South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is preparing for a tremendous upset against Australia in the World Test Championship final to be held at Lord’s.
But did you know that an old defeat has a big role in the story of reaching this big match?
Yes, in 2022-23, Australia crushed South Africa badly in the Test series. That defeat was an “eye-opening” moment for Bavuma, which completely changed his team.
Bavuma told, “That period was not easy for us. Australia’s batsmen and bowlers kept us under pressure every moment. That defeat gave me a chance to work on my game again. I saw how their players play, and we also decided to do something similar.”
In that series, South Africa was defeated badly in the first two Tests, and the third Test was saved by rain, otherwise the score could have been worse.
What was the Game-Changing Moment
That defeat shook South Africa. Bavuma said,
“That series taught us that we have to improve ourselves. We gave the players the freedom to play freely, so that they can give their best.”
The result was that this time the Proteas won 8 out of 12 Tests in the World Test Championship. They reached the final by winning series against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh and drawing with India.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also admitted that the current South African team is unknown to him.
“Many of their players are new, and it will be exciting to play at Lord’s with the Duke ball. We will have to make a strategy on the field itself,” Cummins said.
Kagiso Rabada’s return to the South African team is also big news. After facing a month-long ban after testing positive in a recent drug test, he is now fully prepared.
Bavuma said, “Rabada is more enthusiastic than ever now. He can do wonders in this final.”
Under Bavuma’s captaincy, South Africa is ready not just to win but to create history. This final to be held at Lord’s on June 11-15 will be a proud moment not just for them but for the entire country.
