WTC Final could fuel the revival of cricket in South Africa

IMAGE: Temba Bavuma-led South Africa will take on Australia in the WTC Final in June. Photo: ICC/X

As South Africa prepares for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's, legendary cricketer Jonty Rhodes says the Proteas' pace battery is hardly an advantage with Pat Cummins' team equally adept at dealing with the fast bowlers.

The one-off Test will be played from June 11 to 15, with June 16 available as a reserve day if required.

“Well, I don't think so. There is no advantage for South Africa. The Australians are adept at playing pace bowling. They have a battery of fast bowlers that South African batters will face at Lord's.

“So I wouldn't say we have an advantage. Australians have grown up with speed and know all about it, but it's definitely going to be a great match,” the South African, known for his breathtaking fielding, told PTI. Videos on Saturday.

South Africa's entry into the WTC finals was driven by their dominant performances, especially at home. In those matches, their powerful pace attack, featuring Kagiso Rabada (37 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 19.8) and Marco Jansen (29 wickets in 7 matches), has proven to be a game changer.

Beyond the immediate focus on the WTC final, Rhodes believes South African cricket appears to be on the cusp of a revival.

“You know, success breeds success. South Africa was in the middle of the ICC rankings for a long time and it showed. Rugby has a cult following in South Africa because we have had consecutive World Cup winning teams.

“I, as a player and cricket coach in India, have seen that the success of the men's team and the women's team has boosted the popularity of the game and support for the players and the team,” said Rhodes, who is also the Lucknow Super. Giants (LSG) field coach.

“I hope that cricket will see a revival in South Africa, one through the performances of the Test team and another through tournaments like the SA20,” he added.

At one point it seemed quite impossible for the Proteas, with several key players unavailable and the team going through a transition, to make it to the WTC summit.

Rhodes says the rollercoaster ride was amazing.

“Well, to win that many Test matches is quite difficult. Test cricket has certainly changed from my generation and my time, when there were a lot of draw matches. The way the players are playing these days, the game is certainly moving forward very, very quickly.

“Not too many Tests last five days. But to be able to win eight out of nine matches is a spectacular achievement,” Rhodes said.

“Given that the team has changed, at one point there were no players available. It is amazing to see that South Africa has reached the final of the WTC,” he added.

Rhodes believes that competitions like SA20 have played a crucial role in reigniting interest and tapping into talent domestically.

“The level of young players coming through the ranks is quite exciting… exciting times lie ahead if you are a fan of cricket in South Africa.”

Rhodes, who was invited as a special guest speaker at the Viksit Bharat Youth Leaders Dialogue and National Youth Festival here, was particularly inspired by the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.

“In a team environment or society, communication is so essential and it is not a monologue. And actively listening to the youth of the country is just amazing. The fact that the Prime Minister will be here tomorrow, the youth of the country that the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission will drive…”

“The fact that they are getting an opportunity to present their thoughts to the prime minister of the country amazes me,” he added.