As South Africa intensifies their preparations for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against Australia at Lord’s, a notable suggestion from Proteas legend Hashim Amla has added intrigue to their team composition.
Hashim Amla names out-of-the-box No. 3 for South Africa in WTC Final
Amla, inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame this week, has publicly backed Wiaan Mulder as the preferred candidate for the pivotal No. 3 batting slot, a position Amla himself once made his own. Mulder’s name comes as a surprise to many, given his inconsistent performances at the position and limited experience in that role. However, Amla believes Mulder’s all-round abilities and potential to grow into the role make him a strong contender for the high-stakes clash starting June 11 and it’s time for the next generation to step up.
“When I started at No 3, I wasn’t a No 3 batter. I actually preferred the Nos 4 and 5, but batting at No 3 for South Africa was the only gap at the time. They asked me, and I did it. I had a season doing it for the Dolphins and then got into the national team. In this current team, there may not be guys who’ve batted at No 3 domestically. But there is a time for them to start,” Amla was quoted as saying by Iol.co.za
“So, if Wiaan bats at No 3, it might be his time. You need time to learn the position, and although it’s a big final, and it’s tough to be in the deep end like, but he can make it work. Technically, you have some really good players. Wiaan and Stubbs are technically good enough. Also the style of cricket South Africa seem to be playing, it’s a little bit more attacking, so in many ways your technique is not tested as much because you are playing a bit more shots than normal, so it might work into the way South Africa are playing,” Amla concluded.
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Mulder’s credentials for the No. 3 slot are still under scrutiny. He has failed to deliver in his three previous outings at that position and scored his maiden Test century from No. 7 against Bangladesh. Facing Australia’s world-class pace attack Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood with the new ball, at Lord’s will be a monumental challenge for Mulder.
The Mighty# on being inducted into the @ICC Hall of Fame and why Wiaan Mulder could bat at No 3 for the @ProteasMenCSA in the #WTCFinal at Lord’s.@IOLsport @IOL @amlahash @Sedgars_Sport pic.twitter.com/uMlOfZZVYT
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) June 10, 2025
South Africa’s No. 3 role in Test cricket still unsettled
Since Dean Elgar’s departure, South Africa’s top order has been in transition. The No. 3 spot has seen several temporary occupants, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Mulder, none of whom have firmly claimed the role. Rickelton has since cemented his place as an opener following a double century against Pakistan, while Stubbs has found a better fit in the middle order. That leaves Mulder and Tony de Zorzi in contention for the vacant No. 3 position. De Zorzi offers more technical finesse, having opened the innings in past matches. However, team balance is a pressing concern, and head coach Shukri Conrad might be eager to include a fifth bowler in the lineup, something Mulder, a seam-bowling all-rounder, brings to the table.
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