Under Pat Cummins’ leadership, Australia has enjoyed a successful period, yet they faced a formidable challenge in South Africa during the World Test Championship final. The game saw Australia falter, especially on a conducive batting surface which saw South Africa shed their underachiever label.
The aftermath of the match raises concerns, particularly surrounding Steve Smith’s injury. Smith is racing against time to recover from a compound dislocation of his finger, which requires eight weeks in a splint. His availability for the upcoming West Indies tour is uncertain. This potential absence complicates Australia’s batting order, sparking discussions about reshuffling positions, with Marnus Labuschagne possibly moving to No.3 if Smith can’t play.
Cummins acknowledged that Australia’s loss stemmed from both the conditions and their batting collapse, specifically calling out the failure of the top order, which has also led to scrutiny over the forms of Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja. The selectors now face a significant dilemma regarding the batting lineup, particularly with an ageing team and upcoming challenges, including the Ashes.
Conversely, Temba Bavuma’s captaincy during the match was commendable, particularly his decision at the toss to bowl first, which optimised his team’s chances on a friendly pitch. He has solidified his status, achieving an impressive record in his tenure with many wins, thus positioning him as one of the leading captains in the game today.
Aiden Markram’s performance stood out, especially after bouncing back from a duck in the first innings to score a vital 136 in the second. His exemplary innings helped secure the title and marked him as a national figure in South Africa’s cricket history, as he was lauded for his impact on the match.
However, South African cricket faces troubling prospects, as they will not host a home Test series during the summer of 2025/26 due to prioritisation of stadium renovations ahead of the 2027 World Cup. This absence from home grounds denies fans the chance to commemorate their team’s recent achievements.
In summary, this final encapsulated the highs and lows of cricket; while South Africa celebrated a historic win, Australia must confront the challenges of injuries, form, and an evolving squad ahead of significant touring fixtures.