Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has tipped South Africa and Australia to make it to the final of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Watson’s comment came after the Dean Elgar-led Proteas side crushed England by an innings and 12 runs in the first Test at Lord’s on Friday (August 19).
With this victory, South Africa strengthened their top position on the WTC points table. They are now heading the chart with a PCT of 75%, followed by Australia, who are at 70%.
“Right now, the way I see it, it’s going to be hard for South Africa and Australia to not make it,” Watson predicted the two finalists while speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review
“They’re both playing really good cricket. Australia played good cricket apart from that last Test against Sri Lanka where they got swept up in turning conditions in the last innings,” he added.
Before the WTC final, slated to be held at Lord’s next year, South Africa and Australia have some tough series lined up and they will have to be on their toes to hold on to the top two positions.
Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are currently occupying the third, fourth and fifth spots respectively and waiting to pounce on any slip-up.
While Pakistan have a home advantage in all of their remaining five fixtures, India will play four Tests against Australia at home out of their six remaining WTC matches.
“You can never discount India and Pakistan, because they’ve got so many match winners, outside of their home countries as well,” Watson added.
“Those two, I’d be very surprised if they don’t come knocking on the door leading into the final.”
Watching the competition among teams, Shane Watson also lamented the late introduction of the World Test Championship.
“Yes, I wish I did (play in the WTC). Even in my playing days, in Test cricket, there was a lot of talk about the ICC World Test Championship coming into play, and it took way too long to be put into place, and unfortunately, I missed out on it,” said Watson.
“I was very fortunate to play a ‘Super Test’ in 2005, Australia against a World XI, which was something very special – it was one of the first Test matches I played. That was special to be a part of, but this is even more so, to be able to win an ICC event and it being in Test cricket.”
“For the current playing group, Test cricketers around the world, it’s very special to know there’s a culmination coming with a (WTC) final,” he concluded.
(With ICC inputs)
