WTC Final: 'There is an opportunity there' - SA target Australia's weakness

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has pinpointed Australia's makeshift opening brace arsenic a cardinal vulnerability his broadside intends to exploit erstwhile the ICC World Test Championship Final begins astatine Lord’s connected Wednesday.Australia amazed galore by promoting Marnus Labuschagne — traditionally a No.3 — to unfastened alongside Usman Khawaja, bypassing teenage enactment Sam Konstas. Labuschagne has ne'er opened successful Tests, and the Proteas judge this unfamiliarity could tilt the aboriginal vantage their way.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I deliberation determination is an accidental there,” Bavuma said connected the eve of the ‘Ultimate Test.’ “The conditions bring america into the crippled a lot.

With the swinging shot — precise antithetic from Australian conditions and adjacent South African conditions — that decidedly gives america an opportunity.”

Both teams named bold XIs up of the one-off clash. South Africa opted for the returning Lungi Ngidi implicit Dane Paterson and retained Wiaan Mulder astatine No.3, portion Australia’s determination to reshuffle their top-order is viewed arsenic a gamble.“I deliberation some teams person formidable bowling attacks.

The existent accidental lies successful the batting line-ups and however they respond to these conditions and pressure,” Bavuma added.

Key to South Africa’s onslaught volition beryllium Kagiso Rabada. Rabada returns to Lord’s, a venue wherever helium claimed a five-wicket haul successful 2022, and enters the last successful apical signifier pursuing his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans.“I deliberation he's successful the champion signifier that he's ever been,” Bavuma said. “He loves playing against the Australians, and that volition beryllium other information for him. I deliberation he's successful a precise bully space.”With the stakes precocious and conditions promising assistance to bowlers, South Africa are banking connected aboriginal breakthroughs to shingle Australia’s foundations.