Khawaja unfazed by opening partner uncertainty ahead of WTC final

South Africa prepares to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final starting tomorrow

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

As South Africa prepares to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final starting June 11, the Proteas are drawing strength from fond memories of their dominant victory at Lord's in 2022.

The historic venue, often regarded as the "Home of Cricket," holds special significance for several South African players who were part of that emphatic win against England.

In that August 2022 clash, South Africa wrapped up the match in just three days, securing an innings-and-12-run victory.

Marco Jansen delivered the final blow with a searing yorker that bowled James Anderson, while Kagiso Rabada's fiery spell earned him a five-wicket haul and the Player of the Match award.

Now, with a world title at stake, about half of that victorious squad returns to the revered North London venue, hoping to channel the confidence of their past performance into success on the grandest stage.

Among them is pacer Lungi Ngidi, who formed a lethal new-ball partnership with Rabada in that match.

Reflecting on the earlier triumph, Ngidi sees it as a valuable source of confidence ahead of the final.

"Very fond memories of the last time we were here," Ngidi told the ICC.

"I think we bring a lot of confidence, especially having played on the wicket before.

Of course, we know Australia have played a lot of cricket here as well.

But knowing that we've won a game at Lord's, played Test cricket here — that gives us belief."

He added: "A lot of people talk about the slope at Lord's for bowlers and things like that.

We've seen our bowlers do well here, and our batters have scored runs.