South Africa Announces Squad for ICC World Test Championship Final Against Australia
South Africa's Squad for the WTC Final
New Delhi, May 13: Temba Bavuma has been named captain of a 15-member South African team set to compete in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, scheduled for June at Lord's, according to the ICC.
The squad has been bolstered by the return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who had been sidelined due to a groin injury during the home summer matches.
Ngidi has since made a full recovery and has participated in white-ball cricket for South Africa earlier this year, as well as in various global T20 leagues.
Leading the charge for South Africa in their inaugural WTC Final, Bavuma will be supported by top-order batsmen Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram.
In the middle order, rising talent Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, and Bavuma will play crucial roles.
Kyle Verreynne will provide a dynamic presence behind the stumps, while all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen are expected to contribute significantly with the bat.
The fast-bowling lineup will feature Mulder and Jansen alongside star pacers Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch. Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack, supported by Senuran Muthusamy.
South Africa has largely retained its core group, making only two adjustments to the 16-player squad that faced Pakistan. Youngster Kwena Maphaka has been replaced by the returning Ngidi, and top-order batter Matthew Breetzke has also been omitted.
Finishing at the top of the league stage with a points percentage of 69.44, South Africa excelled at home, winning series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while drawing with India.
Their away performance was equally commendable, with victories against the West Indies and Bangladesh, the only loss occurring in New Zealand when several key players were unavailable.
With eight wins out of 12 matches and one draw, the Proteas have secured their spot in the WTC Final for the first time.
South Africa's squad for the WTC Final 2025 includes: 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, and Dane Paterson.