South Africa announce squad for ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia

The selectors have largely kept the same squad, making just two changes from the one that faced Pakistan

PHOTO: AFP

South Africa has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against Australia, set to begin on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s. This will be South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a WTC Final, having finished the league phase at the top of the standings with a points percentage of 69.44.

The squad will be led by captain Temba Bavuma in what promises to be an intense battle for the prestigious Test mace. South Africa’s chances have been boosted by the return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who has fully recovered from a groin injury that kept him sidelined during the home season. Ngidi has since played in white-ball matches and international T20 leagues, demonstrating his fitness and readiness for the big contest.

The selectors have mostly stuck with the core group of players, making only two changes to the squad that recently faced Pakistan. Promising young pacer Kwena Maphaka has been left out to make space for Ngidi, while top-order batter Matthew Breetzke also misses out.

The batting line-up will be anchored by Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram at the top, with Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham providing stability in the middle order. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne will add balance and spark to the lower order.

South Africa’s bowling attack looks formidable, with Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch alongside Ngidi to form a strong pace unit. Spinner Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin department, supported by Senuran Muthusamy.

South Africa’s campaign in the WTC included 12 Tests, of which they won eight. After drawing their home series against India 1-1 and suffering a 2-0 loss in New Zealand, they made a strong comeback, winning series against the West Indies (1-0), Bangladesh (2-0), Sri Lanka (2-0), and Pakistan (2-0).

Meanwhile, Australia has also announced their 15-member squad for the final, which includes the return of all-rounder Cameron Green.

South Africa squad:

Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.