Under a grey London sky, South Africa got the start they wanted in the World Test Championship Final. Temba Bavuma won the toss at Lord’s and, to the delight of the travelling support, chose to bowl first.
“The overhead conditions dictate it,” said Bavuma. “We’ve picked the best team for these conditions. It’s a massive occasion—we all have a connection to Lord’s, and we can hear the South African voices out there.”
Pat Cummins wasn’t fussed. “We’ve prepped well. No added pressure—we’ve done this before,” he said, looking to become the first captain to lift the mace twice.
South Africa’s XI reads like a pace bowler’s dream: Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi lead the attack, backed by Keshav Maharaj’s spin. They’ve gone with Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Wiaan Mulder as their top three, followed by Bavuma, Stubbs, Bedingham, and Verreynne with the gloves.
Australia start with Khawaja and a reshuffled Marnus Labuschagne, who has averaged 28 since the 2023 Ashes. Cameron Green walks in at No. 3, then Smith, Head, and the versatile Beau Webster. Carey keeps wicket, with Cummins, Starc, Lyon and Hazlewood rounding out a settled attack.
From a cricketing perspective, it’s the perfect setup for South Africa. From a symbolic one, it’s loaded. They’ve never won an ICC trophy. This is a chance not just to bowl first—but to strike first, against history, and everything that’s haunted them since readmission.
And in that early roar from the crowd, belief echoed.
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