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Key Points

Mitchell Starc is pumped about Australia's chance to defend their WTC title at the iconic Lord's ground. Kagiso Rabada isn't intimidated, sharing how South Africa plans to target each Aussie batter specifically. Australia's golden run in the 2020s could get even brighter with another trophy. Meanwhile, the Proteas are desperate to finally lift their first major ICC silverware.

Key Points: Starc Eyes Back-to-Back WTC Glory as Rabada Plots Aussie Batters

  • Starc highlights Australia's WTC journey and Lord's significance
  • Rabada reveals tailored strategies for Aussie batsmen
  • Australia aims to extend 2020s dominance under Cummins
  • South Africa seeks maiden ICC title at neutral venue
3 min read

WTC final: Starc relishes opportunity to go back-to-back at Lord's, Rabada reveals specific plans for each Aussie

Mitchell Starc targets consecutive WTC titles at Lord's while Kagiso Rabada details South Africa's plans to dismantle Australia's batting lineup.

"Winning the Mace for a second time would be a huge reward for everything this group has worked towards - Mitchell Starc"

Mumbai, June 11

Ahead of his side's ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc expressed that the opportunity to successfully defend the mace at Lord's would be special and a "huge reward" for the way group has worked over the years.

Australia would be aiming to go back-to-back in defending the WTC mace and adding to their rich cricketing legacy, while Proteas will be aiming for their first-ever major title as they lock horns in the 'Ultimate Test' at Lord's from Wednesday onwards.

Speaking to Star Sports, Starc said, "It is a chance to go back-to-back. The World Test Championship might still be a relatively new format, but for us, it has been a significant journey. We missed out on the final in the first cycle, and were fortunate to win it the second time around. Now, with a core group of players from the 2023 final still together, to have this opportunity again -- and at Lord's -- is really special. Winning the Mace for a second time would be a huge reward for everything this group has worked towards over the years."

The decade of the 2020s has been a fine one for Australia, with the T20 World Cup in 2021, ICC World Test Championship in 2023, Ashes retention against England the same year and finally the ICC Cricket World Cup win over a dominant India, they have dominated all formats with same ferocity. Except for the T20 WC 2021, all title wins have come under skipper Cummins.

While speaking on Star Sports, Proteas pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada emphasised on plans they have for each batter and the challenges coming with playing at a neutral venue.

"It is a completely neutral venue, so it is tough to predict what might unfold. But when you are up against the best players in these conditions, getting them out becomes a clear priority," he said.

"Every batter you face, you want to dismiss. I suppose I have just had the upper hand so far. We have specific plans for each of their batsmen, but ultimately it is about keeping things simple - that's what this game comes down to," he added.

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the cricket article:
R
Rahul K.
Australia's dominance across formats is scary good! But as an Indian fan, I hope SA can pull off an upset here. Rabada vs Smith will be 🔥. Just wish our boys were playing too - that WTC final loss still hurts!
P
Priya M.
Starc's humility is refreshing - calling their WTC win "fortunate". That's why Aussies keep winning - they respect the game. Hope our bowlers learn from this approach rather than just raw aggression.
A
Arjun S.
Neutral venue makes this interesting! But why always Lord's? ICC should rotate WTC finals - maybe next time in India or South Africa? Cricket needs to grow beyond traditional venues.
S
Sneha R.
Rabada's comment about keeping it simple is gold! Our Indian bowlers sometimes overcomplicate things in big matches. Hope Bumrah & co. are watching and learning from this final.
V
Vikram J.
Australia's team looks unbeatable on paper. But remember 2001 Kolkata Test? Underdogs can surprise! Proteas need to channel that Laxman-Dravid spirit. Fingers crossed for a close contest!
N
Neha P.
As much as I admire Aussie cricket, their dominance makes world cricket predictable. Need more teams at their level. Maybe ICC should invest more in associate nations instead of same old matches?

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