“WTC final match: Sanjay Bangar gives simple message to Australia and South Africa” — Past records don’t matter at Lord’s, only quality matters
Sanjay Bangar’s Confidence
Geostar expert and former batting coach Sanjay Bangar clearly stated during a media interaction:
“I believe that Kagiso Rabada could prove to be the X‑Factor for South Africa in the final. In the early days of the English summer, there’s usually cloud cover here. That will help Rabada swing the ball.”
He emphasized that pacers get the maximum assistance early on at Lord’s, so South Africa should fully leverage Rabada’s experience. He added that early breakthroughs are key to controlling Australia’s strong batting lineup.
Bangar referred to this match as a “Eureka moment”—similar to India’s iconic 1983 World Cup victory, this could be South Africa’s shining moment.
Kagiso Rabada: South Africa’s Experience and Aggression
- Rabada is among South Africa’s leading fast bowlers in Test cricket, with 327 wickets at an average of just 22—remarkable among bowlers with over 150 Test wickets.
- He was the most effective bowler for the Proteas in the 2023–25 WTC cycle—claiming 47 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 19.9.
- Despite serving a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine, captain Temba Bavuma has said Rabada is now in peak physical and mental condition with renewed motivation.
- With the ability to move the ball early, Rabada can put Australia’s openers under pressure. Bavuma described him as “ready with new energy and focus.”
Australia’s Batting: Tough But Defensible
Bangar acknowledged Australia’s batting strength:
“They have Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, and I feel taking their wickets will be slightly challenging for South Africa.”
- The new opening pair of Khawaja and Labuschagne, supported by the experience of Smith and Head, makes the batting lineup formidable.
- Smith has scored five centuries in his last four Tests and is counted among the greats of the format.
- Travis Head has already scored a century in a Test final, proving his mettle in high-pressure encounters.
Head‑to‑Head and Recent Form
- The two sides have played 101 Test matches—Australia has won 54, South Africa 26, and 21 ended in draws.
- However, in the last 10 Tests, South Africa has performed better—5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.
- In terms of current form, Australia has won 13 out of 19 Tests this season. Meanwhile, South Africa has remained unbeaten in seven Tests, giving them confidence in consistency.
Playing XI: Balance vs. Aggression
Australia:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
South Africa:
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- Wiaan Mulder
- Temba Bavuma (captain)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Mulder and Webster were selected for their all‑round capabilities to ensure balance between batting and bowling.
Lord’s Pitch and Conditions
At Lord’s, the pitch offers swing assistance to fast bowlers in the early stages, while spinners get more help as the match progresses.
Conclusion
Sanjay Bangar’s insights make it clear that Rabada’s experience and ability to extract swing at Lord’s could give South Africa the early breakthroughs they need. While Australia has a dominant batting lineup, they can be challenged by sharp bowling and early threat.
If the Proteas manage early wickets, they could steer the match in their favor. However, with players like Smith and Hazlewood ready to fight back, the result will hinge on the collective performance of both sides.
Financially, the winner will earn a share of the $3.6 million prize purse, with the runners-up taking home $2.16 million. This match represents the pinnacle of Test cricket—a golden opportunity and definitive proof of supremacy in the format.
