Rickelton believes Proteas can return to London for WTC final

Proteas batter Ryan Rickelton believes that if the Proteas can hone their never-say-die approach to Test cricket, then they have every chance of being in London next June to defend their World Test Championship (WTC) title.

The Proteas will face off with Australia in the third and deciding Test match of a highly competitive series at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.

South Africa’s momentous victory over Australia in the second test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs is exactly what this Proteas side is all about.

Rickelton says this is just the start of a summer of cricket that could send the Proteas back to Lord’s next year.

“Australia for a long period of time have been the number one team in the world, a superior team as well. So for us to even beat them in our conditions is massive for us, and if we had to go number one in the world, that’s great. If we are looking at the bigger picture of things, we have got a full home summer series, and if those go according to plan, then we will eventually end up in London in June.”

The Proteas have made a habit of living to fight another day and staying the course even when a match looks to be lost, and Rickelton says that is all part of the plan.

“When we won the WTC, Themba spoke. It is not just about this game per se; it’s about trying to leave a longer-lasting impression and trying to back that up. To back that up, you have to beat some of the best teams in the world.”

“We have got Australia here, we have got England coming, and we have got a very good Bangladesh side as well. So, to be able to do that consistently is something we have spoken about. But sitting here at one-all, coming into the last game of the series in Cape Town against a really good side, is something we would have taken.”

According to Rickelton, right now, however, the focus is on the immediate challenge of Australia in a series decider.

“We don’t want to hop too much looking into the future. We have a job here at hand. We have got to keep being consistent in the way we approach these games, and if we can keep doing that, then it can hopefully line us up for a good week and then line us up for a good summer as well.”

The Proteas and the cricketing public at large have missed summers like this, and the lasting legacy matches like the one in Gqeberha can create.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma heaped praise on his team for their passionate fight back to level the Test series against Australia at 1-1, with one match to go starting on Tuesday.

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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 23, 2026

–Report by Simon Burke