Picture Credit: X
On Tuesday, June 10, South Africa skipper, Temba Bavuma announced their playing XI for the highly-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Final, set to be played from June 11 till 15 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. On the eve of the match, where they will face the defending champions, Australia, Protea skipper named a formidable lineup.
The playing XI features a blend experience and youth. The side will see Ryan Rickelton open with Aiden Markram with Tristan Stubbs, skipper Temba Bavuma, and David Bedingham bolstering the middle-order. Kyle Verreynne will be keeping the wickets for the Protean side whereas Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder will hope to make an impact with their all-rounder skills.
Lungi Ngidi returns for South Africa; Dane Paterson misses out
In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada will spearhead the pace attack whereas Keshav Maharaj is the lone spinner. Rabada will also be assisted by Lungi Ngidi. Although, Dane Paterson has been in fine form, Bavuma opened up on the reasoning behind opting for Ngidi. “Probably one of the tougher decisions that has been made. We see what Dane Paterson did for us to the end of last season," Bavuma said.
“But it was more from a tactical point of view. Probably a little bit more pace from Lungi, guess he's a bit taller as well,” he further elaborated.
South Africa’s Playing XI for WTC Final 2025 vs Australia
Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
