WTC Final: ‘They’re here for a purpose’ – Steve Smith on why South Africa can’t be taken lightly | Cricket News – Times of India

Steve Smith of Australia (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Australian batting nice Steve Smith, talking at Lord’s on Monday, anticipates a difficult contest in opposition to South Africa’s tempo assault within the World Test Championship last beginning Wednesday, the place defending champions Australia are favored to win in opposition to the Proteas within the 5-day match.Australia, who defeated India within the 2023 WTC last, will face South Africa’s formidable bowling lineup led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.“South Africa have a particularly good bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada, his record speaks for itself. Marco Jansen — they are a good side, they are here for a reason,” Smith mentioned.Rabada, 30, has amassed 327 wickets at a median of 22, whereas the 25-yr-previous Jansen has taken 73 wickets at 21.76 in his 17 matches.Smith, 36, has demonstrated distinctive efficiency at Lord’s, scoring 525 runs in 5 matches, together with two centuries, at a median of 58.33.

“It’s a nice place to bat. Personally I’ve had a bit of success here. It takes a bit of time getting used to the slope, one end thinking you are falling over, the other you feel a bit tall. It’s a nice wicket to bat on but can change with the overheads, the ball swinging around, can get a bit tricky,” Smith acknowledged.Quiz: Who’s that IPL participant?Smith, whose profession was affected by the 2018 ball-tampering incident in opposition to South Africa in Cape Town, famous that relations between the groups are actually “pretty relaxed.”Regarding ideas about extending the WTC last to a number of matches, Smith commented: “Maybe a three-match series would be good but good luck fitting it in the schedule, it’s pretty jam-packed as it is.”