South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said Australia was not the team he expected to face in the World Test Championship final. Bavuma is preparing for what he calls the biggest challenge of his Test career. The Proteas will face Australia in the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC) at Lord's in June. For Bavuma, leading his team in this high-stakes match is a dream come true.
A trip to remember
Reflecting on of South Africa trip to the WTC final, Bavuma did not hide his excitement. “The highest point (is) probably now, qualifying for the (World Test Championship) final,” he said after his side's 2-0 win over Pakistan.
South Africa's journey to the WTC final was not smooth sailing. However, they topped the WTC points table with 8 wins in 12 matches. However, captain Bavuma believes there is still room for improvement within the team.
“We are not yet a well-oiled machine,” Bavuma admitted. “But we have made great strides and the final is a reward for our efforts.”
Against Australia at Lord's
The prospect of facing Pat Cummins Australia in the WTC final it doesn't bother Bavuma. That said, he knows it won't be a walk in the park.
“Look, if I could pick a team, maybe not Australia. But I mean it is what it is, right?” – he observed smiling.
Australia has recently achieved it Border Trophy-Gavaskar with a 3-1 win over India. They will go into the WTC final full of confidence. But Bavuma is confident that his squad will be needed and will adapt to the conditions in England.
“Preparation is essential,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned as we prepare for God's.”
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Bavuma's Captaincy Record
Since taking over as South Africa's Test captain in 2023, Bavuma has been nothing short of remarkable. The team has yet to lose a match under his leadership. They have eight wins in nine games.
Bavuma has flourished even with a stick. He has scored 809 runs at an impressive average of 57.78 as captain. Three of his four Test centuries have come while leading the side.
The Way Forward
The WTC final will be a massive test for South Africa. But with Bavuma at the helm, they have a leader who is ready to take on the challenge.
“This is the pinnacle of Test cricket,” Bavuma said. “It's an opportunity to etch our names in history.”
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