Steve Smith got angry when two days before the expected final of the World Championship World Championship. Smith had the praise of the firepower on the South African side to thinking about the importance of the test championship for serial winners, such as Australia, the mood to immerse himself in the essence of the test cricket.
Smith, the Australian Vice Captain, will be the central point of the hope of his team to maintain a prestigious test crown. The champions are ready to face the first finalists of South Africa in Lord from 11 to 15 June. Australia have kind memories of London when they secured their first WTC title on Oval-Seven Miles from Lord who beat India.
After Smith returned from a three -month break after the Champions Trophy trophy, he said he felt as well as always and enjoy returning to the big scene.
“Yeah, I know how our team is. We trained really well last week. Gone, but we’re excited about this competition,” he said.
It will be the second Australian final performance of the WTC, which equals the record of India in a tournament that was introduced in 2019. The aim will become the first party to win the title twice. New Zealand won the inauguration edition by defeating India, while Australia surpassed India in 2023.
Final of three WTC matches?
Asked if, like many others, he believed that the WTC finals should be played in three matches, Smith welcomed the idea, although he noted that the planning challenges would represent.
Especially Virat Kohli, who left the tests at the beginning of this year, left defended a series of three matches decide on the world’s test champion in 2021.
“I didn’t think too much about it, but yeah, maybe it would be a series of three matches. Good luck fits into the calendar, which is already quite packed. But if it could be done, it would be quite cool,” Smith said.
Smith refused to compare the importance of the ash and the WTC final, but stressed that the Australians were fully focused on the task, and the ashes turned off in some way.
“Ashes is always a big series, but you can’t look too far forward. Every game now depends on the test championship. That’s why every test was more meaningful. Then we go to West India, and that will be our focus.
South Africa deserves to play the finals: Smith
When Smith asked about speculation surrounding the qualification of South Africa, Smith was unambiguous:
“Yeah, it’s a good side. They’re here for a reason. I really don’t understand how all the percentage things work, but they got to the first two and got their place,” he said.
South Africa played 12 matches in the WTC 2023-25 cycle-The less than Australia, and India, but won eight to the top of the table and seal their place in the final.
Over the years, Smith had had several unforgettable battles with South Africa. It average 44 against them, with 854 runs and two hundred years over 12 tests.
“South Africa has always been a strength. We had some great competitions in Australia and South Africa. Now he plays them on Lord’s, adds a new dimension. It’s another challenge and the one we look forward to.
Published:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
9 June 2025
