South Africa is set to play their second ICC finals inside 12 months when they take on Australia in the World Test Championship finals. Temba Bavuma and his side will be hoping to show their newfound rise in world cricket against a side that is set to defend the crown. Pat Cummins and his team have been at the top of their game for the last three years and have won two ICC titles.
The World Test Championship finals, that is set to be played on Wednesday, will give the Proteas a chance to show their might with the bat and ball. The likes of Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and skipper Temba Bavuma himself have been at their best in the longest format of the game.
Here is the SA XI vs AUS
Top order
With an experience of having played 45 Test matches, Aiden Markram will be the key batter for South Africa at the top of the order. Markram has scored 4803 runs with seven tons and has an average of 35 with the bat. Markram has also picked three wickets and could play a key role with the ball against the Australian batting unit. Tony De Zorzi is an aggressive batter who has played 11 Test matches and scored 1101 runs with an average of 30, with one century. Zorzi can score quick runs.
Middle Order
Skipper Bavuma will be a key part of the South African batting unit, which will look to do well against the Australians. Bavuma has been at his best as the captain, leading his side to eight wins from the nine games they have played so far. David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs will be key players with the bat in the middle-order, and both will have the task of taking on Nathan Lyon and putting pressure on the Aussie spinner.
Lower-order
Left-handed wicket keeper and batter Ryan Rickelton has been in good form, as seen in the IPL 2025 season. The 28-year-old has already scored 1138 runs from Ten Test matches with an average of 41. Rickelton has also hit a double century in Test cricket to show his amazing talents. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch will be entrusted with the job of not only giving their side key runs with the bat in the lower-order but also getting wickets. Bosch can bowl with good speeds while Jansen can trouble the batters with his pace and bounce which he gets off his height.
Tail-enders
Veteran left-arm spinner Maharaj is just two wickets away from reaching his 200 wickets in Test cricket. With the wicket likely to offer spin and bounce on the last few days, the left-armer will pose a huge challenge to Australia with his turn and bounce. Kagiso Rabada has already picked 327 Test wickets and is primed to end his career as the top wicket-taker for his national side. Leading the new ball attack with Rabada will be Lungi Ngidi, who is finally coming good with the ball after constant battles with injuries.
SA XI vs AUS
Aiden Markram, Tony De Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Maro Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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