I feel Temba as captain to lead from the front: De Villiers picks Proteas batter in the WTC title clash against Australia

ANI May 13, 2025 308 views

AB de Villiers believes Temba Bavuma must lead South Africa's batting charge in the WTC final. He also highlights Kyle Verreynne's importance in scoring late runs. The Proteas topped the league stage with dominant home and away performances. Australia, their opponents, aim to defend their title after a strong campaign.

"I feel Temba as captain to lead from the front and Kyle Verreynne to bat with the tail" - AB de Villiers
I feel Temba as captain to lead from the front: De Villiers picks Proteas batter in the WTC title clash against Australia
New Delhi May 13: Former South Africa (SA) captain, AB de Villiers believed that Temba Bavuma, as captain, should lead the batting lineup, and SA wicketkeeper/batter Kyle Verreynne should bat with the tail, emphasizing the importance of scoring runs at Lord's to support the bowlers.

Key Points

1

De Villiers stresses Bavuma's leadership in WTC final

2

Verreynne key for late-order runs at Lord's

3

Proteas dominated home & away Tests

4

Australia seeks title defense after strong campaign

Australia sealed their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will face South Africa at Lord's in June.

"I think an integral part of that batting lineup, which I feel will be incredibly important at Lords, it's always important to get runs on the board there and to give your bowlers a bit of freedom. But I feel the batters that need to be informed, probably Temba as captain to lead from the front and then someone like a Kyle Verreynne at the back end to bat with the tail," AB de Villiers said in a video posted by ICC.

De Villiers emphasized the significance of having a strong batter in the lineup who can score crucial runs at Lord's and help the team secure a victory.

"From past experiences at Lords, you have the in batter and that can get that tail wagging at the back end, they score your extra 80 to 100 runs, generally seem to help you win test matches at the back end."

"I think that's going to be crucially important, someone like a Temba, a Markram perhaps, a Rickleton to maintain that kind of form, to get runs on the board, but once we run out of the top order, to have someone like a Kyle Varane to direct traffic at the back end, it's going to be very important," he added.

South Africa finished at the top of the league stage with a points percentage of 69.44. They dominated at home, securing series wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka while drawing against India. Their away form was equally impressive, with victories over the West Indies and Bangladesh.

Their only setback came in New Zealand, where they were missing a host of their first-choice stars.

Winning eight out of 12 matches and drawing one, the Proteas secured their place in their first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final.

Australia earned the opportunity to defend their title with a points percentage of 67.54, finishing second in the league standings.

They began their campaign by drawing the Ashes in England before dominating Pakistan 3-0 at home. A minor setback came when West Indies held them to a series draw, but victories over New Zealand and Sri Lanka, along with a historic home triumph against India, secured Australia's place in the final against South Africa in June.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the cricket article:
R
Rahul K.
ABD's analysis is spot on! Bavuma has shown great temperament in tough situations. But I feel SA's real strength is their pace attack - Rabada, Ngidi and Nortje could trouble Australia at Lord's. Exciting final coming up! 🇿🇦 vs 🇦🇺
P
Priya M.
As an Indian fan, still disappointed we couldn't make it to the final. But SA vs Aus should be a cracker! Hope Bavuma proves AB right. Lord's pitch usually helps swing bowlers - will be interesting to see how Smith and Labuschagne handle SA's pace battery.
A
Arjun S.
De Villiers forgetting one thing - Australia's middle order is rock solid. SA will need more than just Bavuma's leadership. Their batting looks fragile compared to Aus. But in Test cricket, anything can happen! #WTCFinal
S
Shweta R.
Interesting analysis by ABD but I feel Markram is the key player for SA. His form in recent Tests has been brilliant. If he fires at Lord's, SA can post big totals. Still think Australia are favorites though - their team is more balanced.
V
Vikram J.
Test cricket at Lord's is always special! Hope the weather holds up. AB makes good points but I think the team that handles pressure better will win. SA have never won an ICC tournament - will that play on their minds? Australia are tournament specialists.
N
Neha P.
While AB's focus is on batting, I believe the real contest will be between SA's pace attack vs Australia's. Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood vs Rabada, Nortje - mouthwatering prospect! 🏏 Test cricket at its best. Just wish India was playing though 😅

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
AB de Villiers Temba Bavuma Kyle Verreynne WTC Final South Africa vs Australia Lord's Test