As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, Australia’s star batter Steve Smith believes spin could prove to be a decisive factor in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Australia, the defending champions, will face South Africa, who are making their debut appearance in a WTC final, beginning Wednesday, June 11.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Smith noted the unusually dry English conditions and hinted that spin bowlers may come into their own as the match progresses.
“I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” said Smith. “It looks like a quite dry surface, and the footmarks will definitely come into play later in the match.”
With London experiencing a dry start to the summer and little rain forecast, the traditionally seam-friendly Lord’s pitch may offer something different this time around. Smith, who boasts a double century at Lord’s from the Ashes a decade ago and another hundred more recently, emphasized the importance of adjusting to the venue’s unique characteristics.
“It takes a little time to get used to the slope here,” he said. “You feel off-balance at one end and taller at the other. But once you settle in, the value for your shots is incredible, especially when hitting down the hill.”
Smith, expected to bat at number four, also acknowledged the unpredictability of English weather and how quickly conditions can shift, especially with cloud cover affecting swing.
“If there’s a bit of cloud and the ball starts swinging, things can get tricky. It’s all about adapting to what’s in front of you,” he added.
Despite limited red-ball match practice in recent months, the Australian squad remains confident.
“All the batters feel like they’re in a good place. We’re excited to get out there. Lord’s is a ground where we’ve traditionally played strong cricket, and we’re looking forward to the challenge against South Africa,” Smith concluded.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt to the conditions, especially if spin becomes a pivotal factor on the road to WTC glory.
