WTC final at Lord’s presents a huge chance for South Africa; they have the potential to ‘surprise’ Australia: AB de Villiers

Former cricket players Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers discussed the potential and difficulties the South African team will encounter in the ICC World Test Championship Final versus Australia. AB de Villiers referred to South Africa’s appearance in the Final as a significant milestone for South African cricket and said the Proteas team was well-rounded.

“A final at Lord’s is a huge moment for South African cricket. Our squad will have the support of the entire country, and hopefully we can cross the finish line’, AB de Villiers stated on Star Sports.

“The challenge excites me. We have a well-rounded team, and I secretly believe we can upset Australia, who are obviously the favourites going into this ICC World Test Championship Final.

The former Proteas player described Australia as a “very experienced and well-oiled machine,” expressing the belief that South Africa will face a difficult task.

“Australia is a really skilled and well-oiled team. For South Africa, it won’t be simple. We’re going there with a lot of talented players and kindhearted men who have something to prove on this platform, so I’m subtly confident,” he remarked.

De Villiers also mentioned that the Final would be many of these players’ first game at Lord’s, and he hoped they would get used to it fast.

It will be many of these players’ first time playing at Lord’s; perhaps, they will get used to it quickly. However, I’m really anticipating this competition. Since it’s a final and both sides have earned their spot, the cricket match is likely to be amazing.

Australia can perform at its best at pivotal times: Aaron Finch

Finch, meanwhile, expressed his opinions about Australia’s bowling and batting lineup and their status as the favourites. The former captain of Australia spoke highly of Travis Head and his ability to deprive the opposition of the game:

He has already demonstrated in two finals—the World Test Championship Final and the 50-over World Cup Final—that he is capable of quickly taking the game away from the opposition. These are the players you are most afraid of as an opponent. He claimed to be able to change a match more quickly than anyone else.

“The batting lineup will be quite well-prepared, in my opinion. Several players have had the chance to concentrate exclusively on their Test preparations because they are not participating in the IPL. Take Cameron Green, who has already adapted to playing cricket in England, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, who is making his World Test Championship debut. Many of these athletes will show up motivated and prepared to provide their best effort.

Finch commended both South Africa’s and Australia’s bowling attacks’ experience, saying that the team who can adapt to changing circumstances the fastest will win.

“Teams without a lot of preparation for Test cricket present a problem, no doubt. However, both teams are very experienced overall, especially their bowling attacks. Coming in fresh could be advantageous for both parties in many ways. In the end, it can depend on whose team settles into the Test match more quickly.

Additionally, he praised Australia’s ability to perform well in a one-off game, emphasising how the team has a history of performing at its best under duress.

“The mood of the entire match will probably be established on the first day. It takes unique skills to perform in one-off games, and Australia has continuously demonstrated that they can perform at their best during tournament pivotal moments. Despite the fact that this is a one-Test match, they have an advantage because of their prior victory in the World Test Championship Final. It ought to be an amazing competition.