Two days ahead of the highly-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, Australia’s star batter Steve Smith addressed a press conference at Lord’s.

Smith commended the opposition team and also reflected on the significance of the Test championship for serial winners like Australia.

Smith will be key to his team's hopes of retaining the prestigious Test crown. The defending champions are set to face first-time finalists Proteas at Lord's from June 11 to 15.

Having returned from a three-month hiatus following the Champions Trophy, Smith said he is feeling as good as ever and relishing the return to the big stage.

"Yeah, I know how our team is. We've been training really well over the past week or so. All the batters feel like they're in a good place. We're just excited now to go out and play another Test Championship final. Obviously, we've got some fond memories from last year just down the road, and now coming to Lord's-it's a place where traditionally we've played pretty good cricket. Facing South Africa is a great challenge. The Dukes ball is different from what we usually play with at home or away, but we're excited for this contest," Smith told reporters.

Australia are aiming to become the first side to win the WTC title twice. New Zealand won the inaugural edition by defeating India, while Australia outclassed India in 2023.

While Smith endorsed the idea of WTC final being played over three matches, he noted the scheduling challenges it would pose.

Earlier, the likes of Virat Kohli, Nathan Lyon and some others had called for a three-match series between finalists to decide the World Test champions.

"I haven't thought too much about it, but yeah, maybe a three-match series would be nice. Good luck fitting it into the calendar, which is already pretty packed. But if it could be done, it'd be pretty cool," Smith said.

Smith refused to compare the significance of the Ashes and the WTC final but stressed that the Australians are fully focused on the task at hand, with the Ashes still some way off.

"The Ashes is always a big series, but you can't look too far ahead. Every game matters now with the Test Championship. That's the reason it was introduced-to make each Test more meaningful. We go to the West Indies next after this, and that'll be our focus then. Right now, it's about this match," he said.

Smith gave a rather explicit reply when asked about the speculation surrounding South Africa's qualification for the WTC final. "Yeah, they're a good side. They're here for a reason. I don't really understand how all the percentage stuff works, but they made it into the top two, and they've earned their spot," he said.

South Africa played 12 matches in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, seven fewer than both Australia and India but won eight to top the table and seal their berth in the final.

Steve Smith averages 44 against South Africa across 12 Tests, with 854 runs and two centuries to his name.

"South Africa have always been a strong side. We've had some great contests in both Australia and South Africa. Now playing them here at Lord's adds a new dimension. It's another challenge, and one we're looking forward to. From what I've heard, ticket sales are strong-hopefully, we can put on a good show for everyone," Smith said.