Cricket
Proteas captain backs 50-50 shot at WTC title─── MORGAN PIEK 09:01 Fri, 16 May 2025
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma believes his team has just as good a chance of winning the World Test Championship final at Lord’s as Australia.
Concerns have been raised about South Africa’s lack of game time, with their last Test match having wrapped up on 3 January.
However, the team will play a warm-up fixture in England against a resurgent Zimbabwe side. Several players have been active in the English County Championship, while others are currently involved in the Indian Premier League. 
Temba BavumaCric. Photo: info
Australia find themselves in a similar situation, although they have played a Test more recently. Bavuma, who hasn’t played since early March, acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.
“We’re giving ourselves a chance, but it’s important that we control what we can from our side and make sure we’re switched on, both in terms of skills and mental preparation.”
“I think their main advantage is probably the sheer amount of experience they’ve got,” said Bavuma. “But I still see it as a 50-50 contest going into that final.
“When it comes to preparation, it’s about the individuals making sure they’re physically in top shape. From a skills perspective, it’s doing what needs to be done to stay sharp.
“Mentally, it’s making sure we hold onto that 50% chance. If there’s any complacency on their side or if their prep slips, and we gain an extra 5%, then we’ll take it. The best thing for us is to prepare as well as we possibly can.
“I think a lot of it is mental, visualising the event and seeing yourself succeed in those key moments. For them, it may come a bit easier because they’ve had success in big moments before, so they know what’s required. For us, it might take more mental preparation.
Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo
“But we also need to believe in our ability. We haven’t been gifted this opportunity to be in the final; we’ve earned it. Whoever comes our way, we’ve found ways to win.
“There’s confidence in that. We must embrace whatever status comes with this, but when it comes to Australia, yes, we respect them, but in my view, it’s still a 50-50 game.”
The highly anticipated WTC final between South Africa and the Baggy Greens will take place from 11 to 15 June at Lord’s in St John’s Wood.
