South Africa Squad for WTC Final 2025 – Bavuma Leads Balanced XI

South Africa Names Strong Squad for WTC Final 2025 – Eyes Set on Lord’s Glory

South Africa Locks In Its Squad for the Ultimate Test Challenge

On May 13, 2025, South Africa officially named their 15-player squad for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia. The match, set to be played from June 11 to 15 at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, marks a significant milestone for the Proteas. This is their first WTC Final appearance an achievement built on 18 months of consistent, focused cricket.

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad, while unveiling the squad, highlighted the team’s growth and unity during this WTC cycle. “We’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit,” Conrad said. “This final is a reward for that work.”

Temba Bavuma Leads a Balanced, Battle-Ready Side

South Africa will be led by the experienced Temba Bavuma, who has brought clarity and calm to the Test side over the past two years. His leadership has been pivotal in getting the team to this stage, particularly during critical away tours in New Zealand and Pakistan where South Africa came out on top.

Bavuma’s squad features a strong blend of seasoned international players and emerging talent giving them depth, adaptability, and resilience. The top order will feature the aggressive yet composed Aiden Markram and the consistent Tony de Zorzi, while Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham offer explosiveness in the middle order.

Kyle Verreynne, a standout performer throughout the WTC cycle, is named as the wicketkeeper. His glove work and valuable runs down the order have been instrumental in turning close games in South Africa’s favor.

Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi Reunite to Lead the Attack

Pace has always been South Africa’s weapon of choice in Test cricket, and this squad is no different. Kagiso Rabada, back after serving a brief suspension earlier this year, will lead the fast-bowling unit. Rabada’s return couldn’t have been timed better his experience in English conditions and his ability to strike with the new ball will be crucial at Lord’s.

Joining him is Lungi Ngidi, making a return to the Test squad for the first time since October 2024. Ngidi’s control and bounce offer a different challenge for batters, especially when paired with someone like Dane Paterson, who has been quietly effective with both new and old ball.

Adding depth to the pace attack are all-rounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch. Their inclusion gives South Africa the flexibility to rotate bowlers and still maintain balance without sacrificing batting firepower.

Spin Options for Every Scenario

Although England isn’t known for spin-friendly pitches, the Proteas have come prepared. Keshav Maharaj continues to be South Africa’s first-choice spinner. His experience, particularly in big matches, will be invaluable not just for taking wickets, but for controlling the run rate and applying pressure.

Senuran Muthusamy joins him as a second spinning option, adding depth while offering handy lower-order runs. His selection indicates that South Africa is open to going with two spinners if the pitch shows any sign of turn or deterioration.

Shukri Conrad Backs His Core Group

One of the more noticeable aspects of this squad is the consistency in selection. There are no out-of-the-blue picks. The players chosen have been part of South Africa’s core Test squad throughout the WTC cycle. Conrad emphasized this, saying, “A key part of our success has been consistency in selection… we’ve stuck with the core group of players who got us here.”

That belief in the unit speaks volumes about the team culture that’s been built a setup where players know their roles, feel backed, and have grown together.

Proteas Warm-Up Plans Before the Big Day

South Africa will assemble in Arundel on May 31 to begin their preparations. They’ll play a four-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6 giving them a chance to get acclimatized to English conditions. The squad then travels to London on June 7, just four days before the WTC Final begins.

This match against Zimbabwe is more than just practice. It’s a vital chance to finalize combinations, assess the pitch and weather patterns, and most importantly, get into the Test match rhythm after a brief break.

South Africa’s WTC Final Squad (2025)

• Temba Bavuma (Captain)

• Aiden Markram

• Tony de Zorzi

• David Bedingham

• Ryan Rickelton

• Tristan Stubbs

• Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)

• Marco Jansen

• Wiaan Mulder

• Corbin Bosch

• Lungi Ngidi

• Dane Paterson

• Kagiso Rabada

• Keshav Maharaj

• Senuran Muthusamy

Looking Ahead: A Legacy Moment Awaits

South Africa has never won a major ICC trophy in men’s cricket. This final offers a golden chance not just to win silverware, but to etch a new chapter in their Test history. Facing Australia won’t be easy. The defending champions are formidable, disciplined, and familiar with Lord’s. But this Proteas team looks ready not just physically, but mentally.

They have grit, depth, and a coach who believes in the process over panic. Win or lose, the WTC Final 2025 will be a defining moment for South African Test cricket. And if they lift that mace at Lord’s? It won’t just be a win. It’ll be a statement.