Proteas Bolstered by Ngidi’s Return Ahead of WTC Final

South Africa has revealed a formidable 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against Australia, set to commence on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s. This event marks the Proteas’ inaugural appearance in a WTC Final, having secured the top position in the standings with a points percentage of 69.44.

Captain Temba Bavuma will lead the team in what is expected to be a crucial contest for the prestigious Test mace. The squad is significantly reinforced by the return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who has overcome a groin injury that sidelined him during the recent home season.

Ngidi has since demonstrated his fitness and performance in both white-ball matches and international T20 leagues.

Selectors have largely maintained their established core, implementing just a couple of alterations to the squad that previously competed against Pakistan.

Young, promising pacer Kwena Maphaka has been left out to make room for the experienced Ngidi, while top-order batsman Matthew Breetzke will also be absent.

The batting lineup will be spearheaded by Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram at the top. Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham will solidify the middle order, while wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne will provide both stability and dynamism in the lower order.

South Africa’s pace attack appears robust, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch, in addition to Ngidi, forming a potent pace unit.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj will head the spin department, with support from Senuran Muthusamy.

South Africa’s WTC campaign featured 12 Tests, with eight resulting in victories. Following a drawn home series against India (1-1) and a 2-0 defeat in New Zealand, they recovered impressively with series victories over the West Indies (1-0), Bangladesh (2-0), Sri Lanka (2-0), and Pakistan (2-0).

Meanwhile, Australia has also announced its 15-member squad for the final, which includes the return of all-rounder Cameron Green.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.