*Official* WTC FINAL Australia vs South Africa 2025

[StephenZA]

KG has got a 5-for at Lord's before

I think KG will perform. No any doubt there... and Ngidi and/or Mulder bowls decently. But SA need that second big threat, that threaten to take them out in a session. And that is Jansen, the problem is his consistency is not there. He has one of those games and Aus will struggle. But if he just floats up half volleys like he is known to do.... then I just don't see it.

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

KG has got a 5-for at Lord's before

Rabada does have a great record at Lords in the couple of tests he has played , 13 wickets @19.38

 

[Nintendo]

Saw this and thought bavuma was opening for a bit LOL.

 

[Qlder]

View attachment 47903

Saw this and thought bavuma was opening for a bit LOL.

Why, captains are usually always named first?

 

[Johan]

I bet on the Australians to emerge victorious but wouldn't mind to see a Saffer victory.

 

[SeamUp]

It's a big risk , Mulder hasn't scored any runs at no.3 in his career but I guess the same can be said of Cameron Green who will bat there in the final for the Aussies..

I will say I'm kinda disappointed that Bedingham didn't get the batting promotion to No.3. He has a lot of experience in English conditions, and he did promote himself up the order against Pakistan in our last test match. No.6 feels a bit too low for him considering his reputation as a run machine in these parts.

I was thinking about this as a possibility because number 3 is becoming a problematic position.

But is he in peak form? Is he technically sound enough? He is showing serious weakness against pitched up bowling. So I couldn't get myself to back him for here but maybe Zimbabwe. But I can see them running with Mulder now. Probably go Breetzke, de Zorzi, Mulder, Bavuma, Bedingham, Brevis, Kyle V first test in Zim.

 

[trundler]

Paterson looks perfect for English conditions to me but Ngidi is no slouch either IF he's fit. That Australian top order looks feeble so SA have a real opportunity to make early inroads.

 

[StephenZA]

It's a big risk , Mulder hasn't scored any runs at no.3 in his career but I guess the same can be said of Cameron Green who will bat there in the final for the Aussies..

I will say I'm kinda disappointed that Bedingham didn't get the batting promotion to No.3. He has a lot of experience in English conditions, and he did promote himself up the order against Pakistan in our last test match. No.6 feels a bit too low for him considering his reputation as a run machine in these parts.

I think Mulder has the technique for 3, but we will see if he has the temperament and skill. Bedingham has played so aggressive, too aggressive imo. It could be great having an aggressive 3 but he has been also giving his wicket away. So I can understand the attitude to put Bedingham at 6.

 

[Nintendo]

Why, captains are usually always named first?

Aussie one followed the listed batting order bar carey/webster swap and cummins was captain at 8; thought the SA one was the same story.

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

I think KG will perform. No any doubt there... and Ngidi and/or Mulder bowls decently. But SA need that second big threat, that threaten to take them out in a session. And that is Jansen, the problem is his consistency is not there. He has one of those games and Aus will struggle. But if he just floats up half volleys like he is known to do.... then I just don't see it.

Hope Marco has watched his last performance at Lords before the final, if this Marco turns up he will be a handful

 

[Bahseph]

Ngidi is definitely the better bowler when fit. Otherwise he barely makes it through his action and has to be hidden. I get the logic with Mulder and Paterson being similar. So I guess we hope for the best.

 

[Johan]

View attachment 47905
Aussie one followed the listed batting order bar carey/webster swap and cummins was captain at 8; thought the SA one was the same story.

Watch them lose the moment that ****roach Marsh is out.

 

[Heboric]

Portent for things to come

 

[Dendarii]

I think Mulder has the technique for 3, but we will see if he has the temperament and skill. Bedingham has played so aggressive, too aggressive imo. It could be great having an aggressive 3 but he has been also giving his wicket away. So I can understand the attitude to put Bedingham at 6.

It's also not necessarily a bad idea to have someone with his experience at 6 (even it's first-class and not tests) to help rescue things after a collapse and/or shepherd the tail.

 

[SeamUp]

Working from home tomorrow, so will be getting some goodies to cook up a storm. The winter has hit in Cape Town alright.

 

[Heboric]

I just dont want to see Maharaj bowled going for a six with him on 3

or Rabada

They are better than that

 

[SeamUp]

It's also not necessarily a bad idea to have someone with his experience at 6 (even it's first-class and not tests) to help rescue things after a collapse and/or shepherd the tail.

And with Bedders & Kyle V bromance they should hit up a decent partnership at the crease.

 

[Thala_0710]

The Aussie team:
Khawaja
Labuschagne
Green
Smith
Head
Webster
Carey+
Cummins*
Starc
Lyon
Hazlewood

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Both of these teams are over the hill and lack the class. The real Test is England vs India

Nah mate.

Henry, O'Rourke, Jamieson, Sears, Foulkes, Smith plus the new improved Santnerlitharan

plus

King Kane, Rachin, Dazza, GP, and the young trio of Mariu, Abbas, and Hay

led by

Tom "Brearley" Latham


In all seriousness, Australia may have peaked but how are the Saffas over the hill. If they can keep this side together they'll be even better in 2 years.

 

[Qlder]

I think Australia definitely has the best XI for this Test with Labushagne saved due to move to opener and his extensive experience in England. But I just can't get on board with Green at 3.

Green averages 36, has only 2 hundreds in 28 tests and has just come off a county stint batting 5 or 6 in lowly Division 2. I dont recall him batting 3 for WA either?

Would love to be proved wrong