Graeme Smith has backed Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma’s decision to bowl first in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, in London, on Wednesday.
The former SA skipper Smith was in agreement that conditions meant bowling first was the best option.
The Proteas announced their team on Tuesday, with no major surprises on the day of the match.
The surprising selection though, was the inclusion of Lungi Ngidi who has not played any first-class cricket since August last year, at the expense of Dane Paterson who has been tearing it up in country cricket over the last couple months.
Graeme Smith Agrees With Decision to Bowl First
“In big games, it’s easy for captains to go the cautious route and not bowl first, but there’s a bit of rain around. As conditions are today, having looked at the pitch a little bit tuffy, it might be a bit slow,” said Smith.
“I think South Africa would bowl first and try and knock over that Australian batting lineup. There is some uncertainty around that batting lineup as well. And with the opportunities that South Africa have with the ball, maybe they want to have a first go at it.”
Since the match was a one-off and not a series, it played more in favour of South Africa, believed Smith.
“If it was a three-Test match series, to win this trophy, I think Australia would have the better of South Africa.
“I think going into a one-off Test match with the build-ups that both teams have had…
“South Africa have talent and they can knock you over in the game. I think South Africa have an opportunity that they wouldn’t have if the series was three or five Test matches.”
Teams:
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Australia: Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat cummins (captain), Mitchel Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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