South African batter David Bedingham said they are confident ahead of the third day’s play in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Pat Cummins’ team ended the second day’s play at 144-8 with a lead of 218.

The Proteas were able to bounce back into the contest after conceding a 74-run lead in the first innings. After Australia posted 212 runs in the first innings, South Africa were skittled out at 138, with Bedingham top-scoring with 45 runs.

In fact, the Rainbow nation had Australia reeling at 74-7 but a 61-run alliance between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc for the eighth wicket got the Aussies back in front.

“We’re very confident. I think the batters will have their plans. But yeah, I think it’s an amazing day. And I think when they started batting in their third innings, I think we would have definitely had them or taken them 220-8. So, I think you’re very confident and I think there’s a massive belief in this team,” said Bedingham in the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

Bedingham said they are excited that they have the opportunity to win the World Test Championship title for the first time.

“I think it’s just an amazing chance and I think we’re all very, very excited about the opportunity to win. Like I said, it could go either way, but I think us as a team are very, very excited and there’s a lot of belief in the dressing room,” he added.

South Africa hasn’t yet won a major ICC title, barring the 1998 ICC Knockout trophy, and they would want to end their trophy drought. 

The Proteas would want to take Australia’s remaining two wickets as soon as possible on the third day’s play.