Don't think South Africa go in as favourites for WTC Final 2025: Shaun Pollock

The final of the current cycle of the World Test Championship will be played between South Africa and Australia. The venue for the same will be Lord's, and a close contest is expected to play out in June. As for the Proteas, they won eight of the 12 games in this edition, and currently sit at the top of the points table. They have played an impressive brand of cricket under the leadership of Temba Bavuma.

Former South African legend, Shaun Pollock, was frank in admitting that the Aussies would be a tough nut to crack for South Africa.

“I think it’s going to be a tough one for South Africa. I don’t think we are going in as favourites. Let’s be honest. You look at the way Australia is playing their Test cricket, and you also look at the make-up of the South African side. But the funny thing about Lord’s in June is you win the toss and bowl first on the day, because you can have a wonderful first innings and put the team under pressure," said Pollock in conversation with Hindustan Times.

However, Pollock held onto the hope of his nation delivering the goods during the game and seemed hopeful from a fighting performance from the South African contingent.

“I don’t think they are going as favourites, but they have shown some unbelievable character to qualify, and you never know. We love cricket because there are no scripts involved. You can’t write a script for three months proper. You’ll have to see how things unfold on the day. They are in the final; they’ve got an opportunity and let’s see how they go," he added.

Also Read: Kagiso Rabada conveys South Africa's intent ahead of WTC 2025 final

You can only beat what’s in front of you: Pollock

Pollock was quick to underscore the positives amidst a flood of negativity spread online in relation to South Africa's relatively easier route in this campaign.

“There are a few people who say that they haven’t played Australia, they didn’t play England. We’ve played India, but it probably should have been a three-match series. But at the end of the day, from a South African perspective, we weren’t at our best in terms of personnel, and we’ve found people. And you can only beat what’s in front of you," noted Pollock.

The WTC final and the preluding Champions Trophy offers South Africa a shot at ending their ICC trophy drought. The last senior ICC event they won was the 1998 edition of the Champions Trophy (then called KnockOut Trophy).