As the cricketing world turns its attention to the historic World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, the spotlight is firmly fixed on South Africa — not just for their on-field prospects but also for the controversy swirling around their ace pacer Kagiso Rabada. Scheduled to clash with Australia, who are the clear favorites going into the final, South Africa faces a psychological and cricketing battle that could define their Test legacy.
Rabada’s Drug Test Controversy: A Cloud Over the Proteas?
In the weeks leading up to the final, Kagiso Rabada found himself embroiled in controversy after testing positive for a recreational drug, reportedly during a domestic off-period. The incident led to a one-month suspension, following which Rabada has returned to competitive cricket. While the South African board treated it as a personal matter, the media and opposing teams are unlikely to forget.
Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan warned that it would be “naive” to think that Australia won’t bring up the drug issue during the high-pressure WTC final. Known for their aggressive sledging and psychological tactics, Australia might try to exploit this vulnerability to unsettle Rabada, who remains a pivotal part of South Africa’s pace-heavy strategy.
“Rabada is experienced, but he’s still human. Australia will look for any edge, and this issue gives them one,” said Cullinan in a recent interview.
The Long Wait for Glory
South Africa’s journey in ICC tournaments has been marred by heartbreak and inconsistency. From their infamous Duckworth-Lewis elimination in 2003 to their repeated semi-final collapses, the Proteas have often faltered at the final hurdle. But in 2025, the team under Temba Bavuma seems hungrier and more focused than ever.
Having qualified for the WTC final by defeating Pakistan at Centurion in December 2024, South Africa demonstrated their dominance on home soil. Critics argue their path to the final was softer compared to others, but numbers don’t lie — they won key matches, showed consistency, and deservedly earned their place at Lord’s.
Australia – The Ultimate Litmus Test
Facing Pat Cummins' Australia at Lord’s is no small task. The defending WTC champions are a well-oiled machine with depth in both batting and bowling. From Steve Smith’s experience to Mitchell Starc’s lethal pace, they offer a multidimensional threat that few teams have managed to neutralize.
However, South Africa is not without its own firepower. In fact, their best chance of toppling Australia lies in their bowling unit, which is arguably their strongest in years.
Key Players to Watch
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Kagiso Rabada
Controversy or not, Rabada remains South Africa’s biggest weapon. His ability to bowl with pace, movement, and hostility makes him a potential game-changer, especially under the overcast English skies. -
Anrich Nortje
Rabada’s perfect partner in pace, Nortje brings raw speed and aggression. If the duo can click, they could rattle the Australian top order early. -
Keshav Maharaj
The underrated spinner could play a crucial role on a pitch that’s expected to assist spin on Days 4 and 5. His control and consistency will be key to maintaining pressure. -
Temba Bavuma
As captain, Bavuma’s leadership and batting performance will be under intense scrutiny. He will need to anchor the innings and inspire belief among his teammates. -
Aiden Markram
A stroke-player who has shown flashes of brilliance, Markram needs to convert starts into big innings. Against Australia’s world-class pace attack, early runs will be priceless.
Mental Battle vs. Skill Execution
More than just a contest of skill, the WTC final will test South Africa’s mental strength and resilience. Can they block out the noise surrounding Rabada? Can they overcome their history of near-misses in ICC tournaments? These questions loom larger than the tactical ones.
If Rabada responds to the criticism with fire and wickets, if Bavuma’s side holds their nerve in the pressure cooker that is Lord’s, this could be the moment South African Test cricket has waited decades for.
Final Thoughts
Australia may be the favorites, but this WTC Final offers South Africa a golden opportunity to rewrite history. Amid controversy, doubt, and past demons, the stage is set for redemption.
If they succeed, it will not just be a cricketing triumph — it will be a psychological breakthrough for a team long haunted by the ghosts of failure.
