Australia batting great Steve Smith is anticipating a stiff challenge from South Africa’s fearsome pace attack in this week’s World Test Championship (WTC) final, set to begin on Wednesday at Lord’s.
Reigning WTC champions Australia, who defeated India in the 2023 final, enter the five-day contest as favourites. However, Smith insists the Proteas are not to be underestimated, particularly with their potent fast bowling unit.
“South Africa have a particularly good bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada — his record speaks for itself,” said Smith during Monday’s media briefing. “Marco Jansen as well — they’re a good side and they’re here for a reason.”
Rabada, now 30, boasts an impressive 327 wickets at an average of 22 in his Test career. His left-arm partner Jansen, 25, has picked up 73 wickets at a striking average of 21.76 in just 17 Tests.
Despite the threat posed by South Africa’s quicks, Smith believes spin could become a decisive factor as the match progresses — potentially to the benefit of veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
“I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” Smith explained. “We’ve only been here a week, but it’s been a pretty dry start to the season in England. There hasn’t been too much rain, which is rare. The surface looks quite dry and I think the footmarks will definitely come into play.”
Smith, 36, has fond memories of Lord’s, having compiled 525 runs in five Tests at the iconic ground at an average of 58.33, including a double century and a century.
“I’ve had a bit of success here,” he said. “It takes a bit of time getting used to the slope — at one end it feels like you’re falling over, at the other you feel a bit taller. It’s a nice wicket to bat on, but if there’s cloud cover and the ball swings, it can get tricky. Batting here is about assessing the conditions and adapting accordingly.”
Several members of the Australian squad have not played a great deal of red-ball cricket recently, but Smith dismissed concerns about rustiness.
“All the batters feel like they’re in a good place, so now we’re just excited to go out and play,” he said. “Lord’s is a place where we’ve traditionally played good cricket, so we’re excited about the challenge South Africa will bring.”
Smith’s own career was nearly derailed by the infamous ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in 2018, but he insists there is now a sense of calm between the two sides.
“Relations between the teams are pretty relaxed these days,” he remarked.
Asked whether a single match is enough to decide the WTC title, Smith admitted a longer series might be preferable in an ideal world.
“Maybe a three-match series would be good, but good luck fitting it into the schedule — it’s pretty jam-packed as it is,” he said.
With two proud cricketing nations set to battle for Test cricket’s ultimate prize at the Home of Cricket, a thrilling contest appears to be on the cards.