Has Aiden Markram scored more WTC runs than David Bedingham – and is Ryan Rickelton ahead of Kyle Verreynne?
South Africa will face Australia in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s after a successful period of Test cricket from 2023 to 2025.
The Proteas are benefitting from a new generation of batters as they look to navigate the post-Faf du Plessis era, with a number of their new wave of talent hitting big runs for South Africa.
Australia are the top-ranked ICC Test cricket nation in the world, and the final in June will be a tough test for South Africa, who sit third in the international rankings.
The Australian side looks strong on paper, while South Africa will hope their new and emerging talent will have what it takes to take the crown from the defending champions of the competition.
Let’s take a look at who’s been piling on the runs for South Africa.
7. Ryan Rickelton – 451 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
The wicketkeeper batter has made an immediate impression in the Test setup, averaging 56.37 in the last WTC period. He’s been instrumental, tallying 451 runs in just nine innings while showing solid glove work.
His score of 259 against Pakistan made him the first South African to score a double century since Hashim Amla in 2016 and was one of the most memorable moments of brilliance in recent years. He’s made it past one hundred on two separate occasions.
6. Tony de Zorzi – 486 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
The South African has had a slow yet consistent impact on South Africa, tallying 486 runs in 16 innings at an average of 30.37.
His highlight has undoubtedly been his mammoth innings of 177 – one of the most significant innings of the Proteas’ WTC campaign. Despite his inconsistency, his 49 boundaries show his stroke-making ability and his knack for batting long.
5. Kyle Verreynne – 488 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
Verreynne has become an effective option with the bat for South Africa with his 488 runs coming from 14 innings and including an impressive three centuries.
He averages 37.53 and bats with intent, having smashed 10 sixes in their WTC campaign, when he gets himself in, set and lays the foundations – he is capable of building impressive innings for South Africa.
4. Tristan Stubbs – 500 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
Stubbs’ transition from white-ball cricket to the Test format has been seamless with him racking up 500 runs in 16 innings at an average of 33.33 with two centuries and a fifty.
He has shown great signs of maturity while building innings, and a WTC strike rate of 52.19 reflects his measured aggression at the crease. He’s already proving to be a reliable middle-order option who can come up with the goods when called upon.
3. Aiden Markram – 572 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
The 30-year-old is now one of the more experienced members of the side, having played 45 Test matches for the Proteas. He’s been dominant and dependable at the top of the order with 572 runs from 18 innings at 33.64 this WTC.
His best score of 106 came in crucial circumstances and reinforced his importance of delivering when it matters most – he’s struck 77 boundaries, highlighting his knack for taking the game to opposition bowlers.
2. Temba Bavuma – 609 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
Bavuma’s impact on the South African team can’t be undermined – a crucial leader as captain and run-scorer with the bat. In just 11 innings, his 609 runs have come at an incredible average of 60.90 with two centuries and four fifties.
He is a stable presence in the Proteas’ middle order and often delivers in situations where the game is on the line – an invaluable leader and batter.
1. David Bedingham – 645 Test runs in 2023-25 WTC
After tearing up the County Championship in England, Bedingham has gone on to lead his nation in the WTC run-scoring charts with 645 runs from 12 matches. Though his average is only 33.94, he’s scored briskly, clearing the boundary rope 16 times along the way.
His ability to play impactful innings and build on starts has made him a key cog in the South African batting lineup, where runs will be vital if they want to go on and lift the WTC trophy.
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