New Delhi, June 10: Former England spinner Monty Panesar has backed Australia as favourites to defend the World Test Championship (WTC) title, but also sees the upcoming final as a golden opportunity for South Africa to silence critics and prove they can match the best in the world.
The much-anticipated WTC Final between defending champions Australia and South Africa will take place on Wednesday at Lord’s, the iconic venue known as the ‘Home of Cricket’.
“Australia have an edge,” Panesar told ANI. “Josh Hazlewood’s return is a major boost. He’s never lost a final, and that winning mentality counts. Add to that their strong seam attack and solid batting lineup, and you can see why they’re favourites.”
Hazlewood, who recently played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title run, returns to bolster Australia’s pace arsenal alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
However, Panesar also highlighted that South Africa have a real shot at breaking their long-standing ICC trophy drought.
“People question how South Africa made it to the final after playing just 12 Tests. But this is their chance to show they belong. If they win, it will be a powerful message to world cricket—and a reason for them to play more Tests,” Panesar noted.
South Africa, despite recent criticism over their WTC qualification path, are coming into the final after a dominant run of seven consecutive victories. Their heartbreak in the T20 World Cup final loss to India still lingers, adding fuel to their motivation.
The final could mark a turning point for the Proteas, who have long battled the ‘chokers’ tag in ICC tournaments.
South Africa Squad:
Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.
Australia Squad:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann.
Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
With both teams loaded with talent and driven by different motivations—Australia aiming to cement their dominance, South Africa aiming for redemption—this final promises to be a blockbuster.