South African skipper Temba Bavuma said Australia was not the team he expected to face in the World Test Cup final. Bavuma is preparing for what he calls the biggest challenge of his Test career. The Proteas will face Australia in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s in June. For Bavuma, leading his team in this high-stakes game is a dream come true.
A trip to remember
Thinking about South African on his way to the WTC final, Bavuma did not hide his excitement. “The high point (is) probably now, qualifying for the (World Test Cup) final,” he said after his side’s 2-0 series win over Pakistan.
South Africa’s road to the WTC final was not easy. Despite this, they topped the WTC points table with 8 wins in 12 games. However, captain Bavuma believes there is still room for improvement within the squad.
“We are not a well-oiled machine yet,” Bavuma admitted. “But we made great progress, and the final is a reward for our efforts.”
Facing Australia at Lord’s
A chance to face Pat Cummins Australia in the WTC final, Bavuma doesn’t mind. However, he knows it won’t be a walk in the park.
“Look, if I can pick one team, probably not Australia. But I guess it is what it is, right?” he remarked with a smile.
Australia recently won Granica-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 win over India. They will head into the WTC final full of confidence. But Bavuma is confident his team will rise to the occasion and adapt to the conditions in England.
“Preparation is key,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned as we prepare for the Lord.”
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Bavuma’s captaincy record
Since taking over as South Africa’s Test captain in 2023, Bavuma has been incredible. The team has yet to lose a game under his leadership. They have eight wins in nine games.
Bavuma also improved with the bat. He scored 809 runs at an impressive average of 57.78 as captain. Three of his four Test centuries came while leading the side.
The way forward
The WTC final will be a big test for South Africa. But with Bavum at the helm, they have a leader ready to take on the challenge.
“This is the pinnacle of Test cricket,” Bavuma said. “This is an opportunity to write our names in history.”
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