WTC final at Lord's is a massive opportunity for South Africa; they can 'upset' Australia: AB de Villiers

Published - 06 Jun 2025, 18:31 IST | Updated - 06 Jun 2025, 18:36 IST

Former cricketers AB de Villiers and Aaron Finch shared his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges the South African team will face against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final. de Villiers called South Africa's participation in the Final a huge moment for South African cricket and described the Proteas squad as a well-balanced one.

“This is a massive moment for South African cricket—a final at Lord's. The entire nation will be behind our team, and hopefully, we can cross the line,” de Villiers said on Star Sports.“I'm excited for the challenge. It's a well-balanced side, and I'm quietly confident we can upset Australia—I say 'upset' because they're clearly the favourites for this ICC World Test Championship Final.”

The former Proteas start referred to Australia as a “very experienced and well-oiled machine”, feeling that the challenge will certainly not be easy for South Africa.

“Australia are a very experienced, well-oiled machine of a team. It won't be easy for South Africa. But I'm quietly confident because we're going there with many in-form players and big-hearted guys who have something to prove on this stage,” he said.

de Villiers also spoke about the Final being the first match at Lord’s for many of these players and hoped they would settle in quickly.

“For many of these players, it'll be their first match at Lord's—hopefully, they'll settle quickly. But I'm really looking forward to this contest. It's going to be fantastic cricket—after all, it's a final, and both teams have earned their place here.”

Meanwhile, Finch shared his views on Australia’s batting and bowling line-up and them being the favourites. The former Australia skipper praised Travis Head and spoke about his ability to take the game away from the opposition:

“He's [Head] proven in multiple finals now—the World Test Championship Final and the 50-over World Cup Final—that he can rip the game away from the opposition in an instant. As an opponent, these are the players you fear most. He can change a match faster than anyone,” he said.

"I believe the batting line-up will be extremely well-prepared. With several players not involved in the IPL, they've had the opportunity to focus specifically on their Test preparations. Consider Steve Smith entering the World Test Championship fresh, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green already acclimatized by playing cricket in England. Many of these players will arrive eager and ready to perform at their best.”

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Finch praised the experience of the bowling attacks of both South Africa and Australia, stating that the team showing the ability to settle quickly with the situation will prevail.

"Certainly, there's a challenge with teams lacking extensive Test cricket preparation. But overall, both squads—particularly their bowling attacks—are highly experienced. In many ways, coming in fresh could benefit both sides. Ultimately, it may come down to which team settles quicker in the Test match."

He also hailed Australia's ability to perform well in a one-off match, highlighting how the team has historically peaked at high-pressure moments.

"The opening day will likely set the tone for the entire match. Performing in one-off games requires special qualities—and Australia have consistently shown their ability to peak at crucial moments in tournaments. Though this is different—a single Test match—their experience from winning the last World Test Championship Final gives them an edge. It should make for a fantastic contest."