South Africa have named a 15-man squad for their historic maiden appearance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, set to be played against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground from 11–15 June. Temba Bavuma will captain the Proteas in the highly anticipated clash, marking the culmination of an impressive 2023–25 WTC cycle.
The squad sees the return of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has completed a one-month suspension following a recent positive dope test. Rabada’s inclusion significantly bolsters South Africa’s pace attack, which will also feature the in-form Lungi Ngidi, back in action after recovering from injury.
Head coach Shukri Conrad expressed confidence in the balance and depth of the squad, particularly in English conditions. “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,” said Conrad. “Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit, and this achievement reflects that progress.”
He added, “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. We’ve selected a balanced squad for the conditions we expect at Lord’s.”
Young seamer Kwena Maphaka makes way for the returning Ngidi, as the Proteas bank on a potent pace line-up comprising Rabada, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder. Spin options are provided by Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy, while the batting unit features the likes of Aiden Markram, David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton.
South Africa’s journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive, with eight wins, three losses and a draw in 12 matches, finishing atop the WTC standings with a points percentage (PCT) of 69.44. Australia, who qualified in second place, ended with a PCT of 67.54.
South Africa Squad for WTC Final: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Tony di Zorsi, David Bedingham, Keshav Maharaj, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Verreyne, Dane Paterson, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton.