Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said his team has a strong desire to beat Australia in the deciding Test at Newlands. A win would also lift South Africa to the world No 1 Test ranking, IOL Sport reported.
The three match series is level at 1-1. The third Test in Cape Town started on Tuesday.
“Look, I think it’s exciting, firstly, that we managed to get it to this point. One-one, you come to Newlands, not many better places to play cricket,” Bavuma said.
Bavuma said the ranking has value because it shows a team has played well over a long period. He said it could also help the Proteas get closer to another World Test Championship final.
The next final is at The Oval in June next year. South Africa won the last World Test Championship title at Lord’s.
But Bavuma said the bigger motivation was the last series in Australia in 2022. Australia beat the Proteas 2-0 on that tour.
“I think of the last Test series when we played in Australia, where they bullied us in their backyard and they played unbelievable cricket,” Bavuma said.
“There’s that motivation from us to right those wrongs and also to look after our record, our home record as well, here at home, playing against Australia,” he said. He added that he did not feel he had to motivate anyone.
South Africa’s record against Australia at home is thin. According to IOL, the 2018 series is the only home Test series the Proteas have won against Australia since the end of apartheid.
The Proteas did win away series in Australia in 2008, 2012 and 2016. The 2008 win came at the MCG.
South Africa made one change after their win in Gqeberha. Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee replaced the injured Anrich Nortje.
IOL said the safer choice would have been experienced seamer Dane Paterson on his home ground. Coach Shukri Conrad and Bavuma picked Coetzee for his pace instead.
“In terms of how we balance our bowling attack, you want the guy who can play that enforcer role, especially when the wicket gets flat, when the wicket gets soft,” Bavuma said.
“Gerald is a guy who can do that. He’s a guy who we believe has the ability to make a big play for the team,” he said.
In the first two Tests, Matt Renshaw starred for Australia at Kingsmead and Bavuma led the way at St George’s Park. Both got useful help from the lower order.
Bavuma said the Newlands pitch is generally a good one for batting. “I think the batters will be smiling if they’re able to get themselves in,” he said.
He said the batting group was still looking for consistency. He said some batters would have to do the heavy lifting for the team over the five days.
The Proteas team is Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke and wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton. Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada complete the side.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.