Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden feels Tristan Stubbs has the potential to make a significant impact for South Africa in the World Test Championship 2023-25 final. The Temba Bavuma-led team will face Australia in the ‘Ultimate Test’, which begins on June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
Hayden admitted that Stubbs has the potential to be an X-factor, like former cricketer Kevin Pietersen has been for England.
He conceded that the youngster can come out and dominate the opponents, as Pietersen did against the Australians.
“I believe Tristan Stubbs has the potential to be an X-factor. Hayden told Star Sports that someone like Kevin Pietersen, who was in England’s team against Australia, could come out and dominate.
Hayden further noted that the Cape Town-born batsman is a strong individual and a typical batter. He agreed that Stubbs can use his big body position to pose a significant threat to the defending champs.
“We have seen his hitting skills in the IPLs. That isn’t particularly relevant, but he is a very powerful unit. A traditional ball hitter. Tall, with a large torso and powerful hands that can hit the ground. So he could pose a threat,” he said.
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Recently, the former SA national coach Mark Boucher also mentioned that Stubbs can be a key player for South Africa in the final. He highlighted Stubbs’ strong performances in domestic cricket, which earned him a place in the Test side after proving his potential in the red-ball format.
“Tristan Stubbs has come back and played a lot of domestic cricket and basically forced his way into the Test side because of the runs that he’s got,” said Boucher
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