Aiden Markram believes South Africa have what it takes to reach a second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final, with the defending champions determined to build on their historic triumph in 2025. The Proteas became world Test champions for the first time by defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s, with Markram scoring a match-winning 136 in the final.

South Africa’s journey to the 2023-25 WTC final was remarkable, as they won seven consecutive Tests during the closing stages of the cycle to secure qualification. Having experienced the challenges of that difficult campaign, Markram believes the team now have even greater motivation to return to the summit.

"I believe we can make the [WTC] final again. A lot was said last year about us making the final and the road to it, so now there's an extra fire and desire to get into the final, because we would have had to do it the extremely hard way," Markram said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

CAN THE PROTEAS QUALIFY FOR FINAL?

South Africa are currently third in the 2025-27 WTC standings, with 48 points and a points percentage of 66.67 after six Tests. They remain firmly in contention for a place in the top two, with Australia leading the table and New Zealand in second place. Bangladesh are fourth with a points percentage of 55.56, while India are also in the hunt with 51.52 per cent, leaving the Proteas with little room for complacency.

The immediate focus for Temba Bavuma’s side is the ongoing Test series against Australia. After losing the opening Test in Durban, South Africa responded emphatically in Gqeberha, winning the second Test by an innings and 31 runs to level the three-match series at 1-1. Bavuma’s 179, Marco Jansen’s five-wicket haul and a strong collective bowling effort powered the comeback.

South Africa will now look to carry that momentum into the series decider at Newlands in Cape Town and secure a series victory over Australia. A win would provide a significant boost to their confidence and strengthen their position in the race for the WTC final.

With a demanding schedule still ahead, Markram knows the Proteas cannot afford to ease off. Their title defence remains a work in progress, but their ambition is clear: South Africa want another shot at the WTC crown.

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