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Proteas Spirit and Talent Set Stage for Epic WTC Final Against Australia
In the wake of the eagerly awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's in June, South African legend AB de Villiers has come out with a stern word of warning to the Australian team: do so at your own risk.
De Villiers Highlights South Africa's Special Team Spirit
In an ICC video interview, De Villiers conceded that South Africa’s qualification for the final may have taken most people by surprise, considering their relatively inexperienced team against a "well-oiled" Australian side. He noted that in the past, teams with greater five-day Test match experience tended to win on a consistent basis.
Yet De Villiers has pointed out that the new South African side has been able to create something "incredibly special" despite not having all-round experience. He attributed the success of the relatively inexperienced and young players in gelling together to form an effective team culture.
De Villiers Warns Australia
The ex-Proteas skipper pointed out the availability of a number of match-winners and talented young players in the South African side and asked Australia not to take them lightly. He also complimented the leadership in the team, naming Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and even Marco Jansen as role models.
De Villiers specifically warned Australia against standing South Africa "against the wall," saying that this is where the team is using their best assets and determination. He is firmly convinced that the Proteas will display that resilience at Lord's.
Giving advice to his own nation, De Villiers suggested that South Africa needed to capitalize on chances to overwhelm and build momentum in the final. Individually, he found that playing a "fight fire with fire" approach was the most effective way to play against them, although he acknowledged that this might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Proteas' Final Squad Boasts Experience
South Africa dominated the WTC table with a record of eight victories, three defeats, and one draw, demonstrating their consistency and pressure-performing ability. Their final team consists of a mix of seasoned players and new talent. Temba Bavuma will captain the team, with a batting unit comprising Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram.
The middle order will be supported by Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, while Kyle Verreynne will be responsible for wicket-keeping. The all-around ability of Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen provides even more strength to the team.
The pace attack will be led by Kagiso Rabada, and the return of Lungi Ngidi from injury is a major fillip. Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch will assist with the fast-bowling resources. Keshav Maharaj will head the spin unit, with Senuran Muthusamy as a reserve.
South Africa has kept the bulk of their team from their last series against Pakistan, only making a couple of changes, which include Ngidi replacing Kwena Maphaka and Ryan Rickelton taking the place of Matthew Breetzke.
Final Words
As the final draws near, AB De Villiers's words of caution are a clear reminder to Australia that a South African side, despite being less experienced on paper, has the fighting qualities and ability to pull off an upset on cricket's biggest stage at Lord's.