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South Africa vs Australia WTC Final Predictions - Smith to tame Proteas bowlers
In the preview for the final between South Africa and Australia, both teams come in with strong unbeaten streaks. Australia is favored due to recent form and key player performances, notably Steven Smith's record at Lord's. South Africa enters as underdogs but with impressive recent Test performances, particularly by Ryan Rickelton. Steven Smith is tipped for standout performances, and strategic positioning changes in the Australian lineup, like Marnus Labuschagne opening, are anticipated. Both teams have options, but Australia's seasoned lineup provides an edge.
- South Africa and Australia are on unbeaten runs heading into the final.
- Australia favored due to recent form and Steven Smith's record.
- Key players: Steven Smith for Australia, Ryan Rickelton for South Africa.
Expired
Steven Smith has a superb record at Lord's (Getty Images)
South Africa vs Australia Preview
South Africa and Australia are both on decent unbeaten runs heading into the final but neither has played this format for a few months. Australia are rightly favourites and given their quality, I fancy them to win.
- South Africa vs Australia Preview
- Head to Head
- South Africa Form
- South Africa Team News
- Australia Form
- Australia Team News
Steven Smith offers the most value in this fixture given his recent record, record against South Africa and his superb history at Lord's.
- South Africa have won their last 6 Test matches.
- South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton has scored 100+ runs in 2 of his last 3 Test matches.
- South Africa’s Ryan Ricketon scored 259 runs in his last Test innings.
- Australia have won their last 4 Test matches.
- Australia have won 2 of their last 3 Test matches against South Africa (1 draw)
- Australia’s Steven Smith has scored 100+ runs in his last 2 Test innings.
- Australia’s Steven Smith has scored 85 & 104 runs in his last 2 Test innings against South Africa.
- Australia’s Steven Smith averages 58.33 at Lord’s.
- Australia’s Steven Smith has scored 215, 58, 92, 110 & 34 runs in his last 5 Test innings at Lord’s.
Head to Head
Over their last five encounters, South Africa and Australia are level at 2-2 with one draw. They drew their last match in early 2023 while the Aussies won the first two games of that series.
South Africa Form
South Africa are certainly underdogs coming into this World Test Championship final, but they have some good form behind them. They have won their last six Tests which is no mean feat in the game today.
The major concern for the Proteas will be their lack of cricket with their last Test match played on 3 January 2025. They beat Pakistan by 10 wickets on that occasion.
Ryan Rickelton scored a marvelous 259 in the first innings while Temba Bavuma added 106 and Kyle Verreynne 100 in a total of 615. Pakistan were then bowled out for 194 and forced to follow-on. In the second innings, Pakistan managed 478 runs, making their hosts bat again.
David Bedingham and Aiden Markram smashed the 58 required off just seven overs without losing a wicket.
South Africa Team News
There is some debate about the makeup of the South African side with a few options available. The batting order should take care of itself while the bowling attack will certainly include Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj. The rest of the team is up for grabs.
Australia Form
Australia’s Test cricket form has also been excellent of late and they find themselves coming to Lord’s as favourites. With four successive Test wins and five of their last six ending in victory, the Aussies will be confident.
They have a well-balanced and experienced side, quite opposite to South Africa who have quite a few new players to the Test arena. Australia’s last Test series ended in early February 2025 where they beat Sri Lanka 2-0.
In the final Test, the Aussies batted second after conceding 257 runs. Steven Smith scored 131 and Alex Carey 156 as they were all out for 414. Sri Lanka managed their way to 231 in the second innings, leaving the Aussies needing 75 for victory.
Travis Head perished in the chase, but Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja saw them home to a nine-wicket victory.
Australia Team News
Australia have plenty of options across the team and a lot of experience. Travis Head is likely to move down the order after opening in the last series with the conditions not suitable for him at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne is likely to open.
Cameron Green should play and bat at three as he cannot bowl currently.
Verdict
Australia are backed to win the match with Steven Smith's superb Lord's record to continue with the bat. For South Africa, I am looking at Ryan Rickelton to top score after his sublime 259 in his last Test innings.
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