David Bedingham: The Proteas' secret weapon for WTC final glory against Australia?
KEY EXPERIENCE David Bedingham aims to boost the Proteas' chances in the WTC final against Australia with his experience in English conditions after recovering from injury. Picture: Alche Greef/BackpagePix
Image: Alche Greef/BackpagePix
Having just recovered from injury in time to be selected for the Proteas squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final next month, David Bedingham will be hoping to pile on the runs in the County Championship this week.
Playing for Durham, the 31-year-old has not played since April 11 as he was out with a broken toe.
Before that, Bedingham had scores of 58, 45, 68, 43*, 28 and 68 in his previous First Class outings.
Having recovered now, Bedingham will be in action from Friday when Durham host Somerset at Chester-le-Street.
Bedingham Focused on Preparation Ahead of WTC Final
"I don't want to look too far ahead, but I do think I'm going to go into the game well-prepped and try my best to score runs, but obviously in cricket you can't guarantee that. Whether I score noughts or score hundreds, I'll try my best,” Bedingham told SportsBoom.co.za.
As for the WTC final against Australia at Lord’s in London, starting on June 11, the middle-order batsman did not give much away on which side would be favourites.
"Going into that WTC final, it doesn't matter how many runs you've scored leading up to it, I think it's just like a once-off game and whoever plays better for those five days will win.
“I'll go into the WTC game thinking exactly the same. Wanting to score runs, training hard, and just seeing where I can come out.”
Having played a number of seasons of first-class cricket in England, it means Bedingham has the most experience of the Proteas players in English conditions and that could count massively in their favour.
"I think that personally, that doesn't put any more pressure on me. I think it doesn't matter where you play or what Test match you play, there will always be pressure.
“But personally, I'm not going to put myself under more pressure because I've played here more. Every Test match you play, there's pressure. Hopefully, we can all embrace it and do our country proud.
"I just think you need to identify that maybe in South Africa, there's a bit more bounce. But as soon as you start training and as soon as you start speaking about conditions, I think all players adapt well. The guys that are picked in the final will have 12 days leading up to the Test of good training. So, I think everyone will be well prepared going into that match."