South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada feels that their recent success in the ICC World Test Championship Final bolsters their confidence as the focus shifts on winning more major trophies.
Speaking on ICC Digital Daily, Smith summed up the significance of the moment: “Temba holding the mace and what that will mean for the people back home - I think this will really lift the game again in South Africa.”
Now, with a world title at stake, about half of that victorious squad returns to the revered North London venue, hoping to channel the confidence of their past performance into success on the grandest stage.
The two-time World Test Championship runners up were looking pretty for a place at next year's final, until the consecutive slip-ups at home against New Zealand has left the door open for opposition sides.
Gill seemed poised for a big inning in India's fourth-innings chase but was denied a shot at glory following a controversial and widely debated decision on Day-4.
At the end of the fourth day, India scored 164/3 in 40 overs with Ajinkya Rahane 20(59)* and Virat Kohli 44(60)* at the crease.
Travis Head and Steve Smith took full advantage of a lacklustre Indian bowling line-up to stitch a mammoth 251-run unbeaten stand for the fourth wicket to put Australia in the driver's seat by putting 327/3 on the board at the stumps on Day 1 of World Test Championship final at The Oval, here on Wednesday.
The squad for the final displayed a few changes from the team that faced Australia in the four-match series.
