South Africa are set to face Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final starting on Wednesday (11 June). Despite the journey to the event, everyone outside South Africa is crucifying their participation and claiming that they were lucky based on their opposition faced. The latest "attack" is stating that the competition is flawed as a result. This was done by a column written by former England captain, Mike Atherton.
To reach the final, South Africa faced India; New Zealand; West Indies; Bangladesh; Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Despite the opponents, it's claimed that we didn't face proper competition apart from India.
This claim is ridiculous. Everyone knew who South Africa would face ahead of the 2023-25 WTC cycle. It wasn't a draft lottery where the International Cricket Council (ICC) drew names out of a hat. We even faced, and got torn apart by, New Zealand with a weakened squad. Heading to West Indies, South Africa were on a 3 match losing Test streak. The winless streak extended to four when the 1st Test was drawn. We then proceeded to win the 7 remaining matches (against the West Indies; Bangladesh; Sri Lanka and Pakistan). These wins weren't exactly a stroll in the park. The Proteas had to work hard for them.
To suggest that Australia AND England are the measuring sticks for success in Test cricket is mind boggling. Australia can be used as one; seeing as how they are the current WTC champions. England? not in the least. They almost faced the same opposition to that of South Africa. However, they didn't face Bangladesh. They ended up losing some matches and, in the case of Pakistan, lose a series. Additionally, they were docked points for over-rate issues (a total of 22 were taken away). This happened multiple times.
Playing a team who tends to slow the match down isn't exactly a wonderful thing to do. To me, this is a bit ironic. Ever since Brendon McCullum has become the coach and 'Bazball' had been introduced, they have become known for batting fast and seemingly making a game more fast paced and interesting.
As far as I know, England were never in the top two of the WTC standings. Australia were there on a consistent basis but never England. How can you claim England as a measuring stick when they haven't been in a place to contest the final at all during the current cycle? To me, you can't. There was never an instance where the two countries occupied the no. 1 and 2 positions.
Mike Atherton also claims that South Africa has no appetite for Test cricket. He points to the lack of Test cricket in the upcoming home season as evidence. Did he not see what happened in the 1st Test against Pakistan? Needing 148 runs to win, South Africa found themselves at 99-8. No South African fan left their seat in despair. Everyone still believed that Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada could take South Africa home. Does Mike Atherton know what happened? If not, then allow me to explain.
The two slowly but surely inched towards the total with everyone on the edge of their seats. When Rabada struck a four for the victory, everyone was thrilled for the victory. Everyone were up and out of their seats as a result. No one headed for the exit doors when the Proteas were at 99-8. There's no argument against that behaviour. Every South African who enjoys cricket, loves Test cricket and that will never be extinguished; no matter how low the team could go.
Mr. Atherton will have to look at the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for clarification. South Africa isn't due to play any Tests during the home summer. It's out of their hands. He would have to look at the next home summer season schedule where South Africa will face Bangladesh; England and Australia.
Now, I haven't seen any board complaints but Mr. Atherton states the FTP is mutually agreed upon. Therefore, there's no reason to moan or cry about South Africa's participation in the final. The schedule wasn't a one sided affair. Everything was equal when the FTP was established.
The column has also suggested that the format is confusing. However, how is this possible? It can be easy to understand: 6 series' are played over two years; three away and three at home. Each country will face six different countries. In terms of points: you get twelve for a win; four for a draw; six for a tie and zero for a loss. In terms of log positions, it's based on a % of matches won.
This week will be very interesting. If Australia win, then perhaps the critics were right - it depends on the margin of victory. However, should South Africa win, that will shut down the criticism (hopefully). A win for South Africa will show that they truly earned their way to the top.
All of this criticism boils down to a simple case of jealously. Their country hasn't reached the final so they look for any excuses they can to make themselves feel better. This is always done in all aspects of life. A person doesn't get what they want and they reason why they didn't as a source of comfort of sorts.
It's possible that the people who perform these acts are unable to face reality. The real world is too hard to handle or to accept. For them, the fantasy is the best version of life.