Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, has issued a strong warning to his countrymen despite their advantageous position in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia. As South Africa stands on the precipice of securing their first ICC men's trophy since 1998, Steyn cautions that the remaining runs will not come easy, and Australia will fight tooth and nail.
The Proteas displayed resilience and skill on Day 3 of the WTC Final at Lord's. After a disappointing first innings where they were bowled out for 138, Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma forged an unbroken partnership that has shifted the momentum in South Africa's favor. Markram's century, a composed knock of 102, marked a historic moment as the first Proteas batter to score a hundred in an ICC tournament final. Bavuma, battling through visible discomfort and cramps, contributed a gritty 65, showcasing his determination and leadership. Their unbroken stand pushed the score to 213/2, leaving South Africa needing just 69 more runs to win.
Steyn, speaking after the day's play, acknowledged the dramatic nature of Test cricket. He emphasized that despite the seemingly small number of runs remaining, the challenge ahead would be immense. "The rollercoaster of Test match cricket means that we'll come back tomorrow and there's still 69 runs to get. Now, it seems easy, but Australia are not going to lay back and give up this fight just yet," Steyn said.
Steyn highlighted the quality and experience within the Australian bowling attack. He expects the likes of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins to come out firing, exploiting every opportunity to claw their way back into the match. He noted that if cloud cover appears, swing and seam movement might return, exactly what bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will be praying for. He added, "That's going to be 69 of the hardest runs that the South Africans will have to fight for tomorrow. And if they manage to get it, I mean, it will be a fantastic achievement,"
The former Australian opener Matthew Hayden lauded Markram and Bavuma's batting display: "This was top-class. Markram has shown why he's one of the best timers of the ball. And Bavuma, limping but resolute, has been the heartbeat of this chase. They've been smart, aggressive when needed, and incredibly aware."
Australia, known for their fighting spirit and dominance in Test cricket, will undoubtedly explore every avenue to disrupt South Africa's progress. Australia is the most successful Test team in cricketing history with an overall winning rate of 47.39%. As of January 2025, Australia is first in the ICC Test Rankings. They also won the ICC World Test Championship once, defeating India in the final of the 2021–2023 World Test Championship.
Daniel Vettori, Australia's bowling coach, echoed Steyn's sentiments, stating that an early breakthrough on Day 4 would be crucial for his team's chances. The pressure will be immense on both sides as they vie for the coveted WTC title.
Adding another layer of complexity, the weather forecast for the final day predicts rain, which could significantly impact playing conditions. Steyn mentioned that Day 3 saw the pitch flatten under the sun, but Day 4 could bring totally different conditions. A damp pitch and overcast skies could favor the Australian seam bowlers, making scoring even more difficult.
South Africa's journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. After being reinstated as a Test nation in 1991, the team has consistently strived for excellence. While they have achieved success in ODI cricket, including winning the 1998 Champions Trophy, a major ICC trophy has remained elusive. This WTC final presents a golden opportunity to break that drought and etch their names in the history books.
For South Africa to secure victory, they need to bat with the same composure and grit they displayed on Day 3. Markram and Bavuma will need to continue their partnership, while the incoming batsmen must remain focused and weather the storm that the Australian bowlers are sure to unleash. The first hour will be critical, and if South Africa can navigate it successfully, they will be well on their way to lifting the WTC trophy.
