Do Australia’s bowlers hold an advantage over Proteas?
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Synopsis
As the ICC World Test Championship final approaches, former cricketer Aaron Finch believes Australia’s bowlers may have the upper hand against South Africa due to greater experience in English Test conditions. Will this experience prove decisive in the match at Lord's?
Key Takeaways
- Australia has a stronger bowling attack due to experience in English conditions.
- The ICC World Test Championship final will be crucial for both teams.
- Pat Cummins has significantly improved as a captain.
- Australia's recent successes bolster their confidence.
- Both teams possess formidable bowling lineups.
New Delhi, June 8 (NationPress) Former cricketer Aaron Finch asserts that Australia’s bowling squad has a distinct advantage over South Africa in the lead-up to the ICC World Test Championship final, primarily due to the current title holders having more experience in playing Tests under English conditions as a unified team.
The highly anticipated third World Test Championship final, showcasing the reigning champions Australia against first-time finalists South Africa, is set to take place at Lord's from June 11-15. “Both teams possess bowling attacks that are remarkably evenly matched. When you consider Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, they appear to be the leading contenders at this moment, alongside Nathan Lyon.
“On the other hand, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj bring their own strengths. While both teams are closely matched, I would lean towards Australia for having played more Test cricket as a cohesive bowling unit in English conditions,” Finch told Star Sports.
Australia clinched the 2023 World Test Championship final by defeating India at The Oval under the captaincy of Cummins. Since Cummins assumed the role of Test skipper, Australia has seen a resurgence in performance, notably defeating India 3-1 to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home after a decade.
During the current 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, Australia has emerged victorious in four out of six series. Finch, who led Australia to the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup victory, also shared insights on Cummins' evolution as the team's Test captain.
“Pat Cummins' leadership is exceptional. He continuously enhances his skills. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to guide the team both on and off the field. This is a crucial aspect of captaining an international squad. His collaboration with Andrew McDonald, the coach, has been immensely beneficial for Australian cricket,” he added.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the depth of talent on both sides in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final. While Australia may have the advantage in terms of experience in English conditions, South Africa's fresh approach could yield surprising results. Our commitment to providing balanced coverage ensures that fans receive a comprehensive view of this highly anticipated match.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Aaron Finch believe Australia has the edge?
Aaron Finch believes Australia holds the advantage due to their bowlers' extensive experience playing Tests in English conditions, giving them a collective edge over South Africa.
When will the World Test Championship final take place?
The ICC World Test Championship final is scheduled to be played from June 11 to June 15 at Lord's.
What are the key players for both teams?
Key players for Australia include Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, while South Africa will rely on Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj.
What recent success has Australia achieved?
Australia recently won the 2023 World Test Championship final against India at The Oval and has shown improved performance under Pat Cummins' captaincy.
How has Pat Cummins performed as captain?
Pat Cummins has been praised for his outstanding leadership and continuous improvement, effectively guiding the team both on and off the field.
