Rusty or something more? South Africa's concern after Australia loss

Rusty or something more? South Africa's concern after Australia loss Much attention was given to South Africa's record heading into the 2025 World Test Championship at Lord's. The side had played only twelve Tests—no other team featured fewer matches—and earned their place after a home series against India, a loss in New Zealand, and victories over the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Some context for this latest match arises from the fact that it marks their first Test in roughly a year, with most of the batting lineup having participated in just one domestic red‑ball fixture to prepare. Australia, meanwhile, arrived after an eight‑month break and had fallen to Bangladesh in home‑condition games, a point Conrad highlighted. Adding perspective, the team’s famous summer triumph over Australia (famous triumph implicit Australia) and a 2‑0 series win in India demonstrate their ability to beat the world’s top sides. Yet this particular contest highlighted a troubling pattern among South Africa’s batsmen. Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, both established limited‑overs performers, have each recorded two Test centuries—Stubbs against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Rickelton against Sri Lanka and Pakistan—indicating a clear step up in demand. In the opening innings, Stubbs, arriving two overs after Wiaan Mulder was dismissed by a bounce, top‑edged a drive to fine leg; in the second innings he loosed a loose drive off one ball. Opener Rickelton drove and edged a wide ball on day two, then nicked a delivery on day four. Mulder, who made an unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe last season, averages above thirty only versus Bangladesh; his 110‑ball stay for 29 in the final session before being trapped leg‑side offered at least a encouraging sign. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, by contrast, survived just three balls before guiding Matt Renshaw’s part‑time spin to slip. His overall Test average of 30.14 falls to 28 versus Australia and to 15 against England and India. Conrad remarked, “a fewer of the guys request to measurement up”. He added, “The existent disappointment was the batting successful the archetypal excavation connected a truly bully wicket,”. Continuing, he said, “Yes, a world-class attack, but rather a fewer guys getting starts and not kicking on.” Read the full story at BBC News →