One hundred percent, Test cricket is still alive. “It is our best format that we have been playing so far,” he said. “When you look at South African cricket and all our legends, they have all been great Test cricketers. “The best players in the world are Test cricketers and this series against Pakistan has been a wonderful advertisement for Test cricket.”
Preparations before the WTC final
With no test scheduled before the final, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad revealed his plans to organize a one-off match against either Ireland or Afghanistan as part of his preparations.
“We are going to try to get a test match, possibly in the UK, against Ireland or Afghanistan, whoever is free. And if we’re not successful, obviously we’ll go out a couple of days early and make sure we camp there really well, probably in Canterbury,” Conrad said.
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Bavuma’s leadership receives praise
Conrad also praised captain Temba Bavuma for his stellar leadership, which has played a key role in South Africa’s recent resurgence.
“He’s played incredibly well this summer and full marks to him,” the coach said. “I think any captain who wants to lead from the front also wants to do so through performance, and that is what Temba has done exceptionally well.
“He has not lost a match as captain of South Africa, winning eight of nine Tests. Leading from the front, putting in the performances he’s had, he’s probably in the best shape of his life.”
Conrad expressed full confidence in Bavuma’s captaincy and his ability to inspire the team.
“I haven’t seen him play better and that obviously gives you a lot of confidence when you are also captain. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to captain us,” Conrad concluded.
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