South Africa and defending champions Australia will go head-to-head for the coveted mace and the number one Test ranking in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

South Africa boasts a seriously strong pace attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

Australia, having been in this position before, bring a wealth of experience in both batting and bowling, and will head into the clash as favourites to defend their title. That said, the Proteas are known for their trademark resilience.

Michael Atherton and Allan Donald - Cricinfo

Donald told OFM Sport that while the Baggy Greens are definitely the favourites, you can never count out the Proteas and the fighting spirit that got them this far.

“Let’s not beat around the bush — Australia are definitely favourites,” said Donald.

“I just think with what they have in their arsenal, both in terms of batting and bowling — it’s a lot. They’ve got serious quality in the batting line-up and some real firepower with the ball.

“But the South African team — they’re resilient. They’ve shown time and again during their campaign that when they’re thrown a curveball, they somehow manage to find something and dig really deep.

“And remember, you only get one shot at this. You simply can’t afford a bad day. If you do, you’re chasing the game. It’s not like a normal Test series against Australia where you can bounce back after a rough first match. In this case, everything has to be in place from ball one.”

Donald, who spent many years playing county cricket for Warwickshire, knows Lord’s like the back of his hand. He’s played in several finals there and was also part of the famous South African side that beat England by 356 runs at the ground in 1994.

He added that the Dukes ball — along with the overhead conditions — will be two crucial factors at the Home of Cricket.

Kagiso Rabada - Cricinfo

“There are two big factors — firstly, the Dukes ball. Secondly, and this is something I learned early on — back in 1987 when I arrived at Warwickshire — a good mate of mine, Gladstone Small, who played for both Warwickshire and England, said to me: ‘You never look down. You look up.’

“He was talking about the conditions. It doesn’t matter what the pitch looks like — if the sun’s out, you can bat for days. But if it’s cold and overcast, the ball moves. It swings and it nips around. The overhead conditions in England have a massive influence on the game.

“And that brings both bowling attacks into play.”

The historic World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s is set to start at 11:30 on Wednesday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport