In a bold move, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to send Australia into bat, aiming to unleash his formidable pace attack right from the outset of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday.
As the opening day kicked off, the clouds looming above played a pivotal role in Bavuma’s decision-making. He noted that the conditions were set to be “favorable for the new ball.”
South Africa’s formidable seam attack stands in stark contrast to its relatively inexperienced batting lineup. The team’s aspirations for an upset victory in the final hinge on the exceptional bowling prowess of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction with the decision to bat first.
“The pitch appears to be in excellent condition, and the overcast skies at the beginning are quite typical for England.” “I anticipate that as the match progresses, conditions will become drier, providing ample opportunities for turn,” he forecasted.
As anticipation builds ahead of the highly anticipated showdown, both teams have revealed their lineups. Australia welcomes back Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood from injury, while South Africa has opted for an unexpected twist in its batting order.
With Green stepping into the lineup, Marnus Labuschagne is set to take the opening role, while Hazlewood slots in to replace Scott Boland in the bowling unit.
Green faced a significant setback last year when he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back during the one-day international series in England. Following surgery in October, he made a triumphant return to the pitch, showcasing his resilience by playing for Gloucestershire in English county cricket this April.
Hazlewood was sidelined with a calf strain during Australia’s last Test match in Sri Lanka in February.
In a bold move, South Africa has elevated Wiaan Mulder to the crucial No. 3 batting position while also bringing Lungi Ngidi into the bowling lineup. This sidelines the experienced 36-year-old Dane Paterson, who has been showcasing his skills with Middlesex in the County Championship.
Ngidi has been absent from South Africa’s last seven Tests, a remarkable stretch during which the team won all matches and clinched their spot in the WTC final.
Mulder has stepped up to the No. 3 position on just two previous occasions, primarily making his mark at the seven spot, where he achieved his sole Test century back in October during the tour of Bangladesh.
In a thrilling showdown at The Oval two years ago, Australia emerged victorious over India in the last WTC final. At the same time, New Zealand claimed the title as the inaugural champions in 2021.
Teams:
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
