South Africa have unveiled a formidable lineup for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, set to begin on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Led by captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas have assembled a well-balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars. The team selection reflects a strategic approach, with key players in form and tactical choices aimed at countering Australia’s strengths.
South Africa’s Playing XI for WTC Final 2025
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- Wiaan Mulder
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Key Highlights of the Squad
1. Batting Firepower: Rickelton, Bavuma, and Markram Lead the Charge
- Ryan Rickelton has been South Africa’s highest run-scorer in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, showcasing consistency and resilience at the top.
- Temba Bavuma, the captain, has also been among the runs, providing stability in the middle order.
- Aiden Markram brings experience and aggression, crucial for setting the tone in English conditions.
- Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham add depth, with Stubbs’ explosive batting and Bedingham’s solid technique.
2. Wiaan Mulder at No. 3 – A Bold Move
One of the most intriguing decisions is the retention of Wiaan Mulder at No. 3, a role he recently took up in Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Bavuma defended the choice, stating:
“Mulder is quite young in that position. But having played with him and seen his growth in the last two years in red-ball cricket, we want to give him confidence. He has an opportunity in a pressure situation, but he can take comfort from the team’s backing. We just want him to play his game.”
3. Bowling Attack: Rabada, Jansen, and Ngidi Lead the Pace Assault
- Kagiso Rabada remains the spearhead, with his pace, swing, and ability to strike early.
- Marco Jansen provides left-arm variety and extra bounce, crucial in English conditions.
- Lungi Ngidi gets the nod over Dane Paterson, a decision Bavuma explained:
“It was a tough call. Paterson was brilliant for us last season, but tactically, we wanted a bit more pace and height from Ngidi. He has experience here and complements our attack better.”
- Keshav Maharaj is the lone specialist spinner, offering control and wicket-taking ability on a Lord’s pitch that may assist turn as the game progresses.
Tactical Insights: Why Ngidi Over Paterson?
The exclusion of Dane Paterson, who was impressive in recent Tests, raised eyebrows. However, Bavuma clarified:
- Ngidi’s extra pace and height could be more effective against Australia’s batters.
- His previous experience in England gives him an edge.
- Mulder’s medium-pace provides a Paterson-like option if needed.
Road to the WTC Final: How South Africa Made It
South Africa topped the WTC 2023-25 standings, securing their place in the final ahead of powerhouses like India and England. Key performances included:
- Dominant home wins against India and England.
- Crucial away victories in New Zealand and Pakistan.
- Rickelton and Rabada being standout performers with bat and ball.
Now, they face Australia, the defending WTC champions, in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Match Preview: South Africa vs Australia – What to Expect?
Key Battles to Watch
- Rabada vs Smith & Labuschagne – Can Rabada break Australia’s backbone early?
- Maharaj vs Head & Green – Will Maharaj’s spin trouble Australia’s middle order?
- Rickelton & Markram vs Starc & Cummins – A battle of South Africa’s in-form openers against Australia’s lethal pace attack.
Conditions at Lord’s
- Overcast skies could assist swing early on.
- Pitch expected to favor pacers initially but may slow down as the game progresses.
- Dew factor (if the match extends into late evening) could influence team decisions at the toss.
Predicted Outcome
South Africa have the firepower to challenge Australia, but the defending champions remain slight favorites due to their big-match experience. However, if Rabada, Jansen, and Maharaj strike early, the Proteas could pull off an upset.
Final Verdict: A tight contest, but Australia might edge it unless South Africa’s top order delivers big.
Conclusion
South Africa have named a strong, aggressive XI for the Ultimate Test against Australia. With Rickelton, Rabada, and Bavuma in form, and tactical selections like Mulder at No. 3 and Ngidi over Paterson, the Proteas are ready for battle.
Will they claim their maiden WTC title, or will Australia defend their crown?
