"Look at what the SA20 has done to that nation" - X erupts in dismay at opener Ryan Rickelton's shot selection in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

Fans erupted on social media after South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton played a poor shot to get out against Australia in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's on Friday (June 13).

Opening the innings for the Proteas in the fourth innings after they were set a mediocre target of 272 by the Australians, Rickelton did not commit to the cover drive to a fullish and wide delivery by Mitchell Starc.

This resulted in him getting caught behind by wicketkeeper Alex Carey after just six runs off eight balls, while Starc went off on a celebratory run after having just scored an unbeaten 58 to prop up his team's total. Rickelton walked off the field shaking his head in disbelief.

Several cricket fans on X tore into the South African for his poor shot selection and expressed their frustration. Many were left ruing the fact that Rickelton could have batted all day had he not poked at that delivery which was best left alone.

"Ryan Rickelton for goodness sake. Look at what the SA20 has done to that nation. Graeme Smith must be rolling in his grave," wrote a fan.

You can see the tweet here:

Here are some other reactions:

"Ryan rickelton has thrown her wicket away in both the innings disappointing (sic)," wrote a fan.

"Big Ryan Rickelton fan, but geez that was disappointing to watch. Poor shot, leave the ball or go hard. With a wicket offering very little for the bowlers, he could've batted for the whole day," wrote another.

"Disappointing shot from Ryan Rickelton on a flat pitch offering little for pacers. Mitchell Starc strikes again. Promoting Mulder to no. 3 doesn't seem like the right call," posted a supporter.

"Such a poor shot by Ryan Rickelton and that too on the surface which is offering nothing for pacers. Mitchell Starc gets Rickelton again. Don't think making Mulder bat at 3 is a good decision," tweeted another.

South Africa need 216 runs to win the 2025 WTC Final

At the time of writing, South Africa seem to be in a stable state, with Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder steadying the ship. They are 66-1 in 16 overs in the second session of play, and still need 216 runs to win the match.

If they manage to bat well and chase these runs down, it will be South Africa's first ICC trophy. Having managed to choke on some of the most important occasions in white-ball ICC tournaments, this could be their only chance for glory.

Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 207, with none of their batters getting going. It was left to Mitchell Starc, walking out at number nine, to score a brisk, unbeaten 58 to lend some respectability to his team's total while Alex Carey scored 43.