QUEST FOR GLORY FILE. Graeme Smith (pictured right) has thrown his support behind Temba Bavuma and the Proteas ahead of the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s, urging South Africans to rally behind the team for glory. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Graeme Smith has unsurprisingly given the Proteas team his full backing ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final next week against Australia, at Lord’s, in London.
Smith was captain of the Proteas for over 11 years from 2003 to 2014, and ended holding the record for most matches as a Test captain with his tally of 109.
In that time, Smith led the Proteas to the number one ranking in Test cricket in what would effectively be considered the WTC now back in 2012.
Fittingly, Smith achieved that feat at Lord’s to make it all the more memorable. Now, Smith hoped to see current skipper Temba Bavuma notch up that same milestone.
South Africa Rallies Behind Temba’s Team for Lord’s Glory
“We’re right behind Temba and the team,” Smith said. “As the last man that held the mace at Lord’s in 2012, it would give me great pleasure to see Temba and this group of players lift it. All South Africans should unite and support the team on this important mission.”
Smith still holds the record for the highest score (259) at Lord’s by an overseas batsman, and explained how playing at the hallowed venue could change the course of a player’s career.
“Lord’s is a special, special place. There's nothing like walking down the stairs through those Member stands and out to a packed Lord’s.
“It’s an incredible feeling, one of those goosebump moments in your career. It’s something that I really cherish.”
Meanwhile, former Proteas seamer Vernon Philander believes South Africa’s current bowling attack will be able to get the better of the Australian top order.
With the pace attack set to be led by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, the Proteas will indeed have a dangerous arsenal of quicks at their disposal.