South Africa Chase Destiny, Australia Out to Fortify a Dynasty

South Africa's Emotional Journey

Temba Bavuma's earnestness and emotional speech in a press conference reflect the team's determination to become the first South African captain to lead his country to a World Test Championship title. Bavuma's emphasis on the "story" of South Africa's chances in the final highlights the team's emotional investment in this moment.

A Bigger Narrative at Play

South Africa's win could trigger conversations about the financial demands of hosting and playing Test cricket, and the potential for divisions in the cricket world. This narrative adds a layer of complexity to the final, as South Africa will be playing not just for themselves, but for the rest of the Test nations.

Australia's Rise to Power

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, is looking to add another jewel to their burgeoning crown. The team is hungry and determined, with Cummins being candid about the challenge ahead. Australia's playing XI features two batters in the top order batting out of position, with Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green making their Test returns.

Playing XIs

South Africa:

• Ryan Rickelton
• Aiden Markram
• Wiaan Mulder
• Temba Bavuma (c)
• David Bedingham
• Tristan Stubbs
• Kyle Verreynne (wk)
• Marco Jansen
• Keshav Maharaj
• Kagiso Rabada
• Lungi Ngidi

Australia:

• Usman Khawaja
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Cameron Green
• Steve Smith
• Travis Head
• Beau Webster
• Alex Carey (wk)
• Mitchell Starc
• Pat Cummins (c)
• Nathan Lyon
• Josh Hazlewood

Statistics

• South Africa are on a seven-match winning streak, their second-longest in Test cricket.
• Australia have lost just two Tests at Lord's post World War II, winning 12 and drawing nine.
• Lord's has had an average runs/wicket ratio of 28.72 in six Tests since the start of English summer 2022, the lowest among the six England venues.

Quotes

• "This is the ultimate form of cricket. Just bringing that focus back to red ball cricket. It could change the landscape of cricket in South Africa." – Lungi Ngidi
• "There are some guys where you generally say you've done nothing wrong, don't change a thing, and that's Scott and he's just really unfortunate to miss out." – Pat Cummins