The Pat Cummins-led side will face South Africa in the WTC Final at Lord's from June 11 to 15.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has tipped Australia as favorites to retain the World Test Championship (WTC) title, citing their familiarity with English conditions as a key factor.
The Pat Cummins-led side will face South Africa in the WTC Final, slated to be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15.
Australia are aiming to become the first team to clinch the WTC title twice, having bagged the mace in 2023 by beating India at The Oval in the tournament’s second edition.
On the other hand, the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas side is set to make their maiden WTC Final appearance, having topped the standings after winning seven of their last eight matches.
“Australia will come prepared. They’ve played a lot of cricket in England - Ashes, the last WTC Final - and that experience will count. They understand these conditions better than South Africa. Plus, they’re a champion side. The difference lies in how you handle pressure during big matches, and Aussies are masters at that. That’s why they’ve won more trophies than anyone else,” Harbhajan said on JioHotstar and Star Sports network.
Harbhajan was also effusive in praise of Pat Cummins’ leadership, hailing him as a “very special captain” for the Australian side.
“Cummins is one of those leaders who brings everyone together. More importantly, he's a proven match-winner with great command in the dressing room. When your team respects and rallies behind you, you win more matches. That’s what makes him a very special captain for Australia,” Harbhajan added.
Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra endorsed Harbhajan Singh’s views, calling Cummins the “biggest threat” to South Africa.
“Pat Cummins is the biggest threat. His leadership, his bowling when there is a partnership, his batting lower down the order - he contributes across departments. He leads from the front and always keeps the opposition under pressure,” Chopra remarked.