South Africa Aims to Overcome ‘Chokers’ Label in WTC Final

The ICC World Test Championship final, scheduled for June 11-15 at Lord’s, presents a significant opportunity for South Africa.

Former South African cricketer and head coach Mark Boucher stated on Saturday that the ICC World Test Championship final is a prime chance for South Africa to shake off the ‘chokers’ moniker.

In discussions with international media, Boucher voiced his strong disagreement with this characterization, asserting that it is unjust to saddle the current squad with such a label.

Boucher admitted that the ‘chokers’ tag would probably stick until South Africa secures a major international title. However, he stressed that the current crop of players should not be weighed down by the failures of the past.

“We are competing for a trophy, and many may doubt our chances, but there’s a unique atmosphere in Test match cricket,” Boucher commented.

Boucher believes that branding the team as ‘chokers’ unfairly impacts the younger members of the squad.

“They almost bear the burden of past events, which can be challenging. However, they have the power to shape their own future,” he added.

South Africa’s participation in the WTC final marks a milestone, being their first entry into the final of this esteemed competition.

The squad displayed outstanding performance in the 2023-25 cycle, securing seven successive Test victories and topping the points table with an impressive 69.44 percent win rate.

Boucher further emphasized that this WTC final could represent a watershed moment for South African Test cricket.

“It unfolds over an extended duration, requiring you to seize crucial moments,” he concluded.

Despite their present form, South Africa has experienced heartbreak in significant tournaments. The team has encountered setbacks, notably in the T20 World Cup, where both the men’s and women’s teams have suffered multiple final defeats.

They have suffered losses in three back-to-back T20 World Cup finals, including two in the women’s tournament and one in the men’s.

The ICC World Test Championship final is slated for June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, pitting South Africa against defending champions Australia.

South Africa is currently in the lead in the WTC 2023-25 standings, having emerged victorious in eight of twelve Tests.

Following a 1-1 draw at home against India and a 2-0 loss in New Zealand, they bounced back with series victories against the West Indies (1-0), Bangladesh (2-0), Sri Lanka (2-0), and Pakistan (2-0).

In contrast, Australia holds the second position, with 13 wins and four losses out of 19 Tests.

Their journey included a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka, a 3-1 triumph against India, a 2-0 series win against New Zealand, and a 1-1 draw with the West Indies.

They also achieved a 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan, while the Ashes series against England concluded in a 2-2 draw.

Squads:
Australia:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

South Africa:

Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.