Graeme Smith Expresses Happiness On SA’s WTC Final Qualification

January 8, 2025: Graeme Smith’s comments reflect a strong sense of pride and optimism about South African cricket, particularly after their remarkable journey to the ICC World Test Championship final.

His acknowledgment of the Proteas’ seven consecutive Test victories, achieved under challenging conditions, highlights the resilience and talent within the team. Smith is not just celebrating the team’s success but also emphasizing that their place in the final is well-deserved, despite some critics who question the strength of the opposition South Africa faced during their run.

South Africa’s path to the WTC final has indeed been a rollercoaster. Their early stumble in the 2023-25 cycle, including a poor series in New Zealand, raised questions about their Test cricket commitment. But, with key players like Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Temba Bavuma leading the charge, coupled with fresh talent such as Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton stepping up, they’ve turned their fortunes around in style.

Smith’s focus on the team’s ability to rise in tough conditions speaks to their growing consistency and maturity as a unit. It’s also a testament to South Africa’s deep talent pool across generations, which bodes well for both their immediate future and the upcoming ICC tournaments, including the Champions Trophy and the 2023 Women’s and Men’s World Cup events.

Looking ahead to the final in June 2024 at Lord’s, Smith’s enthusiasm about the next six months for South African cricket is palpable. With the potential to lift another prestigious trophy, the Proteas have a chance to build on their success across formats, making it an exciting time for South African cricket fans.