'Don't think there is any advantage to South Africa' - Jonty Rhodes on side's chances in 2023-25 WTC final

There is no denying that South Africa have had a stellar run in the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship. They ended up registering victory in eight of the 12 matches they featured. The Proteas were also the first team to secure their berth at Lord's. They confirmed their position after winning the first Test of the two-match series against Pakistan. There have been several players who have risen to the occasion this campaign, making it a truly all-round performance.

Former South African middle-order batter, Jonty Rhodes, openly acknowledged Australia as the clear favourites months ahead of the highly-anticipated contest.

"I don't think there is any advantage to South Africa. The Australians are skilled at playing pace bowling and have a strong pace attack themselves. South African batters will face this same challenge at Lord's. So, I wouldn’t say we have an advantage. Australians have grown up facing pace and know all about it, but it’s going to be an exciting contest," stated Rhodes, as quoted by India Today.

Also Read: AB de Villiers backs Proteas to 'go all the way and win the WTC Final'

We’re seeing a renewed enthusiasm for the sport: Rhodes

Rhodes expressed confidence about the growth of South African cricket in the future and hoped for a similar resurgence in prominence, similar to the current situation of Indian cricket - in both the men's and women's categories. 

"Success breeds success. For a long time, South Africa sat in the middle of the ICC rankings, but now, with the success of the men’s and women’s teams, we’re seeing a renewed enthusiasm for the sport. The success of teams like the Indian men's and women's sides has led to greater popularity and support for the game. I hope South African cricket experiences a similar resurgence, driven by the Test team's performances and tournaments like the SA20," he added. 

Preceding the WTC, the South African unit has a chance of breaking their ICC trophy drought. The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy would be an ideal opportunity for the Proteas to capitalise on the momentum they have built over time.