As South Africa prepare for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, legendary cricketer Jonty Rhodes says the Proteas’ pace battery will not give the team much of an advantage as Pete Cummins’ side also have a fast bowler. She is equally adept at handling falcons. The only Test will be played from June 11 to 15, with June 16 available as a reserve day if required. “Well, I don’t think so. It doesn’t help South Africa. The Australians are good at pace bowling. They have a battery of fast bowling that the South African batsmen will face at Lord’s. .

“So, I wouldn’t say we have an advantage. The Australians have grown up fast and they know all about it, but it’s definitely going to be a great contest,” said the South African, who is credited with his brilliant fielding. is known for, told PTI. Videos on Saturday.

South Africa’s run to the WTC finals was underpinned by their dominant performances, particularly at home. In these matches, their powerful pace attack consisting of Kagiso Rabada (37 wickets at an average of 19.8 in 8 matches) and Marco Johnson (29 wickets in 7 matches) has been a game changer.

Apart from the immediate focus on the WTC final, Rhodes believes South African cricket is close to a resurgence.

“You know, success breeds success. For a long time, South Africa was in the middle of the ICC rankings and it kind of showed.

“I have seen as a player and a cricket coach in India that the success of the men’s team and the women’s team has increased the popularity of the game and the support of the players and the team,” said Rhodes, who is also with Lucknow Supergiants. (LSG) Fielding Coach.

“I hope that cricket in South Africa will be revived, one by the performance of the Test team and another by tournaments like the SA20,” he added.

At one point, it looked impossible for the Proteas, with several key players unavailable and the team undergoing a makeover, to make it to the WTC summit clash.

Rhodes says the roller coaster ride has been amazing.

“Many Test matches are difficult to win. Test cricket has definitely changed from my generation and my era when many matches were drawn. The way the players play these days, the game definitely moves very quickly. is.

Rhodes said “Most Tests don’t last five days. But to win eight out of nine matches is a fantastic performance”.

He added, “Considering that the team has changed, at one point players were not available. It is amazing to see South Africa reach the WTC final”.

Rhodes believes that leagues like the SA20 have played an important role in rekindling interest and highlighting talent back home.

“The quality of young players coming through the ranks is quite exciting… If you’re a cricket fan in South Africa, it’s an exciting time ahead.” Rhodes, who was invited as chief guest at the Vakshat Bharat Youth Leaders Dialogue and National Youth Festival here, was particularly impressed with the Vakshat Bharat 2047 mission.

“In a team environment or a society, communication is very important and it’s not a monologue. And to actively listen to the youth of the country, it’s just mind-blowing. The fact that the Prime Minister is coming here tomorrow. , the country of the youth who will carry forward the mission of Vakisht Bharat 2047…” he added.

(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)