13 years later, South Africa’s eyes are back on the prize at Lord’s

South Africa's Eyes on the Prize at Lord's

Cricket was different 13 years ago when South Africa's men's team last went to Lord's with their eyes on the prize of the Test mace. There was no WTC, and no final.

Ashwell Prince, South Africa's batting coach, said, "Under Graeme's leadership, there were important Tests leading up to clinching the mace at Lord's. In those days, there wasn't a final. So, because this is a final, it does feel that way."

The team who top the standings after a two-year league should be awarded the trophy, not required to win an additional match. If that match is drawn, the trophy will be shared with the second-placed side.

Ben Curran's broken hand, sustained in a four-day match in Arundel, could take him out of the mix for the two Tests Zimbabwe will play against South Africa in Bulawayo.

The WTC final lacks credibility, looking like a profit vehicle for the ICC. South Africa will have to beat Australia at Lord's to earn the right to call themselves champions.

Ashwell Prince said, "What we're trying to focus on in our preparation is that it's an important fixture. But we trust what we've been doing. So it's not as if you've got this exam coming up, and all of a sudden you've got to cram things in."

The team trusts their process and deserves the opportunity to have a crack at it in the final. They won't introduce new ideas, focusing on their mindset and physical preparation.

This team is on top of the standings despite having been afforded just 12 Tests in the 2023/24 WTC cycle. Ten of South Africa's 15 players are 30 or younger, with only Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, and Keshav Maharaj having played more than 50 Tests.