In the much-awaited World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, South African skipper Temba Bavuma has won the toss and elected to field first at the Lord`s Cricket Ground.
After winning the toss, “They have selected the best team for the conditions and they are looking forward to giving their best. This is massive occasion and this is something they wanted to do, they wanted to be here and play the finals”.
Since December 2019, Bavuma has emerged as South Africa`s highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with an average of close to 50. The right-hander has also rolled up his sleeves to lead the `Rainbow Nation` in the highly anticipated title clash.
The 35-year-old has amassed 1,794 runs in 24 matches with an average of 48.48 and a strike rate of 50. He also has three tons and 11 half-centuries.
On the other hand, Australian skipper Pat Cummins said, “They are happy to bat first, and it looks like a pretty good wicket, and it`s dry, which means it will turn later on”.
“The guys are raring to go, and the preparation has been very good, as they started 10 days ago”. The pacer also stated that they are not worried about the pressure as they have been at this stage before and are looking forward to it.
If the `Baggy Greens` manage to seal the victory at the Lord`s, they will then become the first team to retain the WTC mace.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, while analysing the pitch conditions, said, “It`s cloudy right now, but the weather is expected to get better. The dimensions of the ground are slightly towards the grandstand”.
Stuart Broad, who was working with the Proteas team as a consultant for the title clash, feels that considering the cloudy weather, the bowlers will look to make merry of the conditions. He also added that the pitch will play nicely and will get better to bat on Day 2 of the WTC final.
Australia squad: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wkt), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
