Despite a challenging two days dominated by pace bowlers, South Africa remain optimistic about pulling off a historic run chase against Australia in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. With Australia holding a 218-run lead and two wickets still in hand, the odds are stacked against the Proteas, yet confidence remains high within their camp.
David Bedingham, South Africa’s top scorer in a lowly first innings total of 138, said the team sees the situation as a golden opportunity. “We’re all very, very excited about the opportunity to win. It could go either way,” he remarked, echoing the belief that still lingers in the dressing room.
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Bedingham acknowledged the difficulty of batting on a surface that has already witnessed 28 wickets fall, but noted that conditions may slightly ease in the final innings. “The wicket has slowed down a bit. The nicks aren’t carrying, so in the fourth innings they might come a bit straighter. Hopefully, we can get those runs,” he said.
However, the formidable Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Pat Cummins with six wickets, has shown little mercy. Bedingham admitted that the Australians “didn’t give us any bad balls” and stressed the importance of committing fully to either defence or attack against such a disciplined bowling unit.
With the highest successful chase at Lord’s being 342 by the West Indies in 1984, South Africa would need something special to lift the trophy. But if belief alone can shape history, the Proteas are not done yet.
