WTC Final 2025: South Africa Announce Squad for Finale Clash against Australia - Bavuma to Lead, Star duo Return

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South Africa have announced a well-balanced 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s, London.

The Proteas will look to cap off a strong red-ball cycle with a historic title win under the leadership of Temba Bavuma.

WTC Final 2025: Ngidi Returns, Rabada Cleared

The most notable inclusion is Lungi Ngidi, who makes his return to the Test side for the first time since October 2024. His comeback bolsters a pace attack already rich in options, including Kagiso Rabada, who has been cleared to play after serving a one-month suspension related to recreational drug use.

South Africa have named six pace options in total, with Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch, and Wiaan Mulder joining Rabada and Ngidi. The squad also features two spin options in Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy, suited for potential fourth-innings conditions at Lord’s.

Batting Core Remains Stable

The batting unit continues with a consistent core, including Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, and Tristan Stubbs. Kyle Verreynne, a vital contributor during the WTC cycle, returns as one of the two wicketkeeping options alongside Rickelton.

Head coach Shukri Conrad highlighted the value of consistency, saying, "Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit, and this achievement reflects that progress.”

The Proteas will assemble in Arundel on May 31 and play a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3–6, in preparation for the high-stakes clash against Pat Cummins' Australia.

WTC Final 2025 - South Africa Key Dates

• South Africa Squad Assembly: May 31
• Warm-up Match vs Zimbabwe: June 3–6 (Arundel)
• WTC Final vs Australia: June 11 onwards (Lord’s, London)

South Africa Squad for WTC Final 2025

Temba Bavuma (c), 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 (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk).