WTC Final: South Africa Elect To Bowl First Against Australia

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to field in the World Test Championship (WTC) Finalagainst Australia at Lord’s on Wednesday, opting to take advantage of helpful bowling conditions under overcast skies.

Bavuma explained his decision was driven by the cloud cover at the start of play, which he believed would benefit South Africa’s pace attack.

“It looks like a good pitch. The early cloud cover is typical for England, but we expect the surface to dry out as the match progresses, potentially offering turn later on,” said Australian skipper Pat Cummins, showing no concern over being asked to bat first.

South Africa will depend heavily on the pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and returning quick Lungi Ngidi, along with spin from Keshav Maharaj, to make early breakthroughs. The team’s bowling strength could be crucial given the relative inexperience in their batting line-up.

Both teams announced their playing XIs ahead of the final. Australia welcomed back Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood from injury. Green, who recovered from a stress fracture in his lower back, returned to competitive cricket with Gloucestershire in April. His comeback prompted a reshuffle, with Marnus Labuschagne set to open the innings. Hazlewood, recovering from a calf strain, rejoined the attack in place of Scott Boland.

South Africa made a notable adjustment by promoting Wiaan Mulder to bat at No. 3—a position he’s only held twice before. Mulder scored his lone Test century from a lower-order spot against Bangladesh last October. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was also recalled, replacing seasoned seamer Dane Paterson.

Australia enters the final as the reigning champions, having beaten India in the last WTC final at The Oval. New Zealandwon the inaugural title in 2021.

Playing XIs

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

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