Tristan Stubbs could be South Africa's 'X-factor', feels Mathew Hayden

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has identified South African cricketer Tristan Stubbs as a potential game-changer in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's from June 11-15, comparing his playing style to former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.Stubbs recently played at number five position for South Africa in their warm-up game against Zimbabwe at Arundel and could retain the same spot for the WTC final. He has accumulated 500 runs in nine Test matches at an average of 33.33, including two centuries and a fifty.

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"Someone like Tristan Stubbs, I think, can be a bit of an X-factor. Similar to the way that Kevin Peterson was in the England side against Australia, who can come out, start to dominate," Hayden told Star Sports.

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, qualified for their first-ever WTC final after topping the 2023-25 standings with a 69.44-point percentage. Stubbs is also being considered for the number three position, competing with Tony de Zorzi for the spot.In the Indian Premier League 2025, Stubbs represented Delhi Capitals and scored 300 runs in 14 matches, maintaining an average of 50 and a strike rate of 150.75, though he didn't score any fifties.

Quiz: Who's that IPL player?"We've seen his hitting ability through the IPLs. Not that that has a great deal of relevance, but he's a very powerful unit. A very conventional hitter of the ball. Tall, big body position, and great hands that he can hit down the ground with. So he can be a threat," Hayden added.The South African team has shown confidence in Stubbs' abilities as they prepare for their maiden WTC final appearance against Australia at the historic Lord's cricket ground.