Despite facing a daunting target and an in-form Australian bowling attack, South Africa remain optimistic about pulling off a historic chase to win the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. With bowlers dominating the low-scoring contest, confidence within the Proteas camp remains intact as they prepare for a critical fourth innings battle.
South African batter David Bedingham, who top-scored with 45 in their modest first-innings total of 138, said the team believes they can overturn Australia’s current lead, which stands at 218 with two wickets still in hand. “We’re all very, very excited about the opportunity to win,” Bedingham said after Day 2. “There’s a lot of belief in the dressing room.”
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With 28 wickets already falling in just two days, conditions at Lord’s have heavily favored the bowlers. However, Bedingham suggested that the pitch may be easing slightly. “The wicket has slowed down a bit. The nicks aren’t carrying. Hopefully, we can use that to our advantage in the fourth innings,” he said.
Australia’s bowling unit, led by skipper Pat Cummins with six wickets, has proven unrelenting. “They didn’t give us any bad balls — that’s why they’re the best in the world,” Bedingham acknowledged. He emphasized the need for mental clarity, saying, “If you get caught in two minds against this attack, you get found out.”
Historically, successful chases at Lord’s have rarely crossed the 300-mark, though England did chase down 277 against New Zealand in 2022. South Africa will hope to add their name to that short list as they prepare for a final innings that could deliver a landmark Test triumph.
