South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has pinpointed Australia's makeshift opening pair as a key vulnerability his side intends to exploit when the ICC World Test Championship Final begins at Lord’s on Wednesday.
Australia surprised many by promoting Marnus Labuschagne — traditionally a No.3 — to open alongside Usman Khawaja, bypassing teenage option Sam Konstas. Labuschagne has never opened in Tests, and the Proteas believe this unfamiliarity could tilt the early advantage their way.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I think there is an opportunity there,” Bavuma said on the eve of the ‘Ultimate Test.’ “The conditions bring us into the game a lot. With the swinging ball — very different from Australian conditions and even South African conditions — that definitely gives us an opportunity.”
Both teams named bold XIs ahead of the one-off clash. South Africa opted for the returning Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson and retained Wiaan Mulder at No.3, while Australia’s decision to reshuffle their top-order is viewed as a gamble.
“I think both teams have formidable bowling attacks. The real opportunity lies in the batting line-ups and how they respond to these conditions and pressure,” Bavuma added.
Key to South Africa’s attack will be Kagiso Rabada. Rabada returns to Lord’s, a venue where he claimed a five-wicket haul in 2022, and enters the final in top form following his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans.
“I think he's in the best shape that he's ever been,” Bavuma said. “He loves playing against the Australians, and that will be extra motivation for him. I think he's in a very good space.”
With the stakes high and conditions promising assistance to bowlers, South Africa are banking on early breakthroughs to shake Australia’s foundations.
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