South Africa leads the points table after winning eight of their 12 games in the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle. They also won the opening game of the two-Test series against Pakistan, guaranteeing them a spot in the final.
Despite referring to Australia as a “underdog,” former South African batting all-rounder JP Duminy appeared to be pretty certain that his team will put on a “big performance” against them.
Of course, I’m eager and anticipating seeing. We undoubtedly enter as the underdog, facing up against Australia.
I am confident that we will perform well, though, and I hope we will carry that top-ranked mace home. That’s something we’ve clearly accomplished in a different format before. However, this will be a huge accomplishment for South African cricket,” Duminy said in an interview with Hindustan Times.
From 2013 to 2015, South Africa, led by Graeme Smith, held the Test mace, for those who are unaware.
“He believes strongly in his own abilities.” Duminy on Temba Bavuma
In his remarks, Duminy showered Temba Bavuma, the current full-time captain of the Test team, with admiration for his leadership qualities.
“Look, it goes without saying that I’ve coached him and played with him for a long time. Furthermore, he exudes a quiet resolve. He has a great sense of self-confidence. And that extends to the team in terms of his performance, his training, and his communication clarity. And having such quality as a leader is undoubtedly excellent. The senior players that have an impact on those decision-making processes and his coaching staff make up his excellent leadership team, in my opinion. I’m quite happy for him, though,” he continued.
Bavuma’s on-field leadership and batting prowess have allowed him to lead from the front. He will be expected to do more of the same for the Proteas, who would be itching to end their ICC title drought.
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