Former Indian cricketer Abhinav Mukund has shared his views on the South Africa National Cricket Team’s chances against the mighty Australia National Cricket Team in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s.

The WTC Final 2025 is scheduled to begin on June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where Australia brings in a fiery bowling attack packed with experienced and proven match-winners, while South Africa is banking on a fresh and talented youngster.

Abhinav Mukund says Proteas’ young guns must overcome nerves to survive Australian storm in WTC Final 2025

Ahead of the final, Mukund has pointed out that South Africa’s young talent pool is impressive, but they will need the right mindset to perform under pressure against the dangerous Australian side, which has the reputation of bringing their A-game when matters most.

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He singled out two players, Ryan Rickelton and David Bedingham, as the key batters for the Proteas. While the left-hander Rickelton has played only 10 Tests, he has two centuries to his name; Bedingham has also played only 12 Tests and already hammered one ton and three fifties.

Abhinav Mukund said on Star Sports, “I think they’ve got a very good young bunch of batters who’ve got massive runs. You saw Ryan Rickelton’s double hundred against Pakistan. David Bedingham has come on to international cricket quite nicely.”

Abhinav Mukund excited to see how South Africa deal with pressure

The commentator also lauded South Africa as they secured their spot in the WTC Final 2025 through strong performances at home. Mukund believes that the key challenge for the Proteas will be staying focused and applying themselves in the intense and high-pressure environment at Lord’s.

Mukund explained, “In spite of them sending a B squad to New Zealand, they’ve managed to qualify for the WTC final on the back of some really, really good performances at home. So, I think South Africa, it’s about how they apply themselves in a big pressure final. That’s what I’ll be willing to see.”

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It will be all about mindset: Abhinav Mukund

He reiterated that the young South African guns are extremely talented, but their success will depend heavily on their mental strength, their ability to handle nerves, and their ability to perform against Australia’s experienced and fearsome bowling attack in the WTC Final 2025 in English conditions.

Mukund signed off by saying, “I think they’re extremely talented. All of the young players that you’ve mentioned are extremely talented. I would think that it’s going to be a challenge of the mindset and playing in England against an experienced Aussie attack.”

Experience 🆚 Youth! 💪🏻

While Australia have the edge with their seasoned bowling attack, @mukundabhinav believes South Africa’s young guns will need the right mindset to shine in the #WTCFinal! 🇦🇺🇿🇦#WTCFinal #SAvAUS 👉 | WED, 11th June, 2 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1… pic.twitter.com/Rx9PUhGcox

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 7, 2025

South Africa squad for WTC Final 2025:

Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.

Recently, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said the Australian team might have a lot of experience in winning ICC trophies but taking the Proteas in the final of the World Test Championship final is going to be a different sort of challenge.

Lyon was quoted as saying by the ICC, “Having the experience of the guys who have won three (50-over) World Cups and T20 World Cups and obviously the World Test Championship final a couple of years ago, that experience and that pressure in those higher games, it’s going to be, it’s on our side, isn’t it, but it doesn’t mean anything when you come to the game.”