Cricket
AB backs Proteas to shine in WTC final against Aussies─── MORGAN PIEK 13:52 Thu, 15 May 2025
Former Proteas captain and star batter AB de Villiers is backing South Africa to deliver a strong performance in next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in London.
The Proteas became the first team to qualify for the final after beating Pakistan in January, a result that surprised many.
Taking on the Baggy Greens in the final will be a different challenge altogether, but De Villiers believes the in-form South African side is more than capable of rising to the occasion. De Villiers, who scored 8,765 runs in Test cricket, warned that the Proteas are at their most dangerous when underestimated.
AB de Villiers and Aiden Markram against Australia. Photo: Cricinfo
“I think, to all of our surprise, the Proteas have managed to qualify for the final,” said De Villiers, a man who knows a thing or two about playing and beating Australia in Test cricket.
“I say surprise because I feel there are more experienced, more well-drilled teams out there, like Australia.
“It’s usually the sides with the most experience in the five-day format that come out on top consistently, and I do feel the Proteas are still lacking a bit in that department. But somehow, they’ve managed to create something really special in that team.
“With a lot of youngsters and relatively inexperienced players, they’ve managed to gel and build a culture that seems to be working really well.
“They’ve got plenty of match-winners, young, exciting talent across the board. I think there are also a few strong leaders in the mix. Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and even Marco Jansen can probably consider themselves among the senior players these days.
AB de Villiers. Photo: Cricinfo
“They lead with inspiration, and I really like that.
“If there’s one thing you shouldn’t do against a South African team, it’s underestimate them or back them into a corner, because that’s exactly when you’ll see them at their best. They’re a resilient bunch, and I believe they’ll show that fight at Lord’s.”
Marco Jansen. Photo: Cricinfo
The World Test Championship final will be played at Lord’s from 11 to 15 June.
Proteas WTC Final squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne
