South Africa has officially announced its 16-member squad for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against Australia, scheduled from June 11 to 15 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. This historic moment marks South Africa’s debut appearance in a WTC final, and the excitement in the cricketing world is palpable.
Strong Core and Strategic Selections
The Proteas have gone with a balanced mix of experience, form, and youthful promise. The return of Lungi Ngidi, after a notable run in domestic cricket, bolsters South Africa’s pace attack. Joining him is spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who is back in the squad following a brief suspension earlier this year.
Head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized that the squad was selected based on tactical requirements, current red-ball form, and long-term team strategy. The focus is clear take the fight to a dominant Australian side with a fresh, competitive unit.
New-Age Batting & Dynamic All-Rounders
Exciting names like Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Tristan Stubbs headline a promising batting order. These young talents have impressed in the domestic and international circuits, and their inclusion signifies South Africa’s commitment to building for the future.
Kyle Verreynne retains his spot as the primary wicketkeeper-batter, with Keegan Petersen offering added middle-order depth. The all-round department will be anchored by Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder, giving the team flexibility in both innings.
Spin Options and Tactical Depth
Veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj leads the spin department, while Senuran Muthusamy has been brought in as a backup option. Though English conditions generally favor seamers, Lord’s often sees spinners play a decisive role in the fourth and fifth days.
Notably, seasoned players like Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer, and Duanne Olivier have not been included, indicating a transition phase in South African cricket.
How South Africa Qualified for the WTC Final
South Africa secured their WTC Final berth after a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan at Centurion. In a last-over thriller, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada stitched a gutsy lower-order stand that carried the team home, sealing their spot in the final. They finished first on the WTC points table with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 69.44%, edging out Australia, who stood second with 67.54%.
Captain Bavuma Speaks
Skipper Temba Bavuma is fired up for the challenge ahead. In a pre-departure interaction, he said “We’re not just here to compete we’re here to win. This is a defining moment for South African cricket, and every player is committed to giving their all at Lord’s.”
Official 15-Member South Africa Squad for WTC Final 2025
- Temba Bavuma (captain)
- David Bedingham
- Corbin Bosch
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Lungi Ngidi
- Dane Paterson
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne (Wk)
Probable South Africa Playing XI (WTC Final 2025)
- Aiden Markram
- Tony de Zorzi
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- David Bedingham
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)
- Marco Jansen
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Keshav Maharaj
12th Man Options: Gerald Coetzee or Keegan Petersen (based on pitch and opposition analysis)
Can South Africa Break the ICC Jinx?
Australia enters the final as defending champions, boasting a squad full of seasoned players. But South Africa arrives with youthful energy, strategic firepower, and a hunger to lift their first ICC trophy since the 1998 KnockOut.
The big question
Can the Proteas seize this golden chance and etch their name in Test cricket history? Stay tuned the battle begins June 11 at Lord’s.
Written by RITESH SINGH
