No surprises as South Africa name strong playing XI for WTC Final vs Australia

India Today

10-06-2025

With the World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia set to begin on 11 June at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London, the Proteas have unveiled their Temba Bavuma-led playing XI for the high-stakes clash — sticking largely with the core that brought them success in recent Test cricket.There were no last-minute surprises or experimental changes in the side, as South Africa named a line-up similar to the one that defeated Pakistan in their most recent Test series triumph. This time, the Proteas will be up against Pat Cummins-led Australia, who will be walking into the final with confidence from their Border Gavaskar Trophy triumph against India.advertisementThe Proteas' top order will be bolstered by in-form skipper Temba Bavuma, alongside Aiden Markram — who will hope to carry over his strong IPL 2025 form into the Test format, where his record has been mixed. Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne, both consistent performers in red-ball cricket, continue to hold their spots. The middle order features Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, who have also shown promising contributions with the bat.
In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will spearhead the pace attack, with Lungi Ngidi adding further depth. Keshav Maharaj remains the only full-time spinner in the squad.The only change in the Proeteas XI for the WTC Final and that of their last clash against Pakistan came in Ngidi coming back into the mix for Kwena Mphaka, after having missed their previous clashes due to an injury.The Proteas have unveiled their XI for the Ultimate TestRead more on the #WTC25 Final https://t.co/5wHc6plaDW— ICC (@ICC) June 10, 2025advertisementWTC Final: South Africa Playing XITemba Bavuma (c),Aiden Markram,Ryan Rickelton,Wiaan Mulder,Tristan Stubbs,David Bedingham,Kyle Verrynne,Marco Jansen,Keshav Maharaj,Kagiso Rabada,Lungi NgidiSouth Africa have reached their maiden World Test Championship Final, thanks largely to their dominant performances on home soil throughout the cycle. Under coach Shukri Conrad, the team boasts a formidable bowling attack — one that's expected to thrive with the Dukes ball in English conditions.This will also be South Africa's second major ICC final in as many years. After suffering a heartbreaking loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final — a game they let slip from a winning position — the Proteas now have another shot at redemption. As they prepare to face Australia at Lord's, they'll be determined to shed their long-standing reputation for faltering on the big stage.Must Watch