Graeme Smith Applauds South Africa's Resilience in WTC25 Final

In a historic push towards victory in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, former South African cricket captain Graeme Smith has expressed his admiration for the current Proteas team, which stands on the brink of securing a coveted title against Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground. As of June 14, 2025, South Africa requires only 69 runs to clinch the championship, with eight wickets remaining, showcasing a noteworthy turnaround following a challenging first innings.

Smith, who was recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, has been a vocal supporter of the South African team, particularly highlighting their fighting spirit and resilience. Following a tense first two days of play that saw 28 wickets fall, it was the Proteas' bowlers who managed to dismiss Australia, setting the stage for a strong batting response led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma.

"We’ve seen such ups and downs in this Test match," Smith remarked during the ICC's Digital Daily broadcast. "The game has gone back and forth, and South Africa has fought back brilliantly after being 75 runs behind in the first innings. The batting performance today has been outstanding."

Markram's century, a crucial contribution, has been pivotal in South Africa's chase. His partnership with Bavuma, which yielded 143 runs, has been marked by calmness and aggression in the face of high-pressure conditions. Smith praised Markram's ability to score freely, noting, "If South Africa is going to win, he’s the man because he keeps the scoreboard ticking."

Bavuma, despite struggling with a hamstring injury, also demonstrated leadership and determination, further solidifying Smith's confidence in the team's capability to triumph in this final match. "Temba has been South Africa's most consistent batter. His performance today, especially under duress, is commendable," Smith added.

The current match exemplifies a significant moment for South African cricket, which has seen a resurgence over the past few years. Smith remarked on the importance of this potential victory, stating, "Everyone wrote South Africa off before this game, but now they sit on the brink of an opportunity to lift the WTC mace. This will undoubtedly uplift cricket in South Africa and give fans something to rally behind."

With the match poised for a thrilling conclusion, the cricketing world watches closely as the Proteas aim to end a 27-year drought for an ICC trophy. The final day promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and emotional significance as South Africa seeks to write a new chapter in its illustrious cricketing history.