Cricket
Proteas go with continuity for WTC final─── MORGAN PIEK 12:43 Tue, 13 May 2025
South Africa has named a strong, experienced, and balanced 15-player squad for one of the most significant matches in the country's recent cricket history — the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at iconic Lord’s in London.
Leading the Proteas into battle will be captain Temba Bavuma, tasked with guiding a team that blends seasoned campaigners with rising stars.
The announcement, made by head coach Shukri Conrad, marks a culmination of 18 months of focused effort to rebuild and refine South Africa’s red-ball game – and now, the team stands just one match away from the ultimate prize in Test cricket.
Lungi Ngidi. Photo: Cricinfo
Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada anchors the bowling attack, joined by Dane Paterson and Lungi Ngidi, with both making a welcome return to Test cricket after a near eight-month absence. Ngidi’s comeback is one of several key talking points, with Conrad noting the seamer’s hard work and value as a seasoned campaigner.
“All credit to Lungi,” said Conrad. “He’s earned his way back through effort and consistency, and brings crucial experience to our pace options.”
All-rounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch add depth and versatility to the bowling unit, while Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy provide spin options – vital for adapting to the unpredictable nature of English conditions.
Senuran Muthusamy. Photo: Cricinfo
The top order boasts both flair and solidity. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi are joined by middle-order firepower in Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham. Behind the stumps, Kyle Verreynne, one of the key architects of South Africa’s WTC campaign, retains his spot as the team’s wicketkeeper.
“We’ve stayed loyal to the core group that got us here,” Conrad added. “This is not just a squad built for one match – it’s the result of consistency, planning, and a clear vision.”
The Proteas will gather in Arundel on 31 May for a pre-final camp and will face Zimbabwe in a four-day warm-up match from 3 to 6 June. From there, it’s off to London – and into the pressure cooker of a once-in-a-generation final against a formidable Australian side.
The 2025 World Test Championship final at the Home of Cricket will be played from 11 to 15 June.
Proteas WTC Final squad: 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, and Kyle Verreynne
