South Africa Announce Squad for ICC WTC 2025 Final vs Australia
Cricket South Africa has unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final, scheduled to be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11, where South Africa will face Australia in what promises to be a gripping encounter for the coveted Test crown.
The Proteas, who topped the WTC 2023-25 cycle with a point percentage of 69.44, will be led by Temba Bavuma, continuing his leadership role with a squad that blends youth, experience, and strong pace firepower.
Key Squad Highlights:
- Lungi Ngidi Returns: One of the headline selections is the return of pace spearhead Lungi Ngidi, who missed South Africa’s home summer due to a groin injury. His comeback will boost the fast-bowling attack alongside Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
- Batting Core: South Africa’s top order includes Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram. The middle-order will be anchored by Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham, offering stability and attacking options.
- All-Round Depth: Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder are expected to play vital roles as pace-bowling all-rounders. Kyle Verreynne, apart from donning the gloves, will be an important contributor in the lower middle order.
- Pace and Spin Options: To complement Rabada, Ngidi, Jansen, and Mulder, the squad includes Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson, offering plenty of seam variety. On the spin front, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy will be South Africa’s weapons on a Lord’s surface that may offer late-match turn.
Coach Shukri Conrad on Squad Selection:
“Firstly, I want to congratulate each of the players selected for this squad. It is a special moment for this group to contest the WTC Final.
Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit, and this achievement reflects that progress.
A key part of our success has been consistency in selection, and we’ve stuck with the core group of players who have been part of this WTC cycle.
I’m particularly pleased to welcome Lungi back. He’s put in the work and offers us an experienced option with the ball,” said head coach Shukri Conrad in a statement to the ICC.
South Africa Squad for WTC 2025 Final:
- Temba Bavuma (captain)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- David Bedingham
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Corbin Bosch
- Dane Paterson
- Keshav Maharaj
- Senuran Muthusamy
Road Ahead:
With Australia already announcing a strong squad, including the return of Cameron Green, the stage is set for a blockbuster clash. Both sides have had remarkable journeys through the WTC cycle and will now battle it out for the ultimate red-ball prize.
The final at Lord’s will not only be a showcase of elite Test cricket but also a celebration of South Africa’s resurgence in the longest format. Bavuma and his men will hope to create history by lifting their first-ever World Test Championship title on English soil.
