Delhi: During the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Australian media targeted the Indian team and especially Virat Kohli a lot. Where once Kohli was praised, suddenly he was even called a ‘national villain’. After the shoulder clash between Kohli and Constas, the media called Kohli ‘Joker’, Rohit Sharma as ‘Captain Cry Baby’ and the Indian youth even called him ‘Sook’ (child-like).
South Africa has a chance to win
But now, it is the turn of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. This time Australia will face South Africa at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. If any team can match or surpass Australia at this time, it is South Africa.
South Africa has reached the WTC final in excellent form after seven consecutive wins. Former team captain Graeme Smith also has full hope that his team can create history this time. He said, “Beating Australia at Lord’s will answer all the criticism. If we beat them, it will be very special.”
In 2008–09, Graeme Smith led South Africa to its first Test series win in Australia. Smith himself had scored 326 runs in that series.
Bavuma on the verge of creating history
Now 16 years later, South African captain Temba Bavuma has a chance to create history. Bavuma, who is jokingly known as ‘Lord Temba’ in India, has led South Africa to victory in 10 of the last 14 Tests. As captain, Bavuma’s average is 57.78 and he has also scored two centuries in the WTC cycle.
Praising Bavuma, Smith said, “Temba was under pressure for the last 2-3 years, but he has performed brilliantly. He is a calm and confident captain. He is not the kind of person who would shout and go crazy in front of people. He has led the team to seven consecutive wins. It is a big deal for him to be in the WTC final and we are all with him.”
